Dare to dream big: How the Seychelles became my next destination
- Cinti
- Jun 28
- 6 min read
Smart travel planning: choosing where and when to go, through a real-life example
I’m a passionate traveler. Everyone recharges, unwinds, or finds inspiration in different ways — whether through sports, reading, or any other favorite hobbies. I have my own go-to activities that bring me joy in everyday life, but somehow, traveling rises above them all.
When I’m working long hours or feel stuck in the daily grind, there’s always one thing that keeps me going: the thought of an upcoming trip. Something I can look forward to, plan out in detail, and ultimately live through as a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
People often ask how I make all of this happen — how I choose a destination, pick the right time, and organize my trips. In this article, I’ll focus on exactly that: how to choose the right place and timing for your travels, using my upcoming adventure to the Seychelles as an example.
When and where?
The main deciding factor for us is usually the timing. Because of our jobs, Ádi and I both have certain constraints that define when we can take a longer trip — and I know we’re not alone in that. Since we already had a bigger trip planned for the fall, we had to work with whatever time off was left. We wanted to schedule something for early summer, so there wouldn’t be too much of a gap between the two adventures.
At this point, it’s worth highlighting one of the most important steps in travel planning: identifying your fixed parameters. That might be a fixed travel window, a specific date you need to plan around, or even a destination you've already picked and now need to match with the right time.
You also should consider seasonal weather conditions, entry requirements, and how far the destination is. Some people are fine with a 10-hour flight; others find even five hours exhausting. If you’d rather avoid crowds, look into traveling during the shoulder season instead of peak season. These factors can help narrow down your options and clarify what’s realistic — and what’s not.
Budget and value for money
Let’s talk about the "dirty" financial stuff — often the biggest factor in deciding what kind of trip fits into your life. And I won't pretend it's any different for us. What I’ve learned over the years is that most destinations are much more accessible than I once thought — it all comes down to a bit of creativity.
You can save quite a bit, for example:
by traveling off-season,
by accepting longer layovers or less convenient flight times,
or by making conscious choices when it comes to accommodation, activities, and meals.
For a long time, I thought of the Seychelles as an unattainable luxury destination. In my head, it was a paradise I simply wouldn’t want to pay for — even if I technically could. But as we dug deeper, we found a convenient flight and a great apartment that, for us, offered excellent value for money. And that’s the key: that magical "value for money" which is completely subjective and means something different to everyone.
Some people are happy to take two layovers and fly with only a carry-on luggage to save money. Others can’t imagine a trip without an all-inclusive resort. We’re all different — and that’s why it’s essential to define your boundaries and preferences early in the planning process.
According to our standards, some of our best picks have been:
a simple apartment in Barbados, right on the oceanfront,
a half-board hotel in Fuerteventura, perfect for daily excursions,
or a luxurious all-inclusive stay in Mauritius, where I even got to try water skiing.
Every destination offers different possibilities, and I encourage you to approach planning with an open mind. Don’t let your preconceptions limit you — there’s often more out there than you think.
What’s the purpose of the trip?
It might sound like a trivial question — and I wouldn’t be surprised if some readers raised an eyebrow: “What do you mean? I just want to travel!” Sure — but behind every trip, there’s usually a deeper reason or a specific desire we want to fulfill. Maybe it’s a beach getaway, a family vacation with kids and grandparents, a party weekend with friends, or sightseeing in a famous city. If we can clearly define what we’re looking for, we can make decisions more consciously and avoid disappointment.
Our upcoming trip has a dual purpose:
On the one hand, we want to relax. Just unwind, read, sunbathe, and have long conversations by the sea as the sun sets.
On the other hand, we’re planning to take our next diving certification.
One key factor in our planning was that we already had a more intense, fast-paced trip lined up for October, so this time, we were looking for something more relaxed and balanced. That’s why we chose the Seychelles: there are some light hiking trails, beautiful beaches for downtime, and we can easily fit the dive course into our schedule.
From experience, we know that dive days are physically tiring, so we’ve intentionally built in rest days where needed. Our accommodation and main activities are already booked, so we’re confident that this trip will deliver exactly what we’re hoping for. We may not have a ton of time there, but just enough to come home feeling fulfilled, not like we missed out.
If your goal is hiking, Mauritius or Madeira could be great options. If you’re all about relaxing, look for a destination where your hotel is just steps from the sea, not a long walk from the nearest beach chair. And if you’re traveling with small children or elderly companions, timing matters just as much as location — try to avoid extreme heat or rainy seasons.
At the end of the day, we all have different needs, different life situations, and the purpose of our travels can change every time we go somewhere new. The key is knowing what you truly want and choosing your destination, timing, and plans accordingly. When a trip truly aligns with your vision, it’s guaranteed to be unforgettable.
Bucket list destinations
Last but not least — let’s talk about dreams and desires. Of course, I have a bucket list too, and naturally, it keeps changing. Sometimes the order shifts, sometimes new places get added — but mostly, it’s just constantly growing. It’s this deep-rooted drive that always kickstarts the planning process when Ádi and I sit down to figure out where we should go next. But here’s the thing: my bucket list is not a must-follow rulebook. Take Zanzibar, for example. We’ve considered it many times — I’d love to go! But somehow, we always ended up choosing somewhere else, because something about that other place made more sense at the time — whether it was timing, budget, or purpose.
Having a bucket list is a wonderful thing. It’s incredibly rewarding to tick something off, or to finally go on that DREAM TRIP you’ve been thinking about for years. But if you don’t have one — or if your dream trip still feels totally out of reach — don’t get discouraged. You can make things happen that you never even dared to dream of. This trip is exactly that for me. It wasn't in my wildest dream that once my destination would be the Seychelles — just like I never thought I’d see Bali or visit an island in the Caribbean.
I’m grateful I was able to experience these places. And I’m also glad that I stayed open-minded and didn’t get discouraged when the destination at the top of my list didn’t end up being the one I traveled to next. Everything happens in its own time.
The magic trio you need for smart travel planning
What are your non-negotiables? (e.g. timing, location, travel distance, or personal preferences you don’t want to compromise on)
What’s the purpose of your trip?
What’s your budget, and what does “good value for money” mean to you?
I believe these are the key pillars that not only make planning and decision-making easier but also help ensure that you’re making the right choice for yourself.
Whether you’ve been planning a big trip for a while or are just starting to dream about it, I hope this article has helped bring some clarity — and maybe even given you the courage to take that first (or next) step.
Because dreaming is beautiful — but setting off, living the experience, and returning home with a heart full of memories...That’s the real magic. So go and make it happen!
Thank you for reading! If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment or send me a message. And if you found this helpful, don’t forget to tap the heart and share it with others.
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