Planning your next trip is always accompanied by an exciting and enthusiastic feeling. But it can also be quite overwhelming, especially if planning is not really your thing. There are many things to consider, such as applying for your visa, determining your itinerary and what all to bring? Fortunately, putting together your ideal trip doesn’t have to be difficult at all. Certainly not if you follow these 8 tips for your next adventure! Before you know it, you’ll be carefree on the plane heading to your dream destination!
1) Determine your budget
This is an important step in planning your trip and will indirectly help determine which destination you will go to. Some countries are cheaper to travel than others. Thus, in countries such as Thailand or Malaysia get by longer on the same budget as in New Zealand or Canada. Set a realistic budget and take into account flights, types of accommodations and unforeseen costs. Depending on where you live, you can also travel by car or train which is often cheaper (and better for the environment!). If you travel to tropical destinations, it is best to keep in mind additional costs such as vaccinations and visa applications.
2) What type of traveler are you?
Choose a destination based on your preferences when planning a trip. Each country has much to offer, but everyone has different interests and it is important to take this into account. Are you a true nature lover and love hiking? Then destinations such as Canada and New Zealand are definitely worthwhile. Still prefer a city to soak up some culture? Then you are better off in Seville or Tbilisi. Or a relaxing sun-sea beach vacation? Then you can’t go wrong with destinations such as Albania or Thailand! Whatever type of traveler you are, there is something for everyone!
3) Looking up your destination
Now that you know your budget and where you want to go, you can start looking into your destination! Look up the best travel time first, as you don’t want to be in Asia during the rainy season. By reading blogs, you can find a lot of information about travel destinations. This is how Pinterest a nice platform to find blogs. On travel blogs, you often read about travelers’ personal experiences and tips that you don’t readily find on the Internet. Or be inspired by social media such as Instagram where you can also save fun posts in folders. That way you can always go back and look at it afterwards. Finally, it’s also always fun to spar with people you know who have already been to your dream destination.
4) Plotting an itinerary
Once you have some background information about your destination, you can start to plan an itinerary. This does not have to be detailed down to the hour, but can give you insight into things like distances to travel or museum opening times. Also consider how you want to get around at your destination. Some countries are ideal to do as a road trip where you explore the country in a rental car. In Asia, in turn, it is easier to use local transportation, going through websites such as 12GO can easily buy tickets online.
We always save on Google Maps our locations that we want to visit. You can also note some additional information such as opening hours or a tip you’ve read. By pinning everything, you easily create an itinerary in a Google Maps map.
5) Booking your trip
This may be the most fun part of your travel preparation! After all that looking up, it’s time to book your flight and accommodations. Cheap flights can be easily found through Skyscanner. Do this several months in advance, when flights are often cheaper. For booking hotels, we always use Booking.com. If you do this regularly, over time you will also get more and more discounts and benefits if you create a Genius account. You also sometimes have to book activities in advance to be sure of a spot. At Getyourguide.com or Viator.com you will always find an overview of the best activities at your destination.
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6) Planning your arrival
You know where you are going and everything is booked! Now it is only looking forward to the departure. Traveling can be very tiring, especially if you have to take a long flight. Therefore, prepare your arrival well so that you do not encounter unpleasant surprises. Purchase an e-sim so you have instant internet access. Also, find out in advance how to get to your hotel quickly. Often shuttle services from the airport are available or you can take a cab or Uber. Also, let your hotel know your approximate arrival time in good time so that someone is sure to be there to check you in.
7) Administration
Getting your records in order is a not to be underestimated part of your next trip. There are some things you should definitely consider:
- Applying for a visa: Some countries require you to apply for a visa in advance. For other countries, you do this “on arrival,” where it is important to have a passport photo on hand and the appropriate amount in local currency. Find out from the appropriate embassy in time what is valid for your destination. Often, your passport must also be valid for at least 6 months after arriving at your destination.
- Vaccinations: When going to countries with certain disease risk areas, this is definitely necessary! For certain countries, such as in Africa where there is yellow fever, this itself is mandatory. If you are not sure what all you qualify for, make an appointment at the Tropical Institute in good time.
- Travel insurance: An accident is sometimes in a small corner. Being insured while traveling is very important. If something does happen, you can get the right help without being presented with a huge bill afterwards.
- Medication: When traveling to areas where there is malaria it is best to take a dose of malaria pills with you. In addition, calculate how much personal medication you will need to carry for the duration of your trip.
- Driving License: If you rent a car abroad, you may need an international driver’s license. You can request this from your municipality but it should also be done on time.
Finally, it is still recommended to copy and print your travel documents. Even though we live in a digital world, not all countries are always prepared for this. In addition, bringing extra passport photos is also always useful.
8) Make a packing list
Now that you know where you’re going and what the climate will be, you can start thinking about what you’re going to bring with you. By making a packing list, you can be sure you won’t forget anything essential and have a handy overview of whether you already have everything you need! Also keep in mind the cultural norms in certain countries. For example, it is useful to bring a scarf to countries where you cover your shoulders and knees out of respect. And finally, a common mistake made by travelers: don’t take too much! Especially if you are going on a longer trip. It is better to travel light, and then if you still need something buy it better locally!
These are just travel essentials you should definitely take with you on your trip:
- Powerbank: charge your cell phone no matter where you are.
- Sunscreen: In many Asian countries, sunscreen often does not work well for our skin. So be sure to bring your own!
- Raincoat: A good raincoat that is also windproof always comes in handy.
- Backpack: A good, sturdy backpack is essential!
- Packing cubes: your luggage always organized in your suitcase or backpack!
- Noise cancelling headphones: When you want to isolate yourself from crowds or noise for a while.
Still have questions about planning your next trip? Let us know in a comment below! Looking for more information about your next trip? Please do not hesitate to contact us or send an email to info@snoezelsontheroad.com
