How to Plan for the Trip of a Lifetime

So, you’ve decided to take the plunge and book that big trip away—you know, the one that you’ve been dreaming about for years? Whether it’s canoeing down the Amazon river, sauntering down the Las Vegas Strip, or watching the Northern Lights, now it’s a reality—and the worry is starting to set in about how you will afford it, keep everyone happy along the way, and manage to make the most out of the experience.

But there’s no need to fret! Even if your departure date is fast approaching, there are plenty of tips and tricks that you can use to make sure that your holiday remains low in cost, high in excitement and stress-free. Be prepared to bag some bargains as you plan your way to the trip of a lifetime.

 Photo by Jordan Sanchez, CC0 1.0

Preparing the right things for your trip

Preparation is key. You don’t want to be already at the airport when you realize that you’ve left your phone charging at home. To avoid forgetting stuff, make a list of items to pack, and get them loaded in your suitcase a day or two before your flight. Use the list to cross-check your pack the night before your flight.

Long economy flights on cramped seats can do a number on your legs and body. By the time you alight the plane, you may be too tired or in too much pain to explore. Prevent or reduce leg pain and swelling caused by long travel by wearing compression socks. Also, wear comfortable shoes and clothes, and bring a travel pillow so you can be more comfortable during your flight.

Be Booking Savvy

Whether it’s flights, hotels or activities, make sure that you book wisely rather than opting for the flashiest deals that seem to offer the most, but that—in reality—could end up costing you more.

Let’s take flights as an example. Websites like Skyscanner do all the hard work for you, tracking down the best options using the dates and times that suit you and presenting you with easy-to-read information. However, you’ve got to watch out for one sneaky trick that many comparison sites use—the more times that you search for a particular flight through your browser, the more the price will gradually increase over time. To avoid spending the extra cash at this early stage, be sure to search using your browser’s incognito or private mode.

Once you’ve got this particular setback sorted out, it’s time to consider other money-saving tips. Whilst many of us are somewhat confined to holidaying at certain times of the year due to work, university schedules, or household obligations, it is always worth utilising whatever flexibility you have. If there’s a national festival or holiday season happening in your destination country, then try to avoid that time of year, as both travel and accommodation will be busier and more expensive. If it’s possible for you to journey to a different airport for departure, then see whether prices change significantly between the two locations. Little adjustments like this can have a big impact on your budget.

 Photo by Link Hoang, CC0 1.0

Holiday Mode

Once you arrive at your dream destination, you’re going to want to throw all your carefully-laid plans out of the window. The need to relax into your vacation will begin to take over, and you’ll be in danger of blowing your budget in the first few days. Of course, it is important to unwind whilst you’re away, but just make sure that you’re still spending sensibly.

A city break can hold more temptation and opportunity to overspend than any other holiday, particularly when you’re staying somewhere as flashy as Las Vegas. However, there are plenty of ways to save money whilst travelling in Vegas; you just have to be clued up about them. It’s not always possible to plan every last detail before you get on the plane, but it’s a great idea to be informed about where you can easily eat, sleep and visit whilst in a large group and on a budget. One way to save on your entertainment expenses is by checking out half price Las Vegas show tickets from https://vegaslens.com/discount/shows-tickets/half-price/.

Use the time difference to your advantage and choose to eat during the quieter periods of the day. By moving mealtimes to slightly less-popular hours, you’ll miss the mad rush that typically takes place around standard lunch and dinner times. Another top tip is to take advantage of what’s on offer at your chosen destination. Is it a place that offers plenty of buffet style restaurants? Or is it a country replete with fresh farmers’ markets and local produce? Do the supermarkets cut prices at the end of the day? Eating like the locals do will help you save pennies as well as giving you a true taste of the country that you’re staying in.

Check out these packing tips to make sure that everybody is ready before the big date, and you’ll be ready to go. Bon voyage!