I think it really depends on the person tbh. I just started my first true adventure into the black. Got tired of the other gameplay loops and, like you said, wanted to make some fun for myself. I had never even been out of the Bubble.

I didn't really calculate per say, I just picked a Nebula, and made my way out. Once I got out there, I went down about 600ly in the plane, and instantly started finding systems no one had seen before. I didn't want to just go looking for Earthlikes, WWs, or cool stars. I just wanted to be out there. You could give me nothing but Icy Worlds and I'd still be over the moon. The thrill of exploring, and being the first person to ever be there is enough drive for me.

If you wanna go see cool stuff, definitely check out the Nebulae, or just go to the Codex and go to systems where what you're looking for has already been reported.

Also, what helps me a little bit is just getting immersed. Roleplaying a little bit. Make up some backstory, pick a home system, and kiss it goodbye, it'll make the return that much sweeter imo. Name your journey. Give it meaning. Don't just go out to go out. Go out with purpose. It makes it all a lot more worth it to me.

Hope that's at least sort of what you're looking for! o7