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You might have fifty-seven channels on cable, or be able to google any piece of information you like on the internet, but the only real way to find inspiration is to get out there, see it and experience it. Preferably travel should start at an early age; children unde two travel free so there is no excuse. Ideally you should aim to discover one new city or country a year. Go to as many places as you have pages in your passport.

The tourist can be a horrible stereotype; the trick is to blend in with the locals, respect their culture and the doors will open for you to explore.

Picking a destination is like deciding which chocolate to pluck from a box: you can see what it looks like in the picture, but you don't know what it's like on the inside until you've taken a bite. Take a risk and find a new favourite.

Films and books are a brilliant source of inspiration. The Sound of Music will send you to Salzburg, Moulin Rouge to Paris, Picnic at Hanging Rock to Australia, and Amadeus to Prague.

Everyone should visit the Mona Lisa in the Louvre in Paris at least once. The view from the top of the Empire State Building in New York, and sunset on an exotic island are also essential. Borders and equators are there to be crossed. If you love Thai food why not visit Thailand? If you have a shoe collection to rival Sex in the City's Carrie Bradshaw, perhaps go to New York to compare styles.

If you still don't feel you've found the place you're after you could cautiously ask to see a selection of your friends' holiday snaps, or could go to www.expedia.co.uk or www.lastminute.co.uk and see what destinations they have on offer.

Learn more about this author, Lucy Batcher.
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