Travel may be off the cards at this moment in time, but hopefully, it won’t be long before we can spread our wings again.

If lockdown has got you dreaming about your next destination, and you’re looking to plan a trip, here are some tips to take on board. 

 

Choosing the right type of vacation

In this day and age, you can enjoy all kinds of incredible trips. From activity breaks and total relaxation to cultural experiences and off-the-beaten-track adventures, there’s something for everyone. With so much choice available, it’s wise to enter into the planning process with some ideas in mind. How do you want to spend your time when you touch down or pull up at your destination? Are you keen to recharge your batteries and escape it all? Do you want to discover different cultures and indulge an interest in art, history, religion or music? Are you looking to cross bucket list attractions and excursions off your list? Think carefully about what you want to do before you book anything. This will help you narrow down your options and create a shortlist. 

 

 

Researching destinations

Now, more than ever, it’s crucial to do your research before you make any travel plans. We are in the midst of a global pandemic, and it’s safer to travel to some countries and parts of the world than others. There are restrictions in place at the moment, which limit non-essential travel, so it’s critical to check the latest advice to make sure that you can leave your home country and travel to another location safely. Once you’ve established which countries are welcoming tourists, there are additional factors to bear in mind. How far do you want to travel and how much do you want to spend? If you don’t want to waste time taking days out to fly across the world and you don’t want to break the bank, it may be wise to avoid long-haul vacations. Once you have an idea of how much you want to spend, how far you want to go, and what you want to do while you’re away, you should be able to draw up a list of contenders that cross every box. 

 

Setting a budget

Most of us don’t have a bottomless pot of money available to fund our wanderlust, so setting a budget is essential. Figure out how much you want to spend in total before you start comparing offers and deals. You can save money on travel by using the Internet to find flights from different airlines, being flexible with dates and times and going away outside of peak seasons. It’s also a great idea to subscribe to websites or download apps that track prices for hotels and flights for you. Package bundles often offer excellent value for money, so it’s worth exploring all your options before you click on a bargain flight. You might find that an agency can offer a better price for your flights, transfers, luggage and accommodation. 

 

 

Staying safe

For most of us, taking a vacation is the highlight of our year. If you’re planning a break, the last thing you want is to end up nursing an injury or worrying about getting home because you’re sick or you’ve lost all your money and your passport. Staying safe should always be a priority.

 

Before you embark upon any trip, make sure you have insurance. Insurance covers everything from flight cancellations and lost luggage to stolen cash and medical bills, and it can also provide access to financial assistance if you’re injured abroad or you’re involved in an accident while taking a road trip at home. The type of insurance policy you need will depend on your travel plans and whether you’re going abroad or not. 

 

Road trips are incredibly popular, and they’re likely to appeal to many people who want to enjoy a vacation after the lockdown. While road trips can be an incredible adventure, they don’t come without risks. Driving can be dangerous, not least because you rely on other people around you being sensible and careful. As a driver, you have responsibility for your own safety, but also that of other road users and pedestrians. If you are thinking about going on a road trip this summer, make sure you adhere to the rules of the road. If you injure somebody as a result of negligence or dangerous driving, they have every right to seek out the best attorney for car accident injuries. You can reduce the risk of accidents by sticking to the speed limits, avoiding drink driving, taking regular breaks to prevent tiredness and keeping your eyes on the road at all times. It’s also beneficial to schedule regular stops and to check your tires, oil and water levels before you travel. 

 

If you’re flying abroad, take a look at the policies and procedures put in place by airports and airlines to keep passengers safe. You might find that you have to arrive earlier to allow more time for boarding and that you have to wear a face covering, for example. When you’re in the air, stretch your legs, stay hydrated and try and relax.

 

Once you reach your destination overseas, employ the same approach to health and safety as you would if you were at home. Many of us tend to be more liberal and daring when we’re on vacation. Always make sure you read the small print when hiring cars or mopeds, use reputable tour agencies and excursion providers and make sure your insurance covers the activities you have planned. Drink in moderation and avoid the midday sun if you’re traveling to exotic climes.

 

Planning your itinerary

With some types of trips, you won’t have to make an itinerary, but if you’re visiting a city, you’re combining beach life with sightseeing or sports, or you’re keen to see as much of one island or country as possible, it’s worth putting some ideas down on paper. Creating a rough itinerary will enable you to maximize your chances of getting everything done, it will save you time when traveling around and it will help you figure out how you’re going to get from A to B. If you have a city break planned, for example, it makes sense to visit museums, galleries, landmarks and attractions that are located near to each other on the same day. Use the Internet to find out more about what is on offer at your destination, to compare trips and tours, and to read reviews to source the best deals and get ideas and inspiration. If you’re keen to spend some time chilling out at the beach, but you also want to discover different cultures and book activities, it may be worth looking at multi-center trips or organized tours, which outline an itinerary for you. You could also consider hiring a car and planning your own road trip if you want to set your own pace. 

 

 

Spending months at home has got many of us dreaming of spreading our wings and seeing the world. If you’re thinking about where you want to go next, and you’re keen to make some plans, it’s more important than ever to do your research. Look at places that are safe to visit, check the most recent travel updates and guidelines and think about how you want to spend your time. Set a budget, consider how far you’re willing to travel and start putting rough plans for an itinerary together. Always make sure you have insurance before you travel and take steps to stay safe. Whether you’re heading out on the roads at home, or you’re jetting off to a foreign country, it’s better to be safe than sorry. 

 

Thanks for reading and y’all stay dandy.

-Diego

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