Seneca once said, “Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind.” If you’ve been looking for a little jolt of life, travel could be just the ticket.
While there’s a lot to think about in the lead-up to your day of departure, we’ve outlined 14 tips to help you secure the best deals, stay safe, and make sure all your boxes are checked before you go.
1. Research Various Types of Accommodations
Did you know that, in the same city, the price of an Airbnb vs. a traditional B&B can be markedly different? The same goes for Airbnbs vs. hotels.
Once you have your destination in mind, poke around a few different sites. See what Airbnbs are on offer. Then, use booking sites like Kayak and Booking.com to compare your rates.
2. Check Your Airline Options
The same goes for your airline tickets. Don’t feel like you’re beholden to one specific airline. Use similar sites like Kayak and Google Flights to see which dates, times, and airlines offer the best deals.
You can also open up free accounts on each of these platforms and set alerts for when ticket prices drop or new deals become available. If your dates are flexible, many of them will also highlight the most affordable days to fly.
3. Stay a While Longer
Are you a remote worker or a digital nomad? Is there any possibility of you extending your stay beyond seven or ten days?
If so, you might see a significant price drop if you’re able to book into that lovely little Airbnb you have your eye on for a month or more.
4. Travel In the Off Season
Especially if this is your first time traveling to a major city, you might want to travel in the off-season. You might not get the full effect of Europe in the summer, for example.
But, you’ll dodge a whole host of overwhelming crowds. You’ll also find cheaper rates for your airlines and accommodations.
The off-season is also a magical way to meet the locals, more than you would in the hustle and bustle of peak season.
5. Consider Cruising
Cruising is a lovely way to see the world, whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or plan to have the whole family come along.
You only have to unpack once, and then your captain sails you from port to port. You can design your days whenever the ship is docked and not have to worry about racing through airports, shuttles, trains, and cab rides.
For more on that, here are 15 incredible port cities in Europe you might want to consider.
6. Pack Lightly
No matter where you’re going, be really judicious about your luggage. If it’s possible to only have one carry-on and no checked bags, you’re way ahead of the curve.
Few things in life are more stressful than lugging bulky and cumbersome luggage through an airport. You may have a few transfers along the way, too, that could cause some stress.
See if your Airbnb has a washing machine in the unit or your hotel has a laundry service. If you’ve packed neutral colors and basic layers, you can extend your wardrobe out nicely without feeling like you’ve been wearing the same thing all along.
To execute the best packing plan, here are 18 tips on how to maximize the space in your carry-on.
7. Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Even if you’re lost, walk with purpose. The last thing you want to do is be that clunky traveler who stops in the middle of the sidewalk to look at a map with no regard for their surroundings.
Research your location ahead of time so you have a sense of where you need to go in the morning. But, no matter where you’re headed, do so with purpose. Walk like you own those streets.
Review these 20 safety tips for solo travelers so you can strut your stuff with just a little bit more peace of mind.
8. Purchase a Travel Belt
Speaking of safety, purchase a thin travel belt from Amazon before you go. No, it’s not the most glamorous item in your carry-on, but it will protect your safety.
This is a thin belt that you wear around your waist, under your clothing. It allows you to keep your essentials on you at all times and safe from pickpockets.
9. Research Planes, Trains, and Automobiles
Will it be easier to drive or rely on public transportation where you’re headed? For example, in Ireland, it’s typically easier to rent a car to see the country (albeit scary for those who drive on the other side of the road).
Meanwhile, over in Scotland, their ScotRail system is highly efficient. It can take you virtually anywhere in the country, as well as down to its neighbors in England and Wales.
10. Befriend the Locals
Use your judgment whenever you’re befriending somebody new. But, if you’re staying at an Airbnb or quaint little B&B, get to know your host.
They’re likely to have some of the most wonderful tips that only a local can provide, giving anything in a standard travel guide a run for its money.
With that in mind, here are 15 tips for booking the best Airbnbs.
11. Check Out Airbnb Experiences
Have you ever scrolled past Airbnb Experiences as you were looking for a place to stay? Those are really nice options for your next city.
There’s nothing wrong with huge tour groups. They’ve been around the block a time or two and know what they’re doing. But, Airbnb Experiences are often run by locals who, like Airbnb hosts, want to share the beauty of their city with visitors.
12. Watch YouTube Videos
This is one of the most exciting things you can do in the lead-up to your vacation. Watch YouTube videos on your destination.
First, you’ll pick up all kinds of tips and tricks. Second, when you’re finally there, you’ll feel like the main character in your own novel, finally standing in the streets that you’ve been watching on screen for all those weeks.
13. Stop Your Mail
Don’t forget the little details on the homefront like stopping your mail and ensuring your bills are on autopay.
If you have any regular services like a cleaning company scheduled, be sure to give them a call to push things back until your return home.
14. Purchase WiFi Cameras
Even though you’ve crossed all your T’s and dotted all your I’s, it’s still nice to be able to peek in on your living room and front door.
Nowadays, you can purchase really affordable systems online, hook them up to an app on your phone, and rest assured that it’s all quiet on the homefront.
Get Ready for the Adventure of a Lifetime
If this is your first time traveling, we wish you well! There’s a great, big world out there, just waiting for you to explore it.
With common sense, a small piece of luggage, and a keen eye for your surroundings, you’ll have a wonderful time. Wherever you’re headed, we’re sure to have a destination guide to help you create the perfect itinerary.