Going travelling is exciting but exhausting. Before you’ve even stepped foot on a plane, you have to spend time researching and planning your trip extensively. For something that’s supposed to be a relaxing escape from reality, it can certainly be quite stressful to plan a holiday. So, if you can feel yourself getting a little overwhelmed by the prospect of planning your next big trip, then it might be time to take a deep breath and put together a simple strategy to ensure that everything goes well. These are the essentials for a travelling experience to remember.
Firstly, you need a budget. You might know how much you can afford on your trip, based on the amount of money in your bank account or your holiday savings, but that doesn’t mean you should necessarily spend all of it. Through careful planning, you could make your money go further; that might even mean you could take a longer trip or stay in a nicer hotel. Planning in a cost-effective way isn’t about making cutbacks; it’s about getting more for your money. Budgeting requires research. You should use price comparison websites to assess whether you’re getting the best deals on particular flights with particular airlines; the same goes for accommodation.
Think about the time of year at which you’re planning your holiday, too. Booking flights during the off-peak season can be much cheaper, so that might be worth doing if you’re trying to go to a nice location for a decent price. It’s worth doing some research on insurance options, as well. You could check out this deal on cheap travel insurance. Getting coverage to keep you and your belongings safe is an absolute necessity in the modern world, but you don’t want to pay more than necessary. Do your research to find a good deal and allow for other costs in your budget.
Additionally, continuing from the first point, you should make a rough itinerary for your trip. You might want to be spontaneous so you can relax and fully enjoy your holiday, but a little bit of planning will help to ensure that this is the case. Otherwise, if you don’t have time to do the things that you want to do, then you might end up feeling that your trip hasn’t lived up to expectations. Make a list of the things you want to see and do at your particular destination, and figure out how much time and money you’ll need to do those things.
Another essential thing to consider is your bag of essentials. Most people take carry-on luggage with them when they book a flight. In fact, many people have started opting for carry-on luggage instead of suitcases (you can get some reasonably-sized carry-on bags these days). Just make sure you actually bring your essentials with you. Sure, you’re obviously going to pack a charger for your phone and some snacks for the flight, but you have to think about all of the necessities you might need if there are any problems with your suitcases. You don’t want to be left without a fresh set of clothes or a toothbrush, for example. You should also pack your cosmetics bag in there. Make sure you bring your essentials in your carry-on luggage so that you don’t have a disappointing start to your holiday if your suitcases are delayed.
Full time I'm an ambitious Head of Marketing and Communications in the luxury industry. Part time, I'm an enthusiastic British Fashion, Beauty and Lifestyle blogger and YouTuber from Manchester, UK. This blog has been my outlet for the past 7+ years, and as a longstanding, Award-winning blogger I take the most enjoyment from creating content I truly love and believe in. All authentic. Always.