So you wish to put your travel shoes on again? Want to globe-trot and see cultures, customs and traditions very different from your’s? Feel like meeting new people and exploring new landscapes that nature has to offer? Indeed, there is no better joy than travelling! Right from the planning stage to the actual travel experience leaves such a deep impression on one’s mind and teaches you a whole new things that it changes at times your very approach towards life. This write-up will hopefully give you some insight on what needs to be done to fulfil this insatiable need that some of us have!
Very often if you are a lone traveller, you tend to feel a little homesick of unconnected with international calling costing a bomb. However, with technology at your behest you can now stay connected at all times and give your folks back home some peace of mind. Try new calling cards and free calling options from your laptop. If you are a lady travelling or backpacking alone, this is a must as it ensures safety and connectivity while you are on your toes. If you are travelling in a group, safety is not much of a concern, nor is connectivity as long as one person in the group carries a cell phone or has a laptop with VOIP options. All you need to do is find an Internet hotspot close by and the rest is taken care of. Preparing an itinerary is a must when you think of travelling whether locally or even more so, internationally. You could search for all the information you need on lonely planet. Their website offers exhaustive information and so do their travel guides. It is essential to take into account the likes and dislikes of all, if you are moving in company. Have activities that all will enjoy and you must ensure some adventure if you have kids on board!
Once the destination is finalised, you need to put in place all travel documents and start making arrangements for that extra cash. Remember, when you are travelling, uncalled for expenses are very frequent and very often you will end yourself in a soup if you do not have suitable arrangements made to the effect. Take care of all the visa formalities much in advance so that it does not become a headache at the last minute. Prepare a check list of all the items to be taken with you and make sure you have all the shopping done with sufficient time left to pack.
A few things to remember while on your toes are – always carry your passports on you, even when you are sight-seeing as it is always safer to have them on you instead of leaving them at hotels. If you have not booked your accommodation in advance, go to the local municipal tourist office and they will provide you with all the information required in terms of places to visit, visiting hours for popular tourist destinations etc. You can also get maps and plan your travel whilst on the move. Sometimes, it is better to go for package travel deals if you are travelling in a sizeable number as you might avail yourself of a lot of discounts.
And last but not the least; do not forget to take your camera and batteries along! You must not let these moments go uncaptured as there is nothing better than having a sip of coffee and looking at your beautiful collections of memories together years and years later!