PLANNING
10:00 PM
I’m an organized traveler. I spend hours of planning and researching to maximize my trips. I
also include time to wander and get lost. Coffee stops are essential to my trips. My itineraries are usually composed of the usual tourist
must see sights and some off the beaten path stops.
I start each trip with the essential
information such as visa requirements and weather to the quintessential sights
and experiences. I search both the internet and travel books. My favorite
websites for researching are Trip Advisor, Lonely Planet, Fodors, and Pinterest.
I organize the information by
writing them in pieces color-coded paper or note/index card. Information on
these, include the address, website, background and essential views. I found this to be helpful in arranging the
information later on in the planning process.
When traveling with friends, I
create a group board on Pinterest where we can share information and possible
destinations. I ask each one if they have personal preferences and must see
sights and experiences.
The next step for me is to customize
a schedule of activities based on the group dimensions and personal
preferences. If there are elderly or children traveling, I factor in the duration of activities and level of walking or activity. I then create a table on Excel with travel data including time (estimated
times), activity, details or information about the activity, cost,
transportation information like train and walking directions. I’m able to add,
delete, or move activities as the group decides. I also find it helpful in
organizing the final schedule and itinerary.
In my last few trips, I made an
itinerary with the schedule and other useful information. This was both emailed
and printed and was distributed to my travel companions to ensure that everyone
in the group was informed of the schedule of each day. They were able to pack
accordingly and prepare for hectic days and planned for the free times in the
trip.
I also download helpful apps for
each travel destination. Apps would vary from tourist information, language,
money converter, to train or metro apps.
Checklist: Language, Weather, Visa Requirements if any, Electrical Voltage & Plug, Currency & Exchange Rate
Basic Etiquette, Basic Phrases like "Thank you!" & "Hello", Must see sights & must do activities
#travelplanning #wanderlust
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