Most people travel to some degree or another for vacation or work. Whether you travel a lot or just an odd vacation, you will want to make sure you get the best deal on your travel. Here are 10 steps to travel stress-free.
Step 1– Choose a Location:
Be clear on exactly where you want to go? Don’t just say, “I want to visit Texas”; instead, say, “I want to visit Dallas, Texas” (or wherever you want to visit).
Step 2– Is a Passport/Visa Required
Does your dream location require a visa or passport? Go to your local post office and ask for an application. (Tip: Don’t pay any fees yet, write down how much the process will cost and fill out the application)
Step 3- Choose your Transportation
Research 3 quotes for how much it will cost to commute from your current city to your destination.
Flying to your Destination
1. Book your flight in advance. Book ahead if you know you will be flying somewhere months before your actual trip. Many airlines will offer discounts to those who book a month or more before their actual flight. You can also use the months leading up to keep tabs on the various competing airlines, as prices can fluctuate significantly as the different companies get into Airline price wars, driving overall costs down.
2. Be flexible. If you are going to be traveling somewhere, try to be as flexible as possible. What day you fly on, or even what time of the day can significantly affect your prices. If you book a flight during off days where people do not want to travel, as well as times when people do not travel, you can get huge discounts. It is a little more cumbersome, so many people do not do it, but it is a great way to save yourself a little extra money.
3. Check for upgrades. Many airline companies will offer a variety of deal packages and upgrades that most travelers are not aware of. For example, active military personnel often get a discount on many flights. Other such great deals can be out there if you go looking, so you can save yourself even more money with just a bit of investigative work.
4. Bundle up. This is a more common approach to getting a good deal on your airline, as I am sure you have seen Ads telling you to bundle up your services. But it is true if you bundle up your hotel, rental car, and flight, you can often save more money than if you had paid for each one separately. If you are going to be using these things anyway, why not take the cheaper approach?
Driving to your destination
With the current cost of gas, it doesn’t make sense to even drive out of the driveway; however, if you choose to drive and make your vacation a road trip, then you’ll need to factor in the following cost:
- Cost of Rental
- Gas
- Rental Insurance
- Extra Driver Fee (If Applicable)
- Tolls (If Applicable)
Bus or train to your destination
Most people opt out of taking trains or buses to go long distances because it can sometimes take days to get there vs. hours on a plane or car. If traveling via train or bus is your thing, consider the following cost:
- Cost of ticket
- Cost of Baggage
- Transportation to and from the station
Step 4– Where do you want to stay
- Hotel: Write down everything you want at your accommodation (pool, sauna, business center, wi-fi, breakfast, happy hour, snack bar, restaurant, free local shuttle, etc.). Next, go to your search engine and apply your wants in the filter. (*Write down your top 3 places and prices)
- Air B&B (*Write down your top 3 places and prices)
- Family/Friends House
- Hostel (*Write down your top 3 places and prices)
Step 5- Attractions
Write down the top 3 reasons you want to visit your destination:
- beaches
- clubs
- museums
- sports
- historical landmarks
- festivals
- mountains, etc.
Research those places specifically and write down the prices.
Step 6– Food Allowance
Determine how much a day you want to spend on food by giving a minimum and maximum number. (Hint: Places like Hawaii are rare to find quality cheap meals)
Step 7– Local Transportation
Write down how you will get around your destination once you arrive:
- By foot
- Car
- Hotel shuttle
- City bus
- City train or subway,
- Uber
- Lyft
- Family/friend)
- Ferry (If Applicable)
Step 8– Approximate Your Total Vacation
- Step 1:Total for Passports/Visa+Transportation to Destination =Total 1
- Step 2: Top pick for Accommodation + Total for Top 3 picks for Attractions= Total 2
- Step 3: Average for Food Allowance (minimum+ maximum/2) + Top choice for Local Transportation= Total 3
- Step 4: Total 1+Total 2+ Total 3 =Total per person
- Step 5: Total for Accommodation x # of days x # of people traveling
- Step 6: Total cost of the vacation= Total for the entire vacation
#9– Set a Date
Write this date/s on your calendar (Best to schedule at least three months in advance)
#10– Take Plenty of Pictures
Gone are the days of buying people little trinkets from your travels that they never really appreciate. Be sure to take plenty of pictures that you can show on social media or create cool postcards, magnets, etc., that will be more thoughtful.
I hope these 10 steps to travel stress-free will help you plan your next vacation.
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