Planning a trip solo or with friends is already a big part of the adventure.
Trip planning 101: Where to go? How long? Roots or glamour? Hiking or glamping? What budget? Planning a trip is still quite daunting for some of us. In the old days, we would pretty much start in a library or book store and get the Lonely Planet and other guide books about our destination and try to make the best of it, gathering tips from friends and fellow travelers. We have now many online tools, apps, travel blogs and forums to help us. And sometimes even confuse us a little because the options are infinite.
To get the most of your travels, our little tip of the day would be to be willing to go off the beaten path, and improvise if you feel like staying a little longer or explore a place you loved and follow locals recommandations. That said, some like it all planned and secure, and it is OK too.
Just have fun and enjoy the journey.
Planning Tools:
The good old guide books are still a must, and they also have online versions. You can spice it up with hotel, bar and restaurant reviews and tips on Yelp, TripAdvisor and other apps. Useful booking tools we like: the well known Kayak.com and our new little favorite: Rome2Rio, where you can plan last minute itineraries by plane, train, bus, ferry and automobile anywhere in the world.
Planning Apps:
Most people print paper tickets and reservation confirmations, directions and itineraries, and it is quite safe to do so in case we lose our electronics or charger… But using apps like TripIt or Tripcase will help you get very organized and keep all your bookings, flights and other info together as it assembles them as trip itineraries in one handy location.
What about Trip Safety? How to avoid stress before and during your trip?
If faced with a medical emergency while traveling, 72 percent of people would call 911 or the country’s equivalent first, followed by their insurance provider and finally family and friends, according to a poll by Travel Guard. Do you know what to do when the unexpected strikes? Imagining all that can go wrong will dampen your trip before it even begins. Instead of worrying, start planning. Alleviate the stress of travel by focusing on a few key questions.
What’s my budget?
Kick-off your trip budget by planning for your biggest expenses like airfare, lodging and local transportation. Get creative by looking into alternative accommodations like Airbnb, VRBO, CouchSurfing, hostels or vacation apartments. Figure out a realistic food budget and look for ways to save by taking advantage of hotel breakfasts and looking for free events at your destination with complimentary snacks. Entertainment should also factor into your budget from theme parks to theater and area attractions.
How can I keep my finances safe?
Getting pick-pocketed was once the only pervasive threat for a traveler’s wallet. Today, tourists have to worry about their ATM numbers being stolen, credit cards being compromised and identities being stolen by sophisticated hackers. Call your credit card companies and banks in advance to discuss your travel plans, the dates you’ll be gone, and any anticipated purchases. While on the road, ask a respected hotel or tourism professional what the safest ATMs and banks are for tourists.
Bring enough cash for an emergency and consider travelers checks as a back-up. For added insurance, use a company like Lifelock that can monitor your credit and check for instances of identity theft. The service can even help stop the activity and help restore your credit and financial reputation before it’s too late.
How secure is my home?
Investing in a home security system or webcam to monitor your property while away is a good first start. But keeping your home secure may actually start with your social media accounts. Sharing your travel news with friends and family can turn a happy moment into a security threat. Refrain from posting updates about being gone on social media channels and around people you don’t know well. Changing your email auto response or voicemail to reflect your travel plans can also tip people off that no one is home to stop them from entering.
Take a look at the outside of your home for clues that would announce you’re out of town. Tell trusted friends or neighbors your travel plans and arrange for someone to pick up mail, newspapers and flyers. If you have long-term travel plans, hire a landscaping service to keep your lawn mowed and bushes trimmed.
What’s my back-up plan for the unexpected?
Part of the fun of travel is allowing for some spontaneity and adventure. It’s inevitable an unexpected hiccup or even an emergency will arise. Have a back-up plan in place to address situations like losing your identification, a lost reservation at a hotel or an illness. Travel insurance can address medical emergencies, damaged suitcases and other issues. Keep a few numbers on hand like a car rental company, train station or clinic local to your destination.
Do I have all of my necessary contact information?
Do you know who to call in the case of an emergency? If you’re going overseas, find the contact information for a United States embassy and the local equivalent of 911. Gather important information like your rental car company number, lawyer and travel insurance provider. If traveling abroad, make sure that you know how to use your phone in that country. It’s tempting to rely on your smartphone to get in touch with friends and family, but if that gets lost or stolen, you’re out of luck. Instead, keep a list of your important contact information on paper.
Don’t forget to make copies of the important documents, including your ID and passport.
Get ready to travel the world and enjoy every minute of it!