Trip planning can be a challenging task. Where do you start? What's step one? What's step two? If you have such questions, you're not alone. Most people get overwhelmed planning their trips – especially if you're doing it for the first time. You can also get overwhelmed by the amount of information on the internet.
By Allen Brown
Guidebooks, blogs, and social media have never been more helpful. This information can make it even more challenging. However, figuring out how to pull off your next getaway can give you a sense of relief. This makes the trip all the more fun. Here are a few steps to make it happen.
1. Fly Privately
There are many advantages to fly privately. While it's true that private jet services are expensive, the real advantage lies in convenience and efficiency - private jet travel offers all the comfort you can need. With private aviation, you're assured of increased security and better value for your time. Also, you can bring in more luggage for your vacation. This is different in commercial airlines, where the restrictions on luggage are strict.
2. Slow Down
Avoid dampening your itinerary with loads of activities. Typically, this is where you expect to see and do more than your vacation duration can handle. Sometimes, setting extreme expectations can cause disappointments. So, what's the solution? Make a travel itinerary. And when you do, stick with the usual rule: less is more. You want to embrace what travel enthusiasts call "slow travel." This is where you spend more time exploring fewer destinations.
3. Research Everything Beforehand
Visiting a particular destination because of one specific attraction can let you down. Have a complete list of activities you can do at your destination. This is where you want to stick to the usual cliché: don't put all your eggs in one basket. The fun of traveling is to explore and discover new surprising places. However, you want to do this positively.
4. Dine With the Locals
It's common for most first-time travelers dining at familiar chain restaurants. Most of them think local food is not tasty. The truth is: they're wrong. Dining at local restaurants is the best travel experience for any traveler. Go out of your comfort zone and try any foods the locals eat. This will give you a unique experience. What's more, local food is extremely cheap.
5. Decide What You'll Wear
It takes multiple factors to create the best travel experience, and comfort plays a huge part. What you choose to wear will decide how your vacation will be. You want to avoid leaving your travel clothes as a last-minute thought. Choose clothes with layers that can fold into a pillow. Also, you want to ensure your clothes have several pockets. Along with clothes, remember to include your eye mask and a neck pillow.
6. Travel with Someone You're Comfortable With
Are you planning to travel with a partner? If so, choose someone you get along with and can see yourself having a great time. Avoid traveling with someone you met recently or have never traveled with. First, consider going somewhere that isn't your favorite destination and see how things go. If everything works out perfectly, you can plan your vacation with them.
7. Unplug Yourself from the Norm
The reason you're going for a vacation is to escape the stress of everyday living. When you reduce or eliminate this stress, you view life differently. This is why you need to unplug yourself from some things during a vacation. Going for a vacation means your social media goes for a vacation too. Avoid focusing on how you can document everything for the world to see.
8. Travel Off-Peak
Don't travel during the peak season. Most tourist destinations are packed with other travelers during these periods. This means you can miss out on essential attractions during your travel. Schedule your trip one or two months outside of the busy season. For instance, most people travel to Italy between June and August. So, if you'll be traveling to Italy, April, May, and September are the best times.
9. End Your Travel on a High Note
Our brains are wired to give better considerations to things that occurred last in a series. In short, this means you'll remember the end of your vacation more than the beginning. This is why you need to end your vacation with a bang.
In the 21st century, we live in a fast-paced world, and it's easy to get lost in between. This is why going on a vacation is a great time to wind down on things. Sometimes, you need to give yourself a break from everything. This helps you see more things more clearly. Ensure you plan your trip well by going through every detail carefully. And finally, don't forget to have fun!
