What makes a trip great? It is to fulfill the purpose of travel. The purpose of travel is different for different people, and its fulfillment is determined solely by the traveler.
So, how do you determine a purpose? First, ask yourself what you like to do. If you like doing something at home, you will enjoy it on the road. If you want to eat at local restaurants, base your travel around the local cuisine of the area where you are traveling. One of the constants I have learned from travel is to eat where the locals eat. If it is mealtime and you see a line or notice good Google reviews, stop in, and you should have a good meal. If you like to fish, go somewhere that leads to a good catch. This is true of any hobby; one of the great travel connections is finding people who share your passion around the globe. If you like a TV show or movie, go to the location where one of your favorite shows was filmed. It is entirely up to the traveler to determine how they define their purpose.
Every traveler has different goals, so please do not choose your goals based on what other people want to do. When I travel, I have a few purposes. My number one goal is to go somewhere I have never been. Even if I am returning to the same destination, I seek out something a bit different. My number two goal is to find something that relates to my likes. Whenever I travel, I try to visit places that either provide an insight into agricultural production, a place of historical significance, areas of natural, spiritual, or architectural beauty, places that have some kind of engineering or transportation marvel, or places where I can enjoy a live sporting event. Remember that how you enjoy travel can differ from everyone else, so you only need to answer to yourself.
Second, after determining your purpose or purposes for travel, try to match your goals well with those of your fellow travelers. When planning a trip, you must seek something that meets everyone’s dreams or desires. Most of my travel involves my wife and three sons, so we have to meet the needs of all five of us when we are on the road. Meeting the needs of everyone can be tricky, but it can be done if everyone is reasonable. Even toddlers can be sensible if you seek to meet their needs.
My third and final point on traveling with a purpose is to be flexible. Sometimes, you will have to make changes to your plans. I’ve rarely had a trip that 100% went the way that it was planned. If you stick to your purpose, you can have a memorable and meaningful trip even with changes. Some of the most remarkable travel experiences can be caused by a mistake or mishap. Embrace the change and the chance to live life on the road.
You can also travel with a purpose as long as you figure out why you want to travel, how to match your goals with your fellow travelers, and how to be flexible when changes occur. Feel free to take your plans on the road!