Travelling can be fun and exciting enough without adding the stress and frustration of possible mishaps to the adventure. From becoming lost to losing your baggage to simply wasting time, all of the worst possibilities of your trip can be avoided simply by paying attention to a few simple rules before you even leave the house. Here are some helpful tips on how to plan a trip.
Check Visa and Passport Requirements
You may think this is obvious, but there are too many cases of people being sent home for lack of proper paperwork or worse. Passports take time to process and if this is your first passport, you will need to wait six weeks sometimes. Other countries may have stipulations for allowing you into their country. You may need a visa or at least a passport with six months left to the expiration date. You will find plenty of information online. A short ten minutes of research can give you all the information about the countries you will visit. This is how to plan a trip you will love.
Bonus Tip: Leave a copy of all your travel documents and IDS with a trusted friend at home. If you are in a bad pinch, you can have them mailed to you.
Map Out Important Locations
No voyage begins without a good look at the charts. The maps of the locations and sites you will see will make your navigation far easier and less time consuming. So, prep before you leave by studying all the places, distances and directions. But never leave without the wonders of the modern age at your fingertips. You will be able to access all the information you need while on the go, but having the locations saved and studied will mean you don’t have to do this while in the middle of nowhere.
Bonus Tip: You can even take a moment to jot down the important contact information of the visitor sections and fronts desks of sites and hotels you will be visiting. Having all this info on one sheet of paper, or phone record will eliminate the hours it will take to produce this same information in unfamiliar terrain.
Review Travel Warnings and Alerts
From malaria ridden mosquitos to the possibility of a bloody coup, poisons abound in paradise and having a little information under your belt can save you from a fate worse than death. While not everything is this ominous, there are typhoon seasons, special holidays and other local matters than can adversely affect your trip. Imagine you want to visit a world renown beach only to find a severe shark warning in place upon arriving.
One of the most important tip in how to plan a trip for is practice communications. Get a head start on your trip and find a tutor to drill you on some of the local words and phrases. “How much is this?” “Where is the restroom?” and “Hello! Good Morning” (afternoon or evening) are great ways to share a smile, get valuable information and do business abroad.
Here Are Some Trip Tips For A Family Trip
Choose A Fun And Affordable Destination
You might be tempted to go to a popular touristic destinations but keep in mind that the cost of living can be very high in popular touristic spots. Besides, you will have a hard time getting away from crowds and will probably have to deal with heavy traffic.
Look For Family-Friendly Accommodation
Hotels are not a good option, especially if you have some young children. Your vacation will be a lot more relaxing if you can find a place where you will be able to reproduce a lifestyle very close to what your children are used to at home. Consider staying at a bed and breakfast, renting a small condo or even going on a camping trip.
Find A Relaxing Way To Travel To Your Destination
If you are going to drive there, plan on stopping several times so your children can get out of the car. Flying to your destination is another option you should consider. Taking the plane is a lot faster than driving but you will have to rent a car once you reach your destination.
Look For Fun Activities That The Entire Family Will Enjoy
If you have young children, try finding a zoo or an amusement park. Some museums offer excellent programs designed for young children. You should use the Internet or look at travel guides to get a better idea of which attractions you will have access to.
Make Sure Everyone Will Have Plenty Of Time To Relax
Spending quality time as a family is important but your vacation will be even more enjoyable if you do not plan too many activities and give everyone plenty of time to relax. Plan on spending a few afternoons by the pool or on the beach if you are going near the ocean.
Keep To The Same Daily Schedule
As an adult, you probably look forward to staying up late and adopting a different schedule. You should keep in mind that adopting a different schedule can be very stressful for young children. You can avoid a lot of problems by making sure your young children follow the same sleeping patterns they follow at home. Try having your meals at regular hours. Make sure your children have enough time to take naps if they need to.
It is best to start planning you family trip ahead of time. Talk to your significant other and to your children about this trip to get a better idea of what they would like to do or where they would like to go. Planning a trip is a lot of work but your vacation will be more relaxing if you take care of details in advance.
