Editorial: Don't get too carried away

I read a quote recently that said the only thing you spend money on that makes you richer is travel and I wholeheartedly agree.

Yesterday, we reported on a new travel trend showing Bay residents are swapping the traditional hop across the ditch or island escape holiday for somewhere more far flung and exotic.

I haven't done as much travelling as I would like, but what I have done has left me feeling richer in experience.

The more culturally different and eye-opening the destination has been, the more memorable and talked about the trip has become.

At present it's Tauranga's baby boomer generation who are packing their bags for places such as Croatia, Russia and Scandinavia.

One local travel agent puts it down to interesting television documentaries opening up new worlds that Kiwis feel compelled to explore. While Aussie is good for a fun getaway, it hardly opens our eyes to a different culture, climate or way of life.

The same agent recently sent a group of 16 retirees on a 30-day trip to South America exploring Bolivia, Peru, Argentina and Brazil - places more commonly reserved for young Kiwi backpackers branching further afield than the traditional European OE.

But while different destinations are great, it's important to know what you are getting yourself into and whether your long-awaited trip will serve up the type of holiday you are yearning for.

Relatives of mine were recently talked into a holiday in a more exotic destination than they had originally planned on.

They went during the rainy season and seemed a bit underwhelmed by the whole experience.

While travel can be an amazing experience, it pays to cut through the hot deals and talk to people who have been there and done that.

Like any reality television show, the content of a travel documentary can seem more alluring and easily attainable than the reality.

Your dream getaway can look hassle free and easy to achieve, in the same way reality home makeover shows make DIY look like your dream home is just a few nails and licks of paint away.