My Next Travel Destination- Poll Results

After posting My Next Travel Destination poll, I was not surprised by the poll results. 66.67% voted for Colombia, 26.67% voted for Mongolia and 6.67% voted for Ethiopia. What does this mean?

Out of the 3 countries, Colombia would be the easiest country to travel in. With my extensive traveling background in South America, my knowledge of Spanish and a developed transportation network. There are tons of hostels and backpackers on the way. If you would have asked me last year, what my next destination would be after Tanzania, I would have said Colombia. But now that I’m back from Africa, I think I’d prefer traveling to somewhere less popular. My question to you is: Did Colombia win the contest because it’s a more popular country to travel to? Or was it because of what to visit in the country?

Next comes Mongolia. Mongolia got more votes than I thought it would. I didn’t know much about this country until about one year ago. But then a few of my friends traveled to Mongolia and I was completely mesmerized after looking at their pictures. What really attracts me to Mongolia is the cultural experience and the lack of backpackers in the country. After having such a great experience in Tanzania, with visiting tribes and simply hanging out with locals, I’m thinking Mongolia would give me that same opportunity. I’d like to live as a nomad and rent a jeep to drive through the Mongolian wonders to explore their beautiful scenery. If I opt for Mongolia, I’ll have to wait until next spring to travel there. Which between you and me, I can’t wait a year and a half to travel again! So now what?

Last come Ethiopia. I was shocked to see it get such low results. Ethiopia intrigued me before going to Tanzania. I knew so little about this country. I still do actually. But it intrigues me. Why? I guess it’s because I know so little about it. What I do know is that it was one of the twelve tourist destinations by Frommers in 2007- which is surprising. Maybe because of its rich culture and amazing landscapes?

I’m still in a dilemma. I have no idea where I want to travel to next. And when? I’ve been spoiled in the last few years, with going on big trips every winter. I love spending Christmas and New Year’s eve in a different country. If that’s the case, Mongolia will be out of the question because there is no way I’m going to freeze my butt there in the winter. But what about South Africa? Or Australia?! Oh man… there are too many countries in this world!