Part 3 - Preparing the Journey itself
Ok, let’s start preparing the actual parts of your vacation….
Answer the following questions, and then we will get into the details of your trip.
Where have you decided to travel to?
For how many days will you be traveling? … and for how long in each location?
What is your budget? Click here for a Travel Budget Template on how to calculate and
track your vacation expenses. Once you have decided how much you will be spending or wish
to spend, bookmark and revisit this page....
If you have no budget, then great…. Let's continue….
Start a new Travel Itinerary - we like TRIPIT
How will you be traveling? (plane, rail, boat, cruise, car)
If you have not made your plans as yet, you can
(Remember to log your plans back in your Itinerary planner).
With Tripit for example, just email your email confirmation to
and this logs the details of your booking).
Find your Accommodation - Search in our search box here -->
Choosing your Accommodation is by far the most difficult thing to do
when planning your trip/holidays.
"How to choose the Right Accommodation"
Before you arrive you will want to know what Activities are available at your Destination.
Planning the activities have to be the easiest part of organising travel, and probably the most fun.
Here is when you start getting excited about what you may see and experience on your vacation.
Some recommendations for what Activities to typically look for include:
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The local hop-on hop-off bus
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Museums and UNESCO sites
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Parks, Amusement Parks and Zoo's
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Popular and well-known Landmarks and Monuments
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Boat Cruises
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Local interest spots and traditional-indigenous activities
To make the most of your time whilst you are at your destination, make a list of every
Activity you want to do and everything you want to see and THEN arrange the days by
region/locality of the places of interest.
Our recommended Resources for finding some of the best Activities in your chosen destination include:
Now that you have scheduled, booked and logged your activities into your Activity Planner,
you can start thinking about things such as preparing for the journey. You will need to consider things like....
Luggage
How heavy can each of your bags be before it attracts a heavy fee by the Airline?
Research this with your airlines by reading their FAQ's on their website.
Is your luggage an appropriate size. Is there a risk it will be heavier than the 32kg maximum
weight allowed on any Airline.
Always pack (flat inside your luggage) an empty shoulder bag just in case you need to repack
your bags due to overlimit luggage.
Read here for a Packing List and Preparing for Travel Checklist
Currency
Always know what currency your destination is and what it is worth.
To understand its truth conversion and worth, calculate a figure that you can always calculate.
For instance, a $10 denomination. Or for tips etc, i like to calculate an amount of $2 or $3
(something you would typically spend on small items or tips, and understand the converted amount)
and run with that knowledge.
Cultural Sensitivity
Some countries have dress codes that as a traveler is just respectful to adhere to.
Consider the following guidelines:
* Drug and Alcohol Laws and Restrictions
* Behavior (observe public areas such as places of worship, shopping centers and so on)
* Dress codes and respect for modesty
Time Zones
Remember, before you arrive at your Destination, set your watches to the new time zone.
See below for some great Resources on how to convert the time before you reach your destination.
See our favorite World Clock Gold–Time Zones - timeanddate.com" target="_blank" data-content="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/world-clock-gold-time-zones/id420376541?mt=8&uo=4&at=11lb3r" target="itunes_store">World Clock Gold–Time Zones - timeanddate.com" data-type="external" rel="noopener noreferrer">Clock / Time-Zone World Clock Gold–Time Zones - timeanddate.com" target="_blank" data-content="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/world-clock-gold-time-zones/id420376541?mt=8&uo=4&at=11lb3r" target="itunes_store">World Clock Gold–Time Zones - timeanddate.com" data-type="external" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Apps to help with your planning.
Weather Conditions
Understanding the weather conditions at your destination will determine so many things for
your upcoming holiday. Consider the following:
* Clothing required for the duration of your vacation
* Activities - particularly if you have planned outdoor activities or you have weather that may affect
your plans (rain, wind, snow etc)
See our Weather Apps to help with your planning.
Security and Safety
It is critical that you understand the risks for where you are visiting.
Consider the following:
* Luggage and Day Travel Bags that you are carrying with you - ensure they are not easy to pick-pocket
* Warnings for the countries/cities that you are traveling to - ensure to visit your local government
smart traveler website to investigate if there are any warning travels.
Activity Planner
Activity Planner
City Bus Tours
Activity Planner
