Have you ever jumped off a plane without a parachute?
Of course not – that would be bad planning. When traveling, it is important for even the most accomplished globetrotter to have a plan – or to pack a proverbial parachute. It’s okay to want to “give it wings” or let the breeze take you where it likes, but at the end of the day, no matter how adventurous you are, having a compass that is yours is a good idea Travel directs. Too much structure and planning can stifle the creativity of your trip, but not enough can lead to endless frustration, wasted time and money, and in some cases even dangerous. Finding the right balance between flying in the seat of your pants and doing intensive research is a recipe for a great time. Here are six essential resources to get just the right amount of structure ready for the next time you travel.
Book cheap flights
Do you enjoy paying top dollar for your flights? Neither do I. This is where choosing the right website or app comes into play. Booking direct with the airline will almost certainly cost you more than contacting a third party. These third party websites scour the entire internet to find the best possible price for your flight in seconds. Most of the interfaces are very easy to use. You just enter your date and destination and watch the options roll out. Three of the best resources for booking flights are Skyscanner, Momondo and Google Flights.
Find the best accommodations
If you’re going on a camping trip and have a rooftop tent, you’re ready and this doesn’t apply to you. But for the rest of us, much like finding the best price for your flight, you will most likely want to repeat the process of finding your accommodation. You’re lucky. There are tons of apps out there to help you search the web and find the best deals on a room, no matter what country you’re traveling to. If you choose the hotel or hostel route, you can’t go wrong with sites like booking.com, hotels.com and trivago.com. Each of these results provide similar results to ensure you are getting the most bang for your buck. Your other option, which is becoming increasingly popular, especially for long-term stays, is booking Airbnb or VRBO. These websites allow you to connect with the host, read previous reviews, and view dozens of photos in the square.
Travel insurance
Traveling without insurance is about as bad as skydiving without a parachute. Even if you are young, healthy, and athletic, accidents can happen to anyone. You could fall off yours Car holder for bike Get bitten by a poisonous spider in Australia in Vietnam or undergo emergency gallbladder surgery in Singapore. Anything can happen while out and about, so you want to be prepared. Earning a few dollars a day on travel insurance is much better than stuck on a hospital bill for several thousand dollars. Two amazing companies that you can’t go wrong with are Security wing and world nomads.
Travel equipment
With so much amazing gear and gadgets on the market today, it’s easy to prepare for the adventure of a lifetime with a few toys that will make your trip safer, more comfortable, and more fun. No matter what your destination, you are bound to find an accessory or two that will go perfectly with your trip. Check this blog for some inspiration.
Tour groups and forums
It’s great to get insights from people who are currently living or have been in your future destination. You can find amazing cutting edge tips from locals and tourists to keep you updated. These people have their finger on the pulse and you really will get your information right out of the horse’s mouth. It is a great idea to join a Facebook group for the city you are going to visit. You can also find forums through Lonely planet, and Fodors.
Restaurant reviews
One of the best things about traveling is experiencing the local food. You can get great culinary tips through local Facebook groups and Instagram posts. However, your best bet is to visit a website like Trip Advisor. You will find thousands of comprehensive reviews of the local restaurants in the city of your choice. Whether you are looking for a hidden gem or a Michelin-caliber meal, you will find it there. It’s also a good idea to read travel blogger recommendations, which can be made with a simple Google search.
Conclusion
The daring and brave can be tempting to throw planning out the window and go with the flow. That sounds like a fun idea until you’re stuck in a seedy new town with no shelter or food poisoning at a restaurant that with a little research you could have avoided. It’s always nice to have a plan, even if it’s just an overview, to give yourself a little structure. Be free and adventurous, but also be responsible by equipping yourself with a bit of research and knowledge along the way.
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