Going on vacation, on a business trip, on a trip to visit out-of-town friends and family, coordinating a trip for your kids’ soccer team or whatever kind of trip you are taking can be nerve wrecking if you are unprepared. Though things happen that are out of your control, you can avoid some havoc while on a trip with some thought and preparation. Moreover, with a little research and effort, you may be able to save on your travel expenses i.e. dining, entertainment, sightseeing activities and even on your air and lodging.
As it is not feasible to write on all the details in travelling, I will only touch on the basics of planning a trip. The following steps are not designed to be systematically followed but as a source of information to be used in accordance to meet your travel needs.
Trip Planning Step 1 – Objective. Consider the purpose of the trip. Is it for business, pleasure (perhaps a nice vacation) or other? By other I mean is it to attend a wedding, to visit a sick friend or relative or to attend an unexpected event such as a funeral? (I am sorry to include death into the picture, but it is the unavoidable events of live, when we are distraught and cannot think straight, that having knowledge of the basics of trip planning can be most helpful.)
Trip Planning Step 2 – Who Will be Going on the Trip. Are you taking your spouse, your children, your child’s sport team and their parents or are you going solo? (Be on the lookout for package deals when you are travelling as a group.)
Trip Planning Step 3 – Transportation Mode. Consider how you will want to get to your destination. Are you flying as time is of the essence to get to your destination? If you are, will you need to rent a car to get around, and how long will you need it for? Or will someone pick you up at the airport, and will they be driving you around? Are you travelling by train? Are you going to travel by car? If you are taking a group, will you need to rent a larger vehicle such as a van or a mini-bus?
Trip Planning Step 4 – When and How Long. When will you need to arrive to your travel destination, and when will you need to leave? (Note that if you need to travel by air, your arrival and departure dates may impact your airfare. This is very important especially if you are the travel coordinator for your group, as you will need to take into consideration the budgets of other people.)
Trip Planning Step 5 – Lodging. Know where you will be lodging. Are you staying at a hotel, staying with family or friends, hostels, a bed and breakfast place or camping? If you are paying for your lodging, I recommend that you research the place more thoroughly–especially if you are spending more than a few nights there. Though in most cases, you will not be at your lodging site for most of the day, it is important that it is fairly clean and you can get a pleasant night’s rest. (If you have trouble with noises, if possible, avoid booking your hotel accommodation near a major freeway unless you know the rooms are adequately insulated.) Also, if you require certain amenities, like internet access, ask before you book your reservation. If you are travelling overseas, though most decent hotel rooms come with an iron, ironing board and hair dryer, it would not be a bad idea to ask–so you will not need to pack these items. (Also, you may need to bring a converter for your electronics, if they are not equipped with toggle switches from 120 to 220 volt or whatever the country you are visiting voltage is using).
Trip Planning Step 6 – Budget. Create a budget, especially if you are planning a group trip and need to divvy up the cost. Itemize all costs such as airfare (include other fees i.e. checked in baggage, shuttle services, airport parking, etc.), gasoline for road trips, food, entertainment, activities, shopping, etc. Keep in mind to be as detailed as possible so that you can avoid unexpected expenses, especially the major ones.
Trip Planning Step 7 – Preparation.
- Make Arrangements for Air & Lodging. Airfare can be very expensive, if not booked in advanced. When you have done your research and found the best deals, book your flights and make your hotel reservations as soon as possible to lock in your low rate. In some instances, booking your hotel directly with them versus an on-line travel service could be cheaper, as hotels slate certain number of rooms with travel sites. It would not hurt to call the hotel directly to comparison shop. Also be aware that there will be added charges, i.e. taxes, to your airfare and lodging. FYI, you may be able to get additional discount if you a member of an automobile club. So take advantage of any savings you can acquire.
- Make Arrangements for Non-time Sensitive Items: Car Rentals, Dining, Entertainment and Activities. Likewise, once you know what you will be doing on your trip and have done your research for the best deals, make the reservations for them.
In renting a car, check to see if your automobile insurance or the your credit card company you are using to pay with cover car rental insurance. If they do, you will not be pressured and will have peace of mind for not purchasing additional insurance for your trip. Be aware that if you do not return your rental at the same location you picked it from and do not return the same amount of gas, as prior to driving the car out of the lot, you will be charged at a premium. Although most reputable car rental companies will give you a walk-through on the condition of the car before you drive it off the lot, ask for one if it is not offered to you. This will prevent you paying for damages you did not incur.
- Research the Places You Will be Visiting. It is very important to educate yourself especially if your are travelling abroad. Research the city and various site seeing sights that you will be visiting. These days, you can obtain a lot of information on your search engine. Most businesses, especially those that are successful and reputable, will have a website. Search through their websites, get informed and look for deals. Additionally, states and cities will have a visitor’s guide section. Often times they provide a map of the city, list point of interest, dining and shopping places. Also ask friends and family who have visited there for some information and tips. Keep in mind that a lot of information is out there–available at your finger tip. So take advantage of any information and savings you can acquire.
- Travel Itinerary. Create a travel itinerary to keep you informed and organized during your trip. Include information such as departure and arrival times, dates, flight information (tickets are now paperless so it would be useful to include your flight numbers and any information that you know beforehand prior to checking in at the airport), places to visits, dining and entertainment information, shuttle information or who will pick/drop you off at the airport, etc.
Be detailed, as much as possible, in writing your itinerary. E.g., include names of points of interest, addresses, telephone numbers, hours of operations, any cost associated (if applicable), when and time you will be visiting, and so forth. A travel itinerary is also good in saving time (it alleviates having to browse through bags to get documents) and mitigates the risk in losing necessary information.
- Packing List. Now that airlines charge for checked bags, if possible put all of your clothing, shoes and toiletry items in a carry-on bag to avoid fees. Create a packing list of the items for your trip and pack according to the environmental condition of the place or places you will be visiting.
On your list, itemize all the items you will be packing i.e. how many blouses, shirts, pants, shoes, vitamins, sunglasses, small umbrella, first aid kit, etc. Do not pack toiletries that will be provided for at the hotel you are staying at. If you have to pack your toiletries, put them in small travel size containers with secure lids. To avoid spillage, put all your toiletries in a zip-lock bag to avoid a mess in your suitcase or bag.
In addition, check the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) “Liquids Rule” for carry-on bags. Doing so will prevent disappointment when you are ask to throw the toiletries that exceed the limits. While you are on TSA’s website, read through the “prohibited items” to educate yourself on what you can pack and not pack.
- Other. Make other arrangements i.e. who will be house sitting, watering your plants, boarding your pets at a friend’s or a pet hotel, etc. Also please think and plan for the safety of your home while you are away.
Trip Planning Step 8 – Take the Trip and Enjoy. Knowing that you took the time and effort to plan your trip, I do hope you can relax and have an enjoyable time or be a productive one if you are on a business trip.
Trip Planning Step 9 – After the Trip. If you had someone house-watch for you, took care of your animals, watered your plants, dropped/picked you up at the airport and so forth, don’t forget to thank them. A nice gesture, but not necessary, is to bring back a little souvenir for them.
As I stated earlier, these are basic steps to trip planning. Use them as you see fit to your needs. Whatever trip your planning, I do hope that (with a little effort) it will be a productive or an enjoyable one. Happy travelling!Number of View :3024