Booking The Trip of a Lifetime, Without a Lifetime of Planning
Everyone has a dream holiday that they want to experience someday. Unfortunately, many of us put it off because we simply can’t find the time. Even planning a trip can take a lot of precious time and make the whole thing untenable, which is why we’ve created this guide.
Here you’ll find the tips and tricks that will let you book the trip of a lifetime, without a lifetime of planning. The first step is all yours – deciding on that special place you’re visiting. Maybe you already have a place in mind but if not, you should check out a travel blog to get ideas of places everyone should visit before they die - from seeing the Northern Lights in Scandinavia to visiting awe-inspiring places like Machu Picchu in Peru or the Great Temple of Petra in Jordan. Once you have a destination, use these tips to make the planning phase so much easier.
Use Travel & Booking Apps
While only you will know the specifics of your destination and how you plan to get there, you should get with the times when planning for a holiday. There are many websites and travel apps that exist to make planning and booking a holiday much easier. Many of them also have review sections where you can crowdsource opinions on travel services and holiday destinations. Some apps have social media integration and others provide valuable information whether you’re online or not.
Top app examples include Airbnb, TripAdvisor, Skyscanner, and TripIt. Then there are specialized apps like PackPoint, which provides a personal profile with a checklist and packing suggestions based on who you are and where you’re going. LikeALocal is another app that gathers information from locals and seasoned travelers, offering local wisdom on activities and attractions that most casual tourists might miss. Even a relatively basic app like Google Maps can be used to scout local attractions near your chosen destination.
Using booking apps, it becomes much easier to compare accommodation and other facets of your trip. It stops travelers from sweating the small stuff, which is often what causes stress when there are so many places and experiences to compare. If you've been struck by wanderlust, using apps will get you out of the door faster.
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Avoid the Last-Minute Trap
If you’re thinking of booking at the last possible second for a quick, carefree getaway, you need to be wary of the last-minute trap. It may be nice and romantic to disappear on a whim, but you’ll probably end up paying double for the privilege. Booking is always steeper when you’re paying on short notice and, if you’re travelling for an event, it gets even worse closer to the date.
The same can happen with accommodation, where ideal places can get snapped up and you don’t have time to find alternatives. It also helps to prepare for the airport instead of just rushing there. This includes getting documents ready (discussed below) but also simple tips like weighing your luggage beforehand, so you aren’t ambushed by the weight limit. All of these things can come out of the blue and ruin an unprepared traveller’s trip before it even starts.
All travel requires some kind of planning. With these tips, you can plan them more effectively and save time, but travelling without any plan can result in higher prices and more stress at the airport. It’s much better to make some preparations beforehand, then forget about them until it’s time for your trip.
Create a Documents Checklist
Unfortunately, having the requisite paperwork is an unavoidable part of traveling abroad. If you haven’t got some documentation, like a passport, then you’ll need to wait for that to come through. That’s why you should get your documents in order ASAP – it can be the longest stage in a well-planned journey.
So, what will you need? It depends on your trip and how long you’ll be gone. The main requirements will be your passport and a visa if required. Then you’ll also need your ID, bank cards, cash if possible, and flight tickets. Don't forget any other documents due to reservations or travel insurance. If you'll need to drive, you should consider getting an IDP that allows you to drive outside of your home country.
When traveling abroad, exchange rates can make money a headache. You may want to consider getting a travel credit/debit card to avoid extra fees. Using them can save money and you can leave your everyday bank cards packed away, safe.
Pack Like a Pro
Next, you’ll want to save time packing your luggage. How much luggage you take will depend on who you are, where you’re going, and for how long. Some people travel light while others prefer to take their many creature comforts with them. Naturally, traveling light is best for speedy preparation. Many swear by only taking carry-on luggage to save time on flights and avoid mishaps with lost items at the airport. If you can’t do that, mark your luggage with something you can pick out of a crowd and tell the airport that it contains fragile items – this can rush it to be the first taken off the plane.
There are ways you can speed up the packing process. First, don’t worry about bringing your best outfits. Instead, pack module clothes that can be swapped between outfits. For example, bringing four shirts and four pairs of trousers that are all compatible with one another is enough for 16 distinct outfits. Pack them in vacuum bags or travel cubes so you don’t end up wrestling with your suitcase before and during the trip.
Embrace Off-Seasons
If your dream holiday isn’t dependent on an occasion or a season, then you should consider going when nobody else is. Many of the planning elements we’ve discussed so far, like finding accommodation and cutting costs, become much easier when you’re not trying to invade the Bahamas during summertime.
Some locations are hot all year round, literally and in terms of tourism. Others have seasons where the flights, accommodation, and local prices come right down. Natural beauty tourist attractions strike a middle ground, having interest year-round but identifiable drop-offs between the summer and winter months. Prices may not change much if your trip involves trekking and other outdoorsman activities, since hard weather is often part of the experience.
By choosing to travel during the off-season, you can save time and stress by finding your flights and accommodation easier, not to mention save money in the meantime.
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