In this page i try to present the process of organizing a successful trip, give useful links and tips that help me (and hopefully you!) to plan a trip.
If you are the kind of person that does not plan anything and likes the adventure or enjoy finding packages from travel agencies, well this page is not for you!
First of all finding a destination where you always dreamt to go is a good destination! It is usually not a good advice to visit a place just because it is popular or your friend went there and liked it. It may not just be for you! Don't start from extremes. You cannot plan a trip to the North Pole if you have not experienced snow before or arctic temperatures. Of course little adventure is not a bad advice but don't take it to extremes. If you can handle it, you can go again or plan a more difficult trip..
Second most important factor in a trip is whom you go with. Not everybody can handle everything. Whom you go with can make a trip pleasure or hell. No matter how much your buddy (who uses his car to go from work to home which is 1km away every day) begs you to take him with you on that climbing trip in Nepal, you should not do go with him. You will not enjoy it and also he will suffer. Probably after that trip you will not be friends anymore! During a trip it is almost certain that some tension will be experienced but this is normal because of being constantly together and also due to extreme tiredness.
After you have settled all the above, internet, a PC and a notebook (yeap the paper ones!) are your most powerful assistants to plan a trip!
Begin by reading general information about where you are going. Watch documentaries, buy books, read articles on Wikipedia. Understanding your destination (especially for different and far away civilizations) will help you better think ahead about what to expect.
Wikitravel and tripadvisor are two of the most powerful tourist experience sites. You gonna find alot of useful information there from people that have already been to where you are planning to go. It is good that you write up-to-date memories to those sites upon your return. Will help mark any changes and of course give new data.
Unless you are traveling to somewhere close to where you are, you almost for sure need to use a plane. Like most things in life, depending on your budget you can fly in many possible ways. I like to plan ahead, check many different options and usually buying different segments with different companies reduces the cost dramatically. Of course you always run the risk that one flight is delayed and you miss the next one but if you leave plenty of time in-between this risk is highly reduced.
The best way to find air-fares is to search the most known fare sites (skyscanner, expedia etc). This is only the start. You can get a general idea of the cost. You can then check individual carriers and their fare may be different! Also many low-budget companies do not appear on those engines. Try Wikipedia to find your destination airport and see what companies fly there. Use internet to find out what they have to offer. Try different segments. I.e. flying from Europe to Taiwan can be expensive but you may find a good fare for Hong Kong and from there try a local carrier..
Do you enjoy trains? It can be a good way to move around! seat61 offers good advice on trains all around the globe. Its a good starting point. If you have fixed dates, go ahead and buy tickets online (if you can!) It is usually easier, cheaper and will guarantee you a seat!
Hotels is probably the most risky option. Do your homework! Depending on where you go, there are different options. One safe site to book if you are going to a big city is booking.com. They have a vast database of hotels and critics from customers are usually reliable. I would definitely go for that in those kind of trips. On the other hand, planning a trip on a more remote area is something totally different. Google and the internet are your most helpful allies. Just search! There are many nice places that are not on any hotel website. Don't be afraid to call (Skype is so cheap those days...), send e-mails, do anything you need to find out as much information as possible about the place.
When you have all the above information, Excel is the place to put everything together. You need to see how and where all fits. Be flexible! If your flight one day costs double than the next dont think about it. Move things around so you can avoid paying that fee. Before making any definite plans, share this Excel sheet with your travel mates! Let them go through it and give you feedback.. It is important not to make the schedule too tight and agree with everyone in your group that some time is spent as anyone pleases! Dont make all your friends eat on that back-alley extremely spicy Indian tandoori 2 hours bus drive from the center of Mumbai!Tell them you want to go and let them do something more interesting at that time.. When you have agreed, start booking!
I always carry with me a small diary with day by day activities, flights, hotel names, addresses, phone numbers, suggested places to eat etc. It is good to have one with you to note down staff...
I have the habit to always carry around a guide book. I prefer the DK ones as they are usually lighter and have just the information i need. After all, i have done my research prior to arriving to the destination!
Enjoy...!
If you are the kind of person that does not plan anything and likes the adventure or enjoy finding packages from travel agencies, well this page is not for you!
First of all finding a destination where you always dreamt to go is a good destination! It is usually not a good advice to visit a place just because it is popular or your friend went there and liked it. It may not just be for you! Don't start from extremes. You cannot plan a trip to the North Pole if you have not experienced snow before or arctic temperatures. Of course little adventure is not a bad advice but don't take it to extremes. If you can handle it, you can go again or plan a more difficult trip..
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| Stockholm - Katarina church |
After you have settled all the above, internet, a PC and a notebook (yeap the paper ones!) are your most powerful assistants to plan a trip!
Begin by reading general information about where you are going. Watch documentaries, buy books, read articles on Wikipedia. Understanding your destination (especially for different and far away civilizations) will help you better think ahead about what to expect.
 |
| Lhasa -Jokhang Temple |
Unless you are traveling to somewhere close to where you are, you almost for sure need to use a plane. Like most things in life, depending on your budget you can fly in many possible ways. I like to plan ahead, check many different options and usually buying different segments with different companies reduces the cost dramatically. Of course you always run the risk that one flight is delayed and you miss the next one but if you leave plenty of time in-between this risk is highly reduced.
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| Hong Kong |
Do you enjoy trains? It can be a good way to move around! seat61 offers good advice on trains all around the globe. Its a good starting point. If you have fixed dates, go ahead and buy tickets online (if you can!) It is usually easier, cheaper and will guarantee you a seat!
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| Cape Town |
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| Lhasa - Potala Palace |
I always carry with me a small diary with day by day activities, flights, hotel names, addresses, phone numbers, suggested places to eat etc. It is good to have one with you to note down staff...
I have the habit to always carry around a guide book. I prefer the DK ones as they are usually lighter and have just the information i need. After all, i have done my research prior to arriving to the destination!
Enjoy...!
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