Travelling is something that almost all of us enjoy! A perfect getaway from the humdrum and stress of daily life, it leaves us rejuvenated and energized in a unique way! A trip can be undertaken solo or with family for both business and leisure purposes. Can by planned thanks to specialized travel website or travel applications, or only with Google. Regardless of the purpose, its success depends on how well it has been planned.
Plan your trip carefully
Thus, it is not surprising that many find themselves extremely stressed and overwhelmed with this task! To make things easier and more fun, we present below a comprehensive guideline that would not only make planning hordes easier but fun as well!
Decide on destination and time
Foremost, you must choose the location you want to travel. It can be in the country or overseas. The destination and time during which you wish to travel will have a major impact on your travel plans. For instance, planning a visit to a holiday destination like Bangkok is a lot easier that planning a trip to England! Even here, you need to be concrete and narrow down to a particular location. Bangkok is huge but limiting it to Pattaya and Phucket Islands makes the planning specific.
Again, if you plan to travel during a festive or holiday season, you need to take into account the holiday considerations like extra costs or lack of availability.
In contrast, the off-season might bring you easy booking and a cheaper travel expense but you are likely to face many off-season close doors!
Decide on duration and travel partners
Next, you need to decide if the vacation would a couple of days, weeks or months. The travel plans are also hugely impacted by whether you would be traveling alone, with a partner, with family or even group of friends.
Choose your right travel partner
All these play a pivotal role in selecting accommodation, mode of travel and various other
aspects of travel.
Research the location
It is very important that you research well on the destination you plan to visit. You must know the weather, the excitement it offers at the time of your travel plans, places of interest etc.
If you are going in a group or family; you need to discuss with everybody so that all come to some common conclusions. It is important that you hear about every body’s aspirations and must have at least one favorite included for each traveling member. Create a list and then prepare a loose itinerary for it.
Take the cost factor into account
Traveling is an expensive affair.
Take the cost factor into account
Thus, it is crucial that you look into each cost factor of all activities, transportation, meals etc. In case you would be hiring the services of a travel agent, the costs would be higher per person.
It is always a smart move that you start saving for your leisure trip from the moment you return back from one.
This helps you to enjoy your holiday to the hilt with no worries. Simultaneously, you need to remember the earlier you decide and start bookings, you are likely to get discounted deals. For instance, flights, hotel accommodation etc. often tend to be cheaper if you are booking well in advance!
However, if you are booking everything at the eleventh hour, your costs are likely to spike. While deciphering and planning the costs do not forget to add local transportation costs, costs of meals, each event and even your shopping budget!
Some extra money of adequate amount must also be included to cover for any unexpected or emergency expenses!
Book your transportation and accommodation
You must now book your flights in case you are traveling overseas. You can also book other modes of transportation like trains, car rentals etc. If you plan to take a vacation within the country.
The bookings should be done at the earliest so that you get some early bird discounts and can use that fund elsewhere or investing them in a liberal dose of fun.
Simultaneously you need to book accommodation within your budget range. While booking, do not forget to compare several hotels within that price range, their location, availability of food of your choice, luxuries that you desire etc. Today, there are several sites that provide you with some clear comparisons to decide.
Get the legal and medical job done
If you are traveling abroad, you must apply for a visa and complete all other legal formalities at the earliest to avoid any last minute crisis that can even lead to the cancellation of your trip!
Nothing can be more catastrophic than that! Any legal approval takes time and you must have adequate time to get all the required travel papers in order.
Similarly, many countries require you to be vaccinated and get a clean health chit before you land on their soil! An epidemic might have broken out at that time.
All preventive steps must be fulfilled so that nobody faces any kind of health risk in any
manner.
Look for ways to streamline your budget and cost
You already have a rough estimate of all your potential cost. Even if your pocket can afford it, saving cash gives you the flexibility to have more fun or maybe splurge extra in shopping!
There are various smart ways in which you can save money. One thing that you need to keep in mind that most often short trips tend to be more expensive than long trips. There are many ways in which you can make huge savings on your travel cost. For instance, travel credit cards, no-fee ATM cards, holiday contests and discounts etc. can help you save.
Prepare a checklist of all items required
Next, you need to prepare a checklist of all items that you would require for travel. This includes clothing appropriate to the weather of the destination at your time of travel, snacks and other food items, medicine kit, toiletries and all essentials including your entertainment kits and camera etc. that you would need to travel comfortably and in style. You must carry some extra bag or have enough space in your luggage to accommodate your shopping treasures as well! Check out all your required documents and possibly make extra copies of it in both soft and hard form.
This would help you to tackle any unforeseen mishap. You must pack smart with all essentials but light. Opt for clothes that can be worn multiple times and do not require washing or ironing.
Inform your bank and card companies
Talk to your bank and card companies in advance so that they do not block any transactions that you carry out. Do all preliminary work that is required which facilitates you to stretch your credit limits! This will give you the financial safety belt to tide over any unexpected extra expenses!
Buy Travel Insurance
Most people tend to skip over travel insurance. However, it has assumed far greater significance in present turbulent times. Apart from health hazards, it covers various other aspects like stealing, accident during travel, breakage of items like camera etc.
Costing a nominal amount per day, it offers you huge benefits as well as mental security.
Bottom Line
With all basic preparations and planning done, you are now ready to just board the flight and taste some of the best experiences of your life! With just a little organization and preparation, you would find the fruits of your labor coming out sweeter and more satisfying!
