Luminara explains it well. I think now that we get a ton more, it's noticed.
I haven't done a lot of new characters, and I used to run all the exploration and history badges for the Stat enhancing badges (and finishing the zone), but now I try to max the return, but I've only had a couple.
What I do after getting a location badge tip, I open it, and if it's on my way, I'll get it, but I don't change my order because of the tip. And I don't windup with a change of waypoint if i hit an explore on the way unless it's the tip one.