If you’re planning to visit that one special place at the very top of your bucket list any time soon, then first have a read through our guide on how to plan the ultimate memorable trip.
Location, Location, Location
First of all, you need to decide on where exactly it is that you’re going. So, you’ve always wanted to visit Hawai’i – but, The Aloha State is almost 11 000 square miles meaning that you’ll need to be more specific than that. The best way to pinpoint the exact spot on this Earth that you want to spend some time in is to do your research. Use online resources like Lonely Planet, Culture Trip, TripAdvisor and even GoogleMaps to get an idea of the areas best suited to tourists and visitors, making sure that the one you pick is relatively close to any big landmarks you want to see whilst you’re away.
Choosing a location will also depend on the time of year when you want to travel, how big your travel party is and the budget you have to spend on this trip. If your plan is to experience the Northern Lights in Finland, then the best time to visit is during the winter months of December and January; however, waiting until after Christmastime has passed will mean that it’s quieter, cheaper and easier to book onto tours and experiences. If this is your one big trip of a lifetime, then you want to make sure that you can get the absolute most out of it possible.
Plane, Train or Automobile?
The form of transport you use depends very much on where you are travelling to. If possible, taking your car does mean that you’ll find it easier to get around once you arrive, but trips to the other side of the world don’t necessarily accommodate this option. Make sure to balance out the level of luxury you expect from your journey with the level you want once you reach your destination; saving a bit of cash and putting up with reduced legroom on a budget flight will leave you more money to splash out on a luxurious hotel room, for example.
Whichever mode of transport you use, you’ll want to make sure that you’re well prepared for the journey. This doesn’t just mean remembering your earplugs and travel pillow but also your own entertainment. Luckily, smartphones and other handheld devices now make access to online amusement easier than ever before. Many travel providers have free onboard WiFi for passengers, so you can watch a movie on Netflix or an Amazon Prime series as you travel. Another option is to explore online gaming, using trusted websites to find out which are the best online casinos and other gaming platforms available. Reputable sites can provide hours of amusement, whether your preferred game is slots, blackjack or poker, and give your brain a bit of a work out too. Alternatively, you could download a selection of interesting audiobooks and podcasts, allowing you to sit back, relax and enjoy the ride.
Home Away from Home
Perhaps the most important bit of planning you can do before you leave is around where you’ll be staying. For longer trips, you may end up moving around and staying in multiple different places; this is great for getting a well-rounded experience of a place, but it can be a logistical nightmare. If possible, keep your accommodation choices simple as this will also help you to feel settled more quickly. Whilst travel is exciting, it can also be tiring and you don’t want to end up fatigued by the end of your first few days.
There are plenty of great options outside of the normal choices, however, ranging from swanky hotels, to budget bed and breakfasts, to cute and quirky Airbnbs, to so-called ‘Workaways’ or staying with host families. It really depends what you want to get out of your trip. If you’re looking for a relaxing two week break in the South of France, being waited on hand and foot, then go for a posh hotel or staffed chateau. If, however, you’re after adventure and new encounters, perhaps opt to stay in a hostel, dorm room or WWOOFing location where you can interact both with other travellers and locals. The world is your oyster!
