Are you going to take a complex “Vacation?” Are you simply going to fly to one city? Are you going to take a bus, train, ship, plane, Skytrain, subway, taxi, Baht-bus or motorbike trip? Each has its advantages and disadvantages.
Know your goals. Sit down and plan. What do you want? Do you want to immerse yourself in the culture of the country or do you want to find a place to rest and relax. Do you want to party all night? Do you want to bond with your family or friend? Or do you simply want to get from A to B. Think about it and make plans.
I think that half the fun of traveling is to read, study and learn about my destination and all the things that I might want to see and do when I get there. Surf the Internet. Read local newspapers online. There are travel books. The more you know the better the trip.
Before you go “anywhere,” ask questions. Take your time and ask “several” people their ideas about the trip that you are about to take. Know exactly where you want to go and make sure the person or people that are taking you know exactly where you want to go. Try not to rush. Leave early and allow plenty of time. Learn what are your choices and what does it cost? When and where does it leave and arrive? Which is better and why? Do your research.
It is usually much cheaper to buy airline tickets online. You can reserve you seat. You can print your own boarding pass, which eliminates standing in one more line. But you have to have the skill and patients to search for, the airline, the flights and dates that the airline is offering the “Cheap fares,” if that is your goal. There are a few online travel agencies. Some online agencies specialize in travel involving their country. Usually, the cheap fares require a month or two advance online reservation and payment by credit card. Usually available travel dates are on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays only. Read the fine print online.
If you are going to take a “complex” vacation that will involve buses, planes, hotels, transfers, meals and tours, etc then a travel agent can be of great value and save you time and money. It’s organized and usually guaranteed. Also, if you have any problems, you have someone to call for possible help. They usually have a brochure with pictures. It’s easy and you can talk to somebody face to face. It’s up to you.
Pack light. The first time I traveled I packed too much. My experience was that I usually only used about a tenth of what I packed and I never had room for those wonderful things I wanted to buy. Try to travel with only “carry-on baggage.” My former wife’s idea was to bring absolutely nothing on our trip and I would buy all new.
Don’t try to fit too much into your trip because you’ll be amazed how quickly the days go by. Slow down and savor a few places. Be informed and be flexible. Go with the flow. Disasters happen. They’re part of travel. If the bus or train breaks down or stops for a long time, get off and observe the surroundings. Break out the wine and cheese. Help them if you can. If you get lost, ask for directions or follow your instincts. If you can’t read the menu, look at what fellow diners are eating and point to what looks good. Eat what the locals eat. Shop where they shop. Ask for directions. If you are stuck in an interminable line, observe what the people around you are doing, saying, wearing, talk to them and maybe make a new friend. There are lessons to be learned. There are fun, interesting people and things everywhere.
Everything takes longer than you think it will. In the city don’t try to do more than three things in a day. In rural areas, leave extra time for bus breakdowns, missed connections etc because if things get changed or delayed you won’t be so stressed. Take advantage of changes or delays and look for fun or exciting things to do.
Go slow. If you ask someone anything, let them answer and then wait a few minutes for them to think. Ask them another choice or second opinion. Ask the same question in a different way. Sometimes they will have another idea or a better offer. Smile and laugh. Try to make friends with them. Be kind and considerate. Be funny. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Everything is small stuff. Leave time to visit or talk or just enjoy a place that you like. Be spontaneous.
A good idea is to reserve the first night accommodations at your destination. You won’t have to take your chances when you arrive at a new city. You know where you’re going and how to get there. You know how much it will cost. It makes you feel more relaxed and confident. You can always move the next day. Bon Voyage! Live, love and laugh.
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