Once you clarify why you travel (as discussed in our recent post,Exploring the Reasons To Travel in Retirement), the question now becomes, “Where will I go?”
The following comparisons are in no particular order, but once you’ve decided on one versus the other, then the choice of where to go will come into focus.
Domestic/International
Deciding between a domestic or an international trip often pivots on cost and ease of travel. It’s just easier to travel in your own country where culture, language, currency, and many other attributes are the same as your hometown. Also, since you’re aware of more options for such things as transportation and overnight accommodations, domestic travel will probably cost less.
If the above is true for domestic travel, why would anyone want to take an international trip? For most people, the answer is “because it’s not home.” International travelers seek something different than what’s in their own backyard. There are sights, activities, and cultural attributes that just are not available on a domestic trip. For example, if you want to see the Eiffel Tower, you need to go to France. You also need to be willing to pay the cost of getting to France.