TRIP PREPARATION: 6 STEPS TO PLAN YOUR DREAM TRIP
A vacation, or any long trip, is something we look forward to for many months. However, planning a trip should be smooth. It should be fun! Preparing for your trip should be part and parcel of the adventure and preparation to get on that plane.
Whether you are going on vacation or booking a one-way ticket, these six steps will help you prepare for your trip:
Step 1: Decide where to go
Our beautiful planet has nearly 200 countries, providing endless possibilities for exploration. This number can seem overwhelming. Here are some questions you should ask to help narrow down your search.
What kind of trip do you want?
Are you looking for an adventurous vacation? Do you like the idea of paragliding through valleys or climbing mountains?
Would you prefer to spend time on white-sand beaches with warm, lapping waves at your feet?
It is essential to decide what type of trip you want.
What time do you want to come?
Weather can help you decide where to go.
The rainy season in most countries of Southeast Asia runs between May/June and late September/October. Although it is possible to travel during these months, you might not be able to make your plans due to heavy rains and intense humidity.
To enjoy your trip to the fullest, I recommend visiting countries when the weather is at its peak or during the shoulder months.
Top tip: If you visit a country in the last months, there may be fewer tourists and lower prices.
What length of time will you stay?
It is important to consider the length of your trip before deciding whether you want to travel to a nearby or foreign country. Do you prefer to spend half your time jet-lagged if you have only one week?
When planning your itinerary, knowing how long you will be on your trip is important. Also, consider whether or not you need a visa.
Step 2: Determine what you require
Once you have decided where you want to go, you need to research the requirements. This is important as certain things can take some time to arrange.
You can find information about security, vaccinations, and entry requirements on your country’s and government’s websites.
Is it necessary to obtain a visa to enter the country? You can apply online for the visa or in person. Do you need to have certain vaccinations to enter the country? Before you book anything for your trip, these are questions that you need to answer.
Step 3: Make a rough plan and do some research
This is where the real fun begins! This is where you get a glimpse of the amazing time you’re about to have.
How do I start?
There are a lot of resources available. It’s almost too much! Watch YouTube videos, read blogs and search Instagram for purchase guides.
Look for resources that match your travel style and interests. Follow the advice of someone traveling alone if you are a solo traveler. There are many resources available for families who are going on vacation together.
How do you organize your research?
Once I have a good idea of a country’s geography, I plan my itinerary loosely. I use Google Maps to plan a rough route through the country, hitting all the places I want to.
Be mindful of the length of your trip when packing. Avoid packing too much, as you will end up exhausted and traveling all the time.
Step 4: Decide where you want to stay and how you will get there
It is crucial to know your budget before you start this step. You don’t have to be a travel agent to find accommodation or transportation options that suit you.
If you are traveling solo or on a tight budget, staying in hostels can be a great option. You can save money by finding hostels that offer breakfast and other activities.
The world is your oyster if you are traveling with a couple or a larger group and have more money to spend. Are you looking to spend your time in an eco-lodge surrounded only by jungle? Are you more comfortable in a villa by the sea?
Top tip Choose one booking site to book accommodation, and stay with it! Many booking websites reward loyalty. and you will soon start receiving 10%-20% off your stay or a free night.
Are you looking to cut down on your accommodation costs?
Volunteering is a great way to meet new friends, learn new skills and receive free accommodation.
For a few hours each day, many hostels, private homes, farms, and other locations offer accommodation for free and some other perks. This is a great way of saving money. The World packers website has a list of volunteer positions.
World packers offers volunteer experiences in more than 140 countries so there’s a good chance that you will find a job where you are going!
Transport: How do you get from A-B?
While I would not recommend booking transportation before your trip, knowing how much it will cost and the time it takes is helpful. This information could change the route. If you are only in the country for a few days, 12 hours on a bus might seem like a long time.
Websites such as Geo Routes are very helpful for booking and researching your transportation.
Step 5: Create a list with the activities and experiences you would like to have
Do some more research. Once you have a list of places to visit, look at the top things to do there. Do you have a bucket list? You can determine how long you will need to stay in each place by knowing what you can do there.
If you are curious if they will be booked quickly, I recommend not booking any activities ahead of time. This allows you to be flexible and often makes booking cheaper once you arrive.
Many tour agencies sell tickets to popular tourist attractions. These agencies can be negotiated for a better price than buying online.
Are you able to volunteer your time?
It’s possible to fully immerse yourself in the culture by volunteering and staying longer. This will give you a totally different experience.
You can do so many things – permaculture and construction, teaching, hospitality, teaching, or animal care.
Step 6: Don’t plan too much
Although it may seem contradictory to what I have said, don’t expect too much.
Flexibility and spontaneity are two wonderful qualities to have while traveling. You may discover opportunities and experiences that you didn’t know existed by being able to make changes in a split second.
You may meet amazing people who want to travel with you. You might have missed something amazing while researching that you want to do.
Researching before you travel can save you time and effort. You can book accommodation, transport and other activities quickly and easily if you have all the information. Instead, you can have more fun and spend more time enjoying the moments of your life.
Post Comment