Are you a regular traveler or do you intend to travel to any international destination in the foreseeable future? If yes, then there are a number of things you need to know in advance if you are to make your journey less stressful. Travel is full of pitfalls. One wrong step and your vacation could be ruined by a seedy hotel room, an overpriced restaurant, a wasted afternoon at a tourist-trap attraction or an overnight flight crammed in the middle seat. To guarantee a smooth trip, you need to plan thoroughly. Here’s how to make all the right moves.
1. Have a travel plan
As said above, there are many factors that may cause your travel unpleasant. It is critical for your to create a travel plan in advance mapping the nitty-gritty if possible. The plan assists you to decide which things you should do first on arrival at your destination. It ensures that you are not carried away by the excitements that comes with new experiences. Although adventure is allowed and can be fascinating during a holiday, nevertheless it’s necessary to consider the goals you intend to achieve when you plan the trip.
2. Know where you are going and what you want
If you travel without planning, expect a messed up holiday unless a miracle happens. It is important to do an advance research on where you are going. Find out about the cost of items and what currency is acceptable. Don’t assume your local currency can be changed in all countries beyond your immediate neighbors. Don’t travel blindly. You should have a basic understanding of your destination including a few foreign words if you are traveling to a non-English speaking country. Never appear lost. Those who travel blindly end up being easy prey for conmen.
Knowing where you are going and what you want means you have an itinerary for your trip. It means you are informed. And information is strength! It will save you unnecessary costs unless you are just adventuring. You will not be at the mercies of your service givers such as taxis and guides. They are fond of inflating everything. When they take you out for shopping, most are likely to take you to places where they are assured of commissions. Of course the commissions will be reaped from your pockets. Information saves you from this!
3. Chose the right airline
Once you have known your destination and are about to buy your ticket, it is important to first ask about the flight path. You may chose an airline whose path will waste countless hours of your time while there are others that fly to the same destination but via shorter routes. Many people especially first time travelers also fail to ask about transit time. On a bad day, you may end up spending many hours at a transit airport which can be avoided if you use the right airline.
4. Position of the seat
While buying my tickets, it’s unfortunate that no travel agent ever advised me on the need to choose the position of the seat I want to use. I would book my ticket early only to find myself crammed in the middle seats where there was no visibility of the beautiful sceneries of the earth as I traversed countries and continents. What wasted moments that I suffered glued to the movies at the expense of seeing the astounding nature!
To be assured of the position you prefer, mainly near the windows and not very close to the wings, always learn to book your flight early. This will not only guarantee you a good view of the nature outside but also a cheaper ticket! Cost of flight tickets is determined by demand and inflates as the date of departure approaches.
Bernard Gitonga is the Managing Director Richto Tours and Travels Limited with over five years experience in the travel business dealing with both local and international adventure travelers.
