The first step in planning for travel is (obviously) determining where it is you want to go. In this immense world filled with beauty and diversity this step can often be the hardest.

I have usually chosen my destination based on my gut. Where is your heart longing to go? Remove all rational for a moment and consider a place that gives you wanderlust.

Now return to practicality. Can you budget the flight expense and the cost of living in that part of the world? Do you have enough time to truly wander and explore it? I am a firm believer that you are capable of doing anything you really want. Decide that with practical considerations in mind, this is still where you want to venture. Remember that if you want to travel again you will. There is no reason why you can’t see every single part of the world your heart longs to know.

Once I’ve chosen an area of the world I usually make a list of the top places in that region I’m dying to wander. This is particularly helpful if you do not have unlimited time to travel.

For instance when I had only one month to spend in Europe I chose Barcelona as the top place I wanted to see. I designed my trip around visiting that location and added in Lisbon, Lagos, and several destinations in Morocco.

For first time backpackers in North America, I highly recommend Central America. It’s an inexpensive flight and is close to home in case you run out of money. There is an excellent tourist infrastructure with awesome hostels and a strong backpacker culture.