With the internet’s help in making travel plans and vacations easy, everybody’s becoming a wanderlust. Questions about the luxurious place you want to visit? Google travel blogs or ask a luxury travel expert. Need the cheapest deals on fares and accommodation? Travel agencies are just a click away. But how do you make your vacation memorable and as stress-free as possible? How do you upgrade your next trip to a luxury vacation without breaking the bank? Here are some traveling tips and tricks for the smart traveler.
Traveling Tips and Tricks for the Smart Traveler
1. Make a plan.
It may be exciting to book a flight on a whim, and oh, how wonderful it would be if you had no budget restrictions.
But a sudden splurge for luxury travel may not be practical if you have a limited travel fund. So what should you do?
- Plan your itinerary. List the places you want to visit, how to get there, etc.
- Research the culture, traditions, and laws you must observe and follow to avoid any problem with the locals or authority.
- See to it that your passport is not expiring soon. Paying for rush processing costs more, so make sure you do this ahead of time.
- Check for any upcoming events. The dates you choose can affect the price of the place and fares. For example, if a concert, conference, or important event happens, the prices might increase due to high demand. So you might want to stay away from those dates.
2. Consider all options.
Promo fares or seat sales are tempting. But before you book, check competing airlines for fares.
For accommodation, compare prices on Airbnb, Booking.com, Agoda, Orbitz, and the like.
Sometimes, travel agencies offer cheaper packages for flights and accommodation too so you should also check them.
Will the travel tour help you save, or will it be better to rent a car, join a group or explore by walking and commuting?
Weigh the pros and cons and see where you can save more.
3. Ask around.
Be careful of hidden charges. Ask before you book or pay.
What is the coverage of the promo? For example, does the room rate include complimentary breakfast, Wi-Fi, linens, towels, and the like? Do they allow pets if in case you're traveling with your fur baby?
Are they changing the flight schedule or the hotel’s price anytime near your travel date (if you are booking months ahead)?
Before booking anything or checking a place, read reviews and blogs from legit guests.
First-hand feedback is the best so ask your friends or travel experts you know.
Also, ask if you can get an upgrade. For hotels, you are most likely to get it if you check in before 4pm or 6pm.
4. Check the timezone
How many hours difference are there from where you are coming from to where you’re going?
Some tips for traveling smarter: consider the time difference (if there is one) in booking your flight and schedule your itinerary accordingly to avoid inconvenience.
Allot a day to rest before you start exploring the place. You don’t want to pass out in the middle of an unfamiliar place.
5. Pack light and smart
Travels are more manageable when you don’t over-pack. Not only will you avoid going over baggage (you might see something you want to bring home as a souvenir or buy keepsakes for friends), but it will also be less hassle.
Bring travel-sized toiletries. Pack the basics (intimates, comfortable and versatile clothes and shoes), pocket money, charger, and power bank.
It is wiser to bring a photocopy of your passport and ID and send a coit to your email too.
Try to pack lunch or some snacks that are convenient but also nutritious, like food bars. This will help you avoid hypoglycemia and save on your travel money.
6. Be early
If you're traveling from a city that gets crazy traffic no matter what time of the day, like Manila, give at least an hour's allowance for your trip.
To avoid long lines and being late, check in online. Now it is possible to do so days before your flight. Don’t waste your time and energy on lines so you can focus on the fun instead. Conserve your energy for what matters most.
7. Look luxurious
Keeping your clothes presentable so you can look posh is not as hard as you think. Plan your outfit. Keep your clothes crease-free by spraying water on your clothes and letting them dry in the open. Choose basic, comfortable, and versatile garments, and dress smart.
8. Find promos
Take advantage of promo fares and discounts in hotels. Find vouchers you can use or use your credit points in booking accommodation. You can enjoy a night or two in a luxury hotel if you know where to look.
The best way to find deals is by signing up for the newsletters of different airlines or following them on social media.
Find a reputable travel agency or check out your favorite travel vlogger, as they sometimes promote a brand with their promo code.
Find a reputable travel agency or check out your favorite travel vlogger, as they sometimes promote a brand with their promo code.
Just because you’re traveling luxuriously doesn’t mean you’ll have to pay the price.
The smart traveler doesn’t just hop on a plane but carefully plans and checks everything.
A wise, luxurious wanderer doesn’t necessarily splurge on everything but looks into how he can make the journey comfortable and pleasant.
Most of all, be flexible enough to make the most of the trip and enjoy it even when things don't always go as planned.
7 comments
Well crafted, thoughtful tips for the smart travel. Yes, careful planning helps to avoid regrets later. Thanks for sharing...
ReplyDeleteI barely ever travel but every time I plan I check first if I can eat anything since some places are not friendly for people with allergies.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tips ~ Very useful indeed ~
ReplyDeleteI loveeedd this post! Some wonderful important tips that we must consider before planning a trip.
ReplyDeleteI have bookmarked this post, Lux.
www.thepositivewindow.com
Never heard of that trick of spraying water on your clothes.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lux.
Be well.
I love to travel and want to explore more & more places in my life. You shared cool and informative tips to make a trip hassle free. After following these tips and tricks, one can enjoy their trip to the fullest. Thanks for sharing this wonderful tricks with us.
ReplyDeleteWell crafted, thoughtful tips for the smart travel. Yes, careful planning helps to avoid regrets later. Thanks for sharing...
ReplyDelete