Choosing a departure date and destination city

Consider the following points when choosing your departure date and arrival city:

1. Seasons and weather patterns

The seasons and, more precisely, the local weather patterns might help you decide when exactly to start your adventure. You may want to avoid arriving in the middle of winter in South Korea, or during the rainy season in Peru, for example.

National holidays and major events may also motivate you to leave at a particular time of the year—how about starting your adventure during the cherry blossom season in Japan, or just before Carnival in Brazil?

Depending on the season, certain geographical areas may be a wiser decision for you. For example, in Canada, winter tends to be milder in Vancouver than in Montreal or Toronto.

At the end of the day, there is no truly “bad” departure date if you go with the right attitude. And if you go for a full year (or longer), you’ll eventually experience all four seasons at your destination anyway.

2. Peak periods

Some places are usually more popular at specific times of the year for a reason—special events, school holidays, better weather, etc.

Keep in mind that peak season may be a more expensive time to start your trip. More tourists means higher rates for hotels and transportation. Arriving in the shoulder seasons could be more advantageous; your savings would go further as you set up your life.

3. Airfare

On a related note, check airfare as well. Travelling during the peak season will mean paying more for the same flight—arriving in the middle of the local summer or during national holidays (e.g. Thanksgiving in Canada, Carnival in Brazil, Christmas pretty much anywhere) is not the best option for your wallet.

Airfare prices will also depend on your destination city, total flight time, airline and stopovers. For more information, read the chapter on buying a plane ticket.

4. Work opportunities

If you’re planning to find a job right away, think about whether your desired industry has a specific hiring time. For instance, it may be a good idea to arrive a few weeks before harvest time in Australia if you’re hoping to do some fruit picking, or before winter if you want to work at a ski resort in Canada.

Certain seasonal jobs are also only available in specific locations, which can help you pick your destination city. Find out about your preferred industry and try to anticipate staffing needs for the job you want.

5. Personal priorities and bucket list

In addition to these practical considerations, don’t forget about your own priorities and bucket list. Follow your instincts and design your dream trip. If realising your bucket list means spending a little more money, it may well be worth it.