How to plan your next trip abroad

Planning a trip can be time-consuming work, especially if it involves travelling overseas. And whether you’ll be travelling alone or vacationing with the whole family, proper planning will make your journeys go smoothly and create the heavenly holiday experience you so richly deserve.

But trip planning doesn’t have to be all that tedious, and it certainly shouldn’t put you off pursuing your travel dreams.

Travel planning can certainly seem overwhelming – you have to figure out expenses, book flights, look up attractions, hotels and tours. All this, compounded by the stress of securing visas, getting immunisations and hunting for places to eat can put you at your wit’s end. But trip planning doesn’t have to be all that tedious, and it certainly shouldn’t put you off pursuing your travel dreams. Here’s how to plan well for your next trip abroad.

1. Choose your destination

It may sound simple, but this can actually be a pretty difficult decision. Your chosen destination must work well with the holiday time you have available, and the transport costs must be in line with your budget. Make a list of all the destinations that inspire you and see which places match your resources the best. You might also need to consider visa requirements. Find out how easy it is to enter the country you want to visit – research visa costs and find out if there are any requirements that must be met in order to complete the visa process.

2. Book cheap flights

The biggest chunk of your travel budget will be spent on just getting to your destination. Finding a great flight deal can save you a pile of cash and make for an even better vacation than you planned for. Try to book your flights for midweek, when there will be fewer people flying out. Also don’t wait until the last minute to book your tickets as you’ll end up paying more – make sure you book your tickets at least six to eight weeks in advance. If you’re a student, you can look for student deals when confirming your booking. Using a travel credit card is also a great way to keep your travel costs low.

3. Find the best accommodation

The place you want to stay depends on what kind of traveller you are. If you’re vacationing on a budget, then a hotel would be an affordable option where you can enjoy a conventional holiday experience. If you’re more of a solo traveller or backpacker, you can consider staying at a hostel. Airbnb is also a great option for families or friends who would like a bit more space to enjoy their holiday in. Couchsurfing is another popular travel trend out there, allowing you to meet many fellow travellers from around the world and spend time with them.

 

4. Establish local connections and prepare logistics

Being able to make a few local connections before you arrive can be massively helpful, especially if you’re travelling solo. You can look for local people you would like to connect with on social media apps and see if you can get some advice or even meet up with them. And once you’ve done all that, it’s time to research other travel essentials you’ll need before going on your way. This involves tasks like buying travel insurance, picking up a new language and planning out your itinerary for the different days you’ll be on vacation.

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