The same general rules apply when choosing any resort hotel, but extra care must be exercised if the destination is foreign.
Security is an important consideration in some parts of the world. Questions the traveler should ask include:
- How secure are the facilities? May look like a small prison surrounded by compounds with security guards, but may be worth the inconvenience.
- Is it closer to a high-crime urban area, or to a more secluded area?
- What is the reputation of this part of the world in terms of tourist safety?
- Was there a security issue at this particular resort?
When it comes to foreign travel consider distance and easiness.
- How many hours of flight time are included?
- Are direct flights available, and if not, how many connections will there be?
- Is the resort convenient for the airport, or would more travel be required?
- Does the resort provide transportation to and from the arrival point?
Another concern with foreign destinations is health.
- What diseases are common in this region?
- Is vaccination required?
- Does the country have modern equipped hospitals?
- How accessible are the health care facilities at the resort?
- Is selected travel insurance sufficient for this part of the world?
- Have there been reports of health issues (food poisoning, hepatitis etc.) at the resort?
Language and culture should be kept in mind when planning a foreign holiday.
- While the resort hotel will have English-speaking staff, will communication off-campus be a problem?
- What cultural issues should be aware of? In some countries related to a particular religion, or being openly gay, problems can arise. Women may have difficulty traveling alone.
- Are some types of dress unacceptable? Can be thrown over shorts or mini-skirts.
- In some Asian countries, Native women traveling with foreign men are seen as prostitutes.
Traveling abroad can be a rewarding experience. Some basic homework will assist in choosing the right resort hotel. As with any destination, one of the best ways to assure the right choice is to talk to such a person. First-hand knowledge defeats clever brochures every time.
