Things you should do before planning your trip
1. Make sure you have enough money
It’s always smart to save some money before going on a trip. You don’t want to end up broke before you’ve even left! Try cutting back on expenses and saving until you’re ready to go. If you’re planning on taking a long flight, make sure you book early to get the best deals.
2. Don’t forget about insurance
If something happens while you’re away, you might not be covered under your travel insurance. Make sure you have adequate coverage for any medical emergencies and theft/loss prevention.
3. Check out the weather
You’ll probably need to pack warm clothes if you’re traveling to a cold climate. But if you’re headed somewhere tropical, you may want to bring less clothing than normal. Pack plenty of sunscreen and bug spray too. Also, remember to bring along a first aid kit just in case.
4. Figure out what kind of accommodations you want
If you’re staying at a hotel or hostel, find out how many people to expect and whether they offer private rooms or dorm-style accommodation. You might also want to check if the property offers wi-fi access and parking. And if you’re looking to stay in a cabin, ask if there’s a kitchen facility and if the owner provides bedding.
5. Book ahead
If you know you’re going to a specific place (like Disney World), booking tickets in advance can really minimize the hassle of finding them when you arrive. To avoid paying extra fees, try buying tickets online using sites like Expedia.com and Orbitz.com.
6. Do research
Before you leave home, do some research on where you’re going. Find out as much as possible about the city, including things like public transportation systems, food options and cultural festivals. That way, you won’t have to worry about getting lost or running around trying to figure everything out.
7. Be flexible
Don’t let yourself get stuck in a rut. Try to keep your schedule open and change plans if necessary. No matter what time zone you’re in, you should be able to adapt to local time easily.