Top 20 tips for planning any trip

 

(1)   Decide location;

(2)   Decide time of year;

(3)   Check various travel blogs from travellers who have been there before you;

(4)   Do you require a visa or not;

(5)   Get a credit card that gives you the daily spot rate and has no FX charges and inform your credit card company of your location during your absence;

(6)   Choose your flight option……trade off between routing; connection elapsed time; arrival time at  destination; and cost ultimately;

(7)   Start putting shape on you itinerary........stay in one place or do trips, if so to where;

(8)   What type of accommodation…….hotel 3* 4* or 5*;  AirBnB; BnB; house swap; property rental;

(9)   If traveling locally in the location, then what mode of travel.....car hire; rail; public bus; hire coach; taxis;

(10) Are cheap deals available……..most countries rail services provide cheaper rail passes for tourists only;

(11) Prioritise the tourist sites on offer.........you generally cannot see everything;

(12) Pack smart and light for the expected weather conditions;

(13) Check the government website to get their take on the political and security risk in the holiday location;

(14) Find out the electrical connection needs;

(15) Investigate GSM and WiFi connection options and costs………to stay connected;

(16) Make sure your passport is valid for the required periods of time during and after your trip;

(17) Setup your own home security, gardening, pets, garbage etc arrangements for the duration of your absence. Re-assign alarm company primary contact;

(18) Order currency exchange if you are bringing some cash along with you;

(19) Organise your medication needs for the duration of the trip;

(20) Book your long stay car park space, at or near the airport, or organise other transport to and from the airport.

 

 

Dwight Eisenhower, said “Planning is everything, the plan itself is nothing”.