The Joys of Travel Planning

It’s that effervescent feeling you have when you see a photo of the winding, atmospheric lanes of a medieval European town you’ve yet to explore or the way your mind soars ahead to the vineyards and Maori villages you might discover as you view an itinerary that traces the Milford Sound and the dramatic coastlines of New Zealand’s North and South Islands.

It should come as no surprise that the French have a word for it – se réjouir. Typically used to describe the experience of savoring and enjoying the present moment by anticipating the future, it’s the quintessential verb to describe travel planning. Read on to discover the best ways to maximize all the joys of dreaming, discovering and planning your next travel adventure.

Spin the Globe | Not sure where you want to travel next? Spinning the globe or opening up a world map can be the perfect way to find your travel inspiration. You’ll be surprised at how telling your reactions are as you explore different regions of the world. Does your pulse quicken as you visually chart lesser-explored tropical islands in the Caribbean or does your imagination soar as you examine the Norwegian Fjords more closely?

Channel Your Wanderlust | Once you have a region that’s sparked your interest, focus your inspiration by exploring different facets of the region or country in greater depth. Browse related travel & design blogs, watch international films, try out some regional recipes, download music, delve into galleries and museums with virtual tours, and even take an online language course. Connect with the local culture, language, cuisine, fashion and lifestyle of the places you’re dreaming of to immerse yourself in the world’s great possibilities for adventure. This is an excellent way to bring the destination to life and enjoy the weeks and months leading up to your travels.

Hone Your Trip-Planning Skills | When you’re ready to start the logistics of planning, consider finding a travel advisor or consult your existing advisor. They’re experts in navigating deals, itineraries and specific needs – and they’re more important than ever in the changing travel landscape we’re finding ourselves in.

Connect with Friends | Check in with old friends and fellow travelers to share where you’re thinking of traveling next and find out where they’re dreaming of. Join our Facebook and Instagram conversations and enjoy inspiring travel posts. Part of the fun of travel planning is sharing in the anticipation – trading travel tips, tricks and stories often leads to fun discoveries and hidden gems that you might not have otherwise happened upon.

Benefit From Increased Happiness | Just thinking about travel can elevate your mood. Actually planning a future travel adventure takes it even further and there’s research to back up the boost in happiness too – multiple studies, including a 2014 Cornell University study, have found that the anticipation of a travel experience can significantly increase a person’s happiness. How’s that for travel inspiration?

Ready to look forward to the travel adventures ahead and dream of the places you’ve yet to explore? Your Oceania Cruises family is here – discover our destinations, browse our cruises, explore our small ship amenities and more.

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