Planning Your Big Trip: Key Steps and Tips
When you begin planning a big trip, the process can seem overwhelming. However, with some strategic planning and organization, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey. In this article, we'll explore the essential steps and tips for both domestic and international travel.
Transportation and Accommodation
Two of the most critical aspects of any travel plan are transportation and accommodation. For many, flight and hotel booking are the first things that come to mind. I recently had the opportunity to travel to New Zealand and Canada, where I booked flights in advance and rented a car to drive around. However, this approach may not be suitable for everyone. In Germany, for instance, you'd likely need to have booked and paid for your accommodation in advance due to visa requirements.
In Toronto, I started my trip by booking a hotel room at the Sheraton Airport Hotel. This provided a comfortable place to lay my head after a long flight. For the following days, I opted for smaller hotels in the city center, which were more convenient for exploring. Before setting off, I bought some local maps and rented a car for a 10-day journey, making stops along the way. In New Zealand, a similar process was followed, highlighting the versatility of these strategies.
Differences Between Domestic and Overseas Travel
Domestic travel in Australia and overseas can have distinct differences. In Australia, unless you're in one of the state capitals, car travel is often the norm. If you're planning a campervan trip, it's wise to have a rough route planned, allowing for the flexibility of choosing good campsites. Otherwise, you can book accommodation through Airbnb or other travel websites for last-minute deals.
When you're overseas, accommodation is a priority, particularly because it's crucial to have a place to sleep without worrying about lugging your luggage around after a long day of travel. After sorting out my flights, my accommodation was the next order of business. Ideally, it should be close to public transportation or in a central area in the city. For transportation, I first reserved an airport transfer, no matter how small, to make the transition from the airport to my accommodation as seamless as possible. This includes knowing where to buy tickets, whether the bus accepts cash or only coins, and how to access the bus stop.
Additional Tips for a Smooth Trip
Once the more pressing issues are resolved, it's time to plan your activities. Tours, exploring, visiting the zoo, or visiting wineries are popular options. Even free walking tours can be valuable for getting oriented and getting tips from local guides on safety and other practical matters.
Google Maps is an invaluable tool for finding local transport stops, linking to transport information, and finding the right route to your destination. Timetables can also be found through Google Maps. Don't forget to look up tourism websites as they often have it all. I prefer using HereMaps on my phone for navigation as it's more discreet compared to a traditional map that might make you look like a tourist.
In terms of accommodation, mainstream hotel sites like WOTIF can be used in countries like Vietnam, which may be cheap for Australians. However, it's a good idea to check reviews on TripAdvisor for legitimacy. Booking directly with the hotel can also support small businesses and often results in better rates.
Before booking an international flight, it's wise to check Smart Traveller for safety information, which can provide critical information not always covered in the news. Lonely Planet also offers great books and online guides, and Instagram can be a useful visual guide, but it's important to verify information and not rely solely on it. YouTube is another fantastic resource, offering language guides and other practical tips.
The last tip is to talk to locals. Ask for advice on what to see, ensure it's safe, and how to travel best. Finally, don't forget to take the time to rest and recharge, as traveling can be physically and mentally exhausting.
By following these steps and tips, you can make the most of your big trip, whether it's a short jaunt around Australia or a longer expedition overseas.