THE EXPERIENCED FLYER GUIDE TO THE ULTIMATE HOLIDAY

By: PlaneNut Elite

The idea of planning a vacation abroad can be quite intimidating. This is especially true if you are an occasional traveler, contemplating a flight to a foreign destination you have never been before. However, putting together the perfect trip does not have to be overwhelming, if you follow these recommendations for everything worth considering, to have a successful journey from beginning to end.

DECIDING WHERE TO GO

We recommend finding inspiration through Travel Blogs. Some examples are;

Salt in Our Hair and Nomadic Matt. They offer amazing travel tips, photographs, and videos for every type of travel and budget.

There are also an endless number of travel books, for example Journey of a Lifetime, Destinations of a Lifetime and the Ultimate Travel List by Lonely Planet.

If you prefer travel videos, Rick Steves’ Europe YouTube Channel is an excellent source of inspiration. Rick Steves has been traveling for decades and also has an extensive library of some of the most popular destination book guides, including tips and travel hacks.

We are confident that through these resources, you will find the perfect destination for your next adventure.

RESEARCH ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE COUNTRY(S) YOU ARE VISITING

This is VERY important, you do not want to be denied boarding to your flight for not having the proper documentation, such as valid passport, entry visas, or corresponding vaccination status.

travel.state.gov is a great resource to help you understand the required entry information of any country you want to visit. Also pay close attention to the following items regarding international travel.

• Visa information and how many months of unexpired time do you need on your passport? Apply several months in advance for a new passport. If you already have one, it should be valid for at least six months after you return home.

• How many blank Passport pages are required? Most countries require that you have two or more blank pages, depending on your destination. Otherwise, some countries may not let you enter.

• Are vaccines or malaria pills required for entry? Requirements vary by region, and so does the level of enforcement.

BOOK YOUR FLIGHT(S)

You know where you are going, now it’s time to book your flights. A rule of thumb is purchasing your tickets approximately sixty days prior to your target departure date. We know it’s early on the planning stage however taking this step commits you to start the process and find the best airfare and itinerary options.

The following data from analysis by CheapAir could be a helpful resource.

• Domestic Flights: Book 30 to 60 days in advance.

• International Flights: Advance booking times for international destinations do vary by region. Here are some estimates:

  • Europe: 4 months in advance

  • Asia: 3 months in advance

  • South Pacific: 5 months in advance

  • Middle East: 5 months in advance

  • Africa: 5 months in advance

  • South America: 3 months in advance

Please remember that the lowest fare you find may not necessarily be the best deal.

Shop and compare airline itineraries, connection and layover times, fare conditions and baggage restrictions. Lastly, research the type of aircraft flown on your chosen route to determine comfort level and best seating options. When looking for a flight, we typically use Booking.com. They include a choice of the best option, the cheapest option and the fastest option, based on the criteria you picked.

CREATING A TRAVEL BUDGET

The following are key categories you’ll need to include in your Travel budget

• Transportation: These include flights and ground transportation such as trains, rental cars, taxis. Anything that gets you from point A to point B once you have arrived.

• Lodging: Hotels, Resorts, Guest Apartments, Bed & Breakfast, Youth Hostels, etc.

• Activities/Entertainment: Tours and Excursions

• Meals

• Miscellaneous Expenses: Shopping, Banking/ATM and Credit Card fees, Souvenirs

Create a spreadsheet to keep all your budget and other relevant information easily accessible, or if you prefer the old school method, write everything down.

We recommend our beautiful Travel Journals available on Amazon. These journals are fun and versatile to log all your beautiful travel memories.

DECIDING WHERE TO STAY

When booking your accommodations some of the things you should consider are, comfort level and amenities, proximity to airports, attractions, public transportation as well as the overall value.

There are many different stay options out there, and those available will vary based on your budget. Some examples include:

• Hotels

• Resorts & Villas

• Guest Apartments

• Bed & Breakfast

• Youth Hostels

Again, a great resource for finding the right place is Booking.com

Don't forget to keep safety and ease of getting around in mind.

PLAN YOUR DAILY LOGISTICS AND ORGANIZE YOUR TRIP DETAILS

As you plan out your activities make sure you consider logistics carefully. For example, planning your arrival in advance by understanding the costs associated with public transportation, taxis, where rental car pick up is located. This step will help avoid wasted time once you arrive at the airport.

Another important consideration is while planning your daily activities, determine timing, how long it will take you to get from one place to the next, and give yourself a buffer to help you prepare for whatever comes up, and also avoid missing out on fun things.

Lastly, organizing your trip details, this includes all your flights, lodging, and activities. It’s important you document everything and keep track of addresses where you will be staying, as well as your tours, excursions, any reservations that you have scheduled etc. As we mentioned earlier, you can create a spreadsheet to keep all your information in one place, you can write everything in your Travel Journals, or you can use an app, we like Wanderlog. One thing to remember, when you use apps and online software, be aware that if you have no internet access you may not be able to get the information right away.

LEARN WHAT TO EXPECT

Prior to embarking on your exploration of far away lands, do your research, have a basic understanding of the cultural norm. This has always been a welcoming experience for us when we travel to a new country. Things to consider are:

• Greetings - Knowing how to properly greet people in different countries is important.

• Language - Find the official language of the country you visit and practice a few basic phrases before your trip. This will help with basic communications.

• Dress Code - In some countries, it’s important to cover up in places such as churches, museums, etc. You may not be able to wear flip-flops to a museum, or you may not be able to wear shorts to visit a church.

There are other considerations, of course, these are just the basics. Be open-minded, don't forget you are a visitor, do your best to respecting the local customs.

WHAT TO PACK

Don't wait until the last minute to pack. Packing should ideally be done within the final week or days leading up to departure. The following are some things to consider while you are packing your bags.

• Seasonal Weather

• Trip Duration

• Planned Activities

• Packing Light & Smart

Stay tuned, our next article we'll have a list of travel essentials for a stress free holiday.

We hope you'll find our planning guidelines and recommendations valuable.

The PlaneNutElite crew loves flying to fun exciting destinations, and truly enjoy learning about different countries. We look forward to sharing more experiences with you.

Safe and Happy Travels!