How to plan out your trip before you go

If you’re thinking about taking a trip this year, whether it be for leisure or for work, it is vital you plan ahead. There are numerous expenses and problems that will crop up throughout your trip and you want to be as prepared as possible to tackle these when they do arise. My main focus will be to highlight the essential factors you need to consider while planning your trip. If you cover these bases, you will be on track to having a stress-free holiday!

So, let’s jump straight into it, here’s a list of the things to consider, the most important of which I shall discuss more in depth in this blog post:

· Budget

· Location

· Weather

· Who you’re travelling with

· Duration

· Additional costs

· What you’re going for

· Other things you should consider

Budget :

Knowing your budget is a good place to start before planning your trip. Your budget determines not only where you can visit, but also what activities you can do whilst you’re there.

A key tip for first time travellers is to make sure you have spare money on hand. This will prevent any unexpected surprises and will most definitely help you if you’re travelling somewhere without a vehicle. You never know if you’ll find yourself stranded somewhere without any transportation. In fact, it would be a good idea to keep a daily budget purely for transport and to look into discounted tickets that are on offer for families and students. I find carrying American dollars with me while I am travelling especially useful, as they can be traded for local currency in almost any country.

Looking around for the cheapest flights and discounts for accommodation can save you a hefty amount. Luckily, there are already some great services out there which will do this for you such as skyscanner (.https://www.skyscanner.net/) for flights. If you’re looking for cheaper flights off-season is your best bet. January, February and September are routinely the cheapest months to fly for this reason. Non-stop flights are typically more expensive than ones which include layovers, so if you have the time it is definitely worth having a break in between as it saves you a substantial amount. For trains and buses, in Europe especially, students are often given discounts and day passes are very popular so be sure to look out for these.

It is important to consider whether you will prefer a hotel room or to rent an Airbnb. Either option has its positives, it is a matter of deciding which option suits your needs best. For example, it will typically be cheaper for a group of 5 to rent a flat rather than separate hotel rooms. Solo travellers often find themselves paying much more for accommodation when using traditional routes, so do consider a local hostel for your stay. Remember to keep your passport and cash either on you or in a securely locked safe. When booking a seaside holiday, staying further from the beach could save you some serious money. If you’re able to drive, it’s a good idea to think about staying a short drive away from the beach.

When you’re travelling with your family, you’ll usually have more planning to do. If you have kids, you have to make sure that you book everything you book for yourself. If you know the airline you want to book your holiday with, they tend to advise you on cheaper deals for kids. Kids can usually fly for much cheaper than adults and in some cases can stay in hotels for free.

If you’re travelling with friends, it may be slightly more difficult to budget. Communication is key when travelling with friends as you may find that you’re unable to travel if just one of your friends isn’t prepared. I recommend creating a checklist for all of your friends to ensure you all have everything you need. Splitting the cost with your friends may be difficult to negotiate. Therefore, you should make sure you’re travelling with people you get on well with.

Package holidays are an attractive purchase for families and small groups of friends as they remove all the stresses of booking accommodation, transport and excursions. There are flexible package holidays that cater to a variety of interests, whether it be sightseeing or partying. In addition, insurance is covered as part of the cost. Do examine the terms and conditions carefully before confirming, as many may not offer a refund if an unexpected situation arises (such as an unforeseen global pandemic)…

Remember to consider additional costs, which I will cover in more depth later in this post.

Location :

Needless to say, there are multiple things you need to think about when planning where to go and where to stay. For this step, it is vital you decide what exactly you hope to get out of your holiday. An exciting city break? Quiet days on the beach? Sightseeing? These are all important factors to consider.

A good way to choose the perfect holiday destination for you is to ask around. Finding people who have visited the place you’re planning to visit is the perfect way to get an honest review, whether this be through internet forums or a friend’s recommendation. Personally, I stay away from places that are typically branded as ‘tourist traps’ as they are often overcrowded, very expensive and underwhelming .Websites such as trip advisor are great for finding the obscure towns and cities with lots of interesting city-specific activities.

Before you set off, be sure you are comfortable with the culture and customs of the place you are visiting and have a phrasebook at hand. When you are a foreigner it is vital to be respectful and locals will always appreciate it if you attempt to speak their language. Culture shock is always to be expected but it is important you keep an open mind and learn more about traditions and customs. One of the greatest benefits of travelling is broadening your horizons and gaining new insights.

Weather :

Growing up in England, the holidays were synonymous with finding a hot, summer destination. Weather is often the most seductive aspect of foreign countries for a lot of people. It is important you diligently check the forecast and remain hydrated throughout your stay. Remember to pack sunscreen and protective equipment as nothing ruins a holiday quicker than a sunburn.

If you’re looking for scorching hot sun, then it’s best to travel between June and August. Alternatively, if you’re still looking for sun, but prefer to travel when it’s a little cooler, then March to May and September to October are perfect times to travel. Do bear in mind the seasons in the southern hemisphere are the opposite. So, for example, the hottest months in Brazil are January and February whereas the coldest month is July.

If you’re planning to take a winter break, it’s still important to check the weather. Even if you do not mind a little chill, you will mind arriving at your gate only to find that your flight was cancelled due to ice. So, knowing in advance is important so you’re able to have a backup. Always look at multiple weather forecasts because not all of them will be accurate.

Additional costs :

Additional costs are important to keep in mind. Depending on which country you’re visiting and the passport you hold, you may need to purchase a visa before you can fly there or apply for one upon landing .Visas aren’t always expensive and can be purchased relatively easily. If you’re planning on travelling for a longer period, you may also require a special type of visa so do research your specific country thoroughly. Working visas are very popular and a good consideration for those taking a gap year as these allow you to travel to that country and stay for up to a year as long as you work.

Also keep in mind costs for things such a flight upgrades, additional leg room or large luggage. When arriving at the airport, if your luggage is larger than allocated, you’ll have to pay an additional fee. Similarly, if you decide to upgrade your seat, this will incur you an additional fee. The upgrade will usually provide you with additional leg room, unlimited drinks, free food and a larger seat. I recommend upgrading your seat on long flights or if you’re a nervous flyer. Having more space and less people around you could ease your nerves. If you’re on a long flight, additional room will improve your comfort which is key on the 10+ hour flights.

Transport to and from the airport can be expensive depending on where you’re travelling. If you’ve travelled before, you’ll know that there are ways around the high prices. For example taking the tube, a bus or a train. Most major airports will have direct train links between the airport and the city centre so this should not be a problem. Taxis and Ubers are much more expensive. They know that if people are travelling abroad, in most cases, they’ll be willing to pay more for a taxi. On the other hand, if you’re wanting transport directly to your accommodation, a taxi or Uber is better for you. If you’re unaware of the area you’re visiting, Taxis are seen as a more trustworthy option.

What you’re going for :

This factor will determine which activities to book. Whether you’re visiting for the scenery, to visit a family member or friend, or even going for the nightlife, there are a variety of places you’re able to visit. If you’re going on holiday for the scenery, almost every country will have somewhere for you to visit, and often the hidden gems are the best protected.

Asking a travel agent will give you a good indication of the most popular places to visit. You’ll also be able to find out peak times and how easy the attractions are to access. Guided tours are often on offer from travel agencies too, and are a great way to first explore the city whilst gaining more cultural insight from a local. I found this really brings the place I am visiting to life.

Other things you should consider:

It’s important to mention why you should buy health insurance before flying abroad. When you travel abroad, if you fall ill and need medical attention, it can come at a great price. Without health insurance your bill will be significantly higher so it’s almost important to prepare properly. Health insurance when travelling abroad is inexpensive so it’s a must for anyone going abroad. Remember, if you are an EU citizen travelling with your ‘e-hic’ card will cover these costs — so keep it alongside your passport!

Another thing to consider when visiting another country is whether it is foreigner-friendly. There is a growing fascination with more obscure and dangerous destinations, so if you are desperate to visit Honduras for example, do look into having a tour guide to help you steer clear from danger. Some countries such as Myanmar supply a government guide for you. There are many places trying to build up their reputation after a turbulent past, so do not dismiss a country based on your first impressions. Ask a travel agent, someone who has visited the country or search around for reviews before you make your decision. It is also on you to make sensible decisions.