How to travel easy
September 21st 2007 22:49
What is travelling easy? It's not exactly a question with black and white answers. The first tip for easier travel is to look at what type of traveller you are. Easy is a relative word and means different things to different people, so lets start by looking into what you want out of your travels.
1. I don't want to have to research and plan my trip myself:
I WANT TO BE COMFORTABLE
If you are the type of traveller who wants no hassles and to be as comfortable as you can, then try going with a tour group. Travelling cannot be any easier with a fitted itinerary, having a guide to take you around, have all your accommodation, meals and transport taken care of. All you need to do is to pay the fee and sit back to enjoy the ride.
A good example of this type of travel is the Trafalgar tours.
I WANT TO EXPLORE
If you want to explore a little bit more, but still would like someone take care of your itinerary for you, then join a tour group that offers cycling, trekking and more active itineraries. A great company that does this is the Intrepid group. They allow more off the beaten track travels and less luxurious accommodation options.
2. I want to do my trips independently, I don't like tour groups
If you are like me who despise the idea of having to hangout with the same people for a long period of the time, and want to be a solo traveller, then you have to make sure you do your research.
To make your trip a lot easier, in terms of getting around, finding the right places and having a bed to sleep in, make sure you start your research early. Find out everything about where you are going, and if you can, start booking accommodations and transport, especially if you are travelling in peak season. Find out how to get from place to place - with Internet these days, it's all very easy. It helps to know a few local people, so ask around. Do you know anyone from the country you are going to? No? Then try websites such as Hospitalityclub.org and Lonely Planet’s Thorntree Forum gives you a place to answer your questions. Make sure to find out where the dodgy places are so you can avoid them.
* GENERAL *
No matter which option you choose from the above, golden rules to easy travel is to know the country and be prepared for the unexpected. Always keep an open mind and remember you are no longer in your own country so have respect for the local customs. Learn a little bit of the local language if you can, even if it's a simple 'hello', 'thank you' and 'good bye', it helps to let the locals know you are not just an arrogant tourist - a little bit of respect can get you a long way!
A good guidebook and tell you a lot more than just the destinations. Lonely Planet and Rough Guides both have culture, traditions, politics, language and climate information along with their destination pieces. Newspaper travel sections sometimes also have good personal accounts on places others have been to.
Pack light. When you are travelling, you don't need to have your entire wardrobe with you. Ditch the stilettos and those good looking mini skirts; you also don't need all your cosmetic bottles. You would actually regret it more if you lose them, damage them or have them stolen, they are better off at home.
Bring a book - this helps ease the discomfort on long haul flights and bus/train rides.
Also - before you depart make sure you find out what vaccinations you need for the destination you are heading to, as well as getting some travel insurance. It doesn't hurt to be prepared, to avoid a lot more cost and suffering should anything do happen!
Happy travelling!
1. I don't want to have to research and plan my trip myself:
I WANT TO BE COMFORTABLE
If you are the type of traveller who wants no hassles and to be as comfortable as you can, then try going with a tour group. Travelling cannot be any easier with a fitted itinerary, having a guide to take you around, have all your accommodation, meals and transport taken care of. All you need to do is to pay the fee and sit back to enjoy the ride.
A good example of this type of travel is the Trafalgar tours.
I WANT TO EXPLORE
If you want to explore a little bit more, but still would like someone take care of your itinerary for you, then join a tour group that offers cycling, trekking and more active itineraries. A great company that does this is the Intrepid group. They allow more off the beaten track travels and less luxurious accommodation options.
Pack light!
2. I want to do my trips independently, I don't like tour groups
If you are like me who despise the idea of having to hangout with the same people for a long period of the time, and want to be a solo traveller, then you have to make sure you do your research.
To make your trip a lot easier, in terms of getting around, finding the right places and having a bed to sleep in, make sure you start your research early. Find out everything about where you are going, and if you can, start booking accommodations and transport, especially if you are travelling in peak season. Find out how to get from place to place - with Internet these days, it's all very easy. It helps to know a few local people, so ask around. Do you know anyone from the country you are going to? No? Then try websites such as Hospitalityclub.org and Lonely Planet’s Thorntree Forum gives you a place to answer your questions. Make sure to find out where the dodgy places are so you can avoid them.
* GENERAL *
No matter which option you choose from the above, golden rules to easy travel is to know the country and be prepared for the unexpected. Always keep an open mind and remember you are no longer in your own country so have respect for the local customs. Learn a little bit of the local language if you can, even if it's a simple 'hello', 'thank you' and 'good bye', it helps to let the locals know you are not just an arrogant tourist - a little bit of respect can get you a long way!
A good guidebook and tell you a lot more than just the destinations. Lonely Planet and Rough Guides both have culture, traditions, politics, language and climate information along with their destination pieces. Newspaper travel sections sometimes also have good personal accounts on places others have been to.
A good guide book can help you along the way
Pack light. When you are travelling, you don't need to have your entire wardrobe with you. Ditch the stilettos and those good looking mini skirts; you also don't need all your cosmetic bottles. You would actually regret it more if you lose them, damage them or have them stolen, they are better off at home.
Bring a book - this helps ease the discomfort on long haul flights and bus/train rides.
Also - before you depart make sure you find out what vaccinations you need for the destination you are heading to, as well as getting some travel insurance. It doesn't hurt to be prepared, to avoid a lot more cost and suffering should anything do happen!
Happy travelling!
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Comment by Mrs M
Mum's Word
Great post.
Love & stuff
Mrs M
Comment by AmyHuang
Project Job Search
Travel Debate
Travel String
Love Adventures
Yes, sorry I think I might have left the families out of the equation...
Amy