“F” is For Fifteen Tips to Plan For Vacations Over 30 Days-Travel Tips & Tricks

As we prepare for our 42 day travel adventure, it occurs to me that getting ready for a long vacation is far different than preparing to leave town for a week. Being away from home and/or work for long stretches of time requires substantial planning.  For each extra week of adventure, there are more things to consider.  For each change in location there are more preparations to make.  One thing is certain, most trips over 30 days are going to need a little structure. There are many moving parts to long vacations, especially when they take place in foreign locations. There are reservations for flights, trains and buses.  There are accommodation arrangements to be made and cars to be rented.  There are visas, passports and sometimes vaccinations to obtain. There are questions to be asked about cultures, weather, rules and activities. There are financial considerations to make.  Having a big picture of the way you want things to go, will generally help you achieve the results you hope to gain. The goal to all planning is to eliminate as much potential stress as possible.  For me, this always begins with a dream, pencil and paper (or a computer) and an investment of time.

 

Here are 15 steps to help prepare for your own long adventure:

  1. Plan, plan, plan! This process can be a lot of work, but it is worth putting in the time and effort before your vacation.  You will see more  and experience more by having a general idea of what options you have available.
  • Daydream then set some travel goals. The vision might be as simple as creating memories and having fun.  If your goals are a little more complex (such as when my son wanted to hike Mt. Fuji), then you may need to consider your health, conditioning and the time of year you will travel. How energetic or quiet does the trip need to be? How rugged or refined do the accommodations need to be?  Goals may be different if you are traveling with children and/or elderly etc.
  • Decide where you want to go. Will you stay in one location or visit many cities?  Will you travel between countries and/or continents?  Does your destination fulfill your travel goals?
  • Map it out. It doesn’t make financial sense to hop over a city, or country, then return to it (unless you are doing a circular tour).  It doesn’t make sense to travel half way across the world and miss “that one location”, if a quick detour can take you there.  Many times it can be as simple as adding to a multiple stop plane or train ticket to add the destination while en route.  It can often be surprisingly economical and sometimes cost even less than purchasing a direct fare.
  • Pick a date. Start at least 6 months in advance. Many popular locations and activities are often booked out months in advance.  If you are taking time off of work, can you add national holidays and or weekends to the beginning or end of the trip to give you a few more days?
  • Set a budget. Long vacations may mean you lose income, plan for it.  Long vacations may require airfares, hotel expenses, transportation fees, restaurants etc, plan for it. Long vacations may require a new wardrobe, plan for it.  Adjust your plans, not your budget. Build a little cushion into the budget for unexpected emergencies.
  • Research airfares, train fares etc. Does moving your dates affect the pricing?  How often are flights available?  If a flight leaves only once a week and is cancelled, it will be another week before you will have an opportunity to leave.  Are there other airports in the vicinity?  If you miss a connection,  could you hire a car or take a train to get to a more serviced area?
  • Research visa and other requirements such as passports, vaccinations etc. Passports should be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates. Many locations require vaccination for things like malaria or yellow fever.  Sometimes these vaccinations need to be completed so many days in advance of travel.
  • Leaving home and/or work responsibilities, there is much to think about before departing on a long vacation. Who will handle your mail, take care of your pets and/or your home? How will you pay your bills or know if you have a power outage?  Will your phone and/or email work in another country? Plan, plan and plan some more.
  1. Start a travel notebook or file folder
  • In the many months leading up to your adventure, you are going to be writing and rewriting your plan. Having one place to gather details makes it simple to quickly locate the information. This organization allows you to brain dump as you are going through the planning process.  It is easy to move your plan around on paper. In time, this notebook will also be a great place to store confirmation numbers, insurance contracts, itineraries etc.  Your notebook keeps the entire process organized.
  1. Educate yourself.
  • Once you decide where you are going, gather as much information as possible. When planning for a long vacation I will scour You Tube, Trip Advisor, Pinterest, Google Maps and travel guides to glean as much as possible about the area I want to explore. This is how we might come to realize we don’t really want to rent a car in a difficult to drive city.  We might realize there is a cool cafe, then note that it is located within walking distance to a botanic garden or museum we are planning to visit.  By reading others comments and suggestions, I have been known to change the smallest of details.  I usually know which side of the bus or boat will give me the most panoramic views of a location.  I usually know if a sunset or sunrise will be more spectacular at a particularly beautiful location.  I usually know how safe an area is.  I can’t stress enough how important it is to educate yourself.  Some would argue that they just want to “discover” a place but this early research has always allowed us to see more, do more and experience more.   If you don’t know what is available, you don’t realize how much you can miss. If you know in advance that an area is prone to pickpockets, you can take many safety precautions in advance.
  • Try to gain an understanding of the country’s history, geography, customs, politics, and their approach to tourism. This shows a level of respect and will help you engage with the local people more. Having this up front knowledge also means that your trip will start off a bit smoother.
  • Figure out the best and worst seasons to visit. Are there certain holidays and festivals occurring around your planned travel days? Is this something which attracts you or would you rather avoid crowds?
  1. Make lists– Ask yourself tons of questions.
  • What cities do you want to visit? What do you want to experience (culture, architecture, museums, landscapes etc)?  What sites are there to see?
  • How will you get there? Is parking available if you are driving?  How difficult is traffic?  Is there an easier transportation method?  Are there discount coupons/passes available to reduce costs?  Do you require a special license to drive?
  • How are cultures different? How are they the same? Do you need head coverings to enter religious sites? Are women expected to dress or act differently than men?
  • What is the expected weather/temperature for the time of year you are traveling? Do you need special clothing for weather or cultural differences?  What activities will you participate in? Will you be hiking, biking, swimming etc which requires special clothing and/or footwear?
  • Do you need to shop before packing? Will you do laundry while you are on this trip?
  • What is the maximum weight and size restriction for luggage for every plane you are traveling on?  What other restrictions are there in your transportation mode or at your accommodations?  Constantly asking questions will allow you to build a plan.
  1. Check for Opening and Closing Times.
  • Is the attraction you want to see open all day? Is it open 7 days a week and/or at night?  What are the busiest times of day?
  • If you are using public transportation, do the busses and trains run all night?
  • If you are driving to a National park are the car parks open during the time you want to be hiking or exploring?
  1. Plan for complications-Flights get delayed. Luggage gets lost. Hotel and car rentals get cancelled.
  • Leave plenty of time between connecting flights.
  • Leave plenty of time to clear customs and security when transferring flights between countries (usually at least two hours is recommended).
  • If you are planning a cruise, always plan to arrive the day before it sets sail.
  • Always pack a spare pair of underwear, a toothbrush, prescription medication, some cash and a small snack in your carry on when flying. If your flight is delayed and/or your luggage lost you will have a few essentials to help.
  • Look for cancellation options with all reservations. If you are delayed or suddenly fall ill, this may offer the most financial protection.  If you decide you want to be more spontaneous in your adventures, having the option of cancelling reservations makes the entire process less complicated.
  • Purchase travel insurance. Of course we want to assume that nothing will go wrong, but it does happen. Luggage gets lost, purses get stolen, people get sick and injured. Believe me, when anything like that happens you’ll be happy you have travel insurance!
  1. Plan for safety– Part of a travel experience is to take the back roads and/or wander and just get lost, which you should do.  Surprises should always be part of the vacation, however understanding if an area is safe or not should never be.  Several times in my adventures, I have wandered just a block away from an attraction only to find myself in a drug infested slum and sometimes precarious situations. In my defense, most of these mishaps were before information was so readily available online.  Today, even a little research prevents this.
  • Research if there are high crime areas. What types of crime occur?  What, if any, precautions should be taken?
  • It is also really important to understand (and respect) cultural differences. Never assume that because a rule is one way in the country you are from, it will be the same in another country. Things we consider minor infractions in the USA (littering and jaywalking for example) may bring substantial penalties in foreign countries.
  • Review your government travel advisories for any country/location you will be visiting. These will often give you information regarding disease outbreaks, political instability and geographical disruptions (such as due to hurricanes etc).
  • Know where the embassy for your country is located.  If war or a major disaster suddenly breaks out, or if you lose your passport, this may be the only way to be repatriated.
  1. Plan your free time. I know, I know…this seems crazy After researching an area for safety, build the opportunity for unplanned discovery into your itinerary. If you have already mapped out the highlights you hope to visit, you will know about how much free time you should have left. By scheduling this free time in chunks around your “must see/do” itinerary, it allows you to still be surprised but ensures you have seen all which you set out to discover.
  2. Plan some down time-Rest and relaxation are especially important on long itinerary packed trips. Unless you are relaxing on a beach all day, you may be continuously moving and exploring.  Your brain may be filled by all the new information you are processing.  Sometimes you just need a bit of quiet.  Build these moments into your day/trip. Perhaps a little rest in your room, a coffee at a local café, sitting by the sea or pool, a picnic in a park and/or quietly watching a sunset can all be good ways to just unwind for a minute.
  3. Plan some nighttime activities-A city or location can have a completely different feel at night. If it is safe to do so, consider exploring during this time.
  4.  Make an itinerary
  • Once you have your plan, you can make an itinerary. The key to visiting a lot of locations is to not waste time.  You would be amazed at the amount of time which is wasted just by trying to figure out what to do next.
  • By planning your days, you will know about how much time to dedicate to each activity. You will know what time you will need to start a day, or when an attraction opens and closes. You will know if there is “extra” time and where/when to detour.
  1. Start packing-Yes, it may be a good idea to start thinking about what you need, as much as 6 months out.  Consider the following:
  • Will you need specialized clothing such as bathing suits or wet weather gear? Will you be able to purchase these items during your season of travel?  If I know I am traveling to a warm destination during the middle of my winter, I know I am going to have to purchase clothes quite a bit in advance of my trip!
  • Try on your clothes. What works, what needs repairing/replacing?
  • Will you need extra camera batteries, first aid kits etc?
  • Make a list of the extra items you need, then begin picking these things up early. This allows you to take advantage of sales and return things if they don’t fit.
  • Weigh your luggage as you get it packed. There is nothing worse than realizing your bags are overweight as you are rushing out the door. The more you do ahead of time, the less stressful it will be when it finally comes time to pack.
  1. Break in new shoes-If you will be purchasing new shoes, be sure to wear them regularly before traveling. Do they cause blisters or pinch? Would it be helpful to add liners, lifts or arch supports? It is easier to make changes before you need them.
  2. Make copies of important documents- If these documents are lost or stolen, they can be difficult to replace. Which may mean an end to your vacation.   Having a copy of these important documents stored with a family member or trusted friend, or on an encrypted flash drive (or all of the the above) will make the process much easier.
  • Passports/visas
  • Drivers License/photo id
  • Greencards
  • Credit cards
  • Insurance policies
  • Confirmation numbers
  1. Order local currency-Cash is king, no matter where you are visiting. Get it in small denominations.
  • If the power goes out, so do the ATM’s and credit card machines.
  • If your credit card gets frozen because you forgot to notify your bank that you were traveling, you will appreciate being able to get a meal/accommodation until you figure out what to do.
  • If your taxi, bus driver, or favorite coffee shop refuse to take credit, having these small bills available may be the difference in a good day or a complex day.
  • Many places won’t take credit cards, farmers markets, food trucks, craft stalls etc.  Keep your purchasing power by keeping cash on your person at all times.

 

“T” is for Tips and Tricks-ABC’s of Airline Travel

Here is a list of our best tips for airline travel:

  • When booking your flight, allow enough time between connecting flights. We usually strive for 1 ½ hours.  Generally this allows for minor delays.   If we are traveling internationally, these layovers may involve clearing customs and security.  In this case we allow between 2-2 1/2 hours layover because we must claim our bags and go through the security check all over again.   In either case, we look to see how many more “chances” there will be to catch another flight, if for some reason our connecting flight gets cancelled or delayed.
  • Choose your seat. I prefer knowing where I am going to sit.  I want to be with my family if possible.  My husband has very long legs, so he must always have an aisle seat.  If we can upgrade to gain a for a few more inches of legspace, we often do so.  Websites such as seat guru can often tell you the advantages and disadvantages to choosing certain seats.  Surprises such as finding you are sitting next to a bathroom, or that the seats don’t recline, can make travelling a very unpleasant experience.
  • Download airline/airport apps. These can help you see gate changes and flight delays.  The airport apps often offer layouts for each terminal.  Knowing where you are going if you are rushing can save precious minutes.
  • Purchase or borrow luggage which can be pulled or pushed. Carrying heavy bags when you are also having to run for a flight is never easy.  A backpack is also a good option.
  • Check size and weight restrictions of luggage before flying. Realizing you are 1 lb over the limit and getting charged an extra $50-$100 because of it is a sure fire way to start off on the wrong foot.  The same is true for oversize luggage. Many airlines have overall dimensions of luggage.  This is the length x width x depth.
  • Know how many pieces and what constitutes a personal item. Carry on luggage may be subjected size and weight restrictions.  Again, this helps to avoid those extra charges.   Some international flights are very specific about what constitutes a personal item.  Small commuter planes often don’t have the ability to store even regular size carry ons (see gate checking luggage).
  • Place a contact sheet and itinerary page inside each suitcase and carry on. This is usually the last thing I pack so that if the case is opened, it will be the first thing someone sees.   If my luggage is lost, this simple piece of paper will help reconnect me with my bags.
  • Label all luggage on the outside. Use a luggage tag, or one of the tie on pieces located at the check in desk.  For safety, your personal information should be covered (the tie on tags fold and tuck).  If you are shopping for luggage tags, look for the kind with a security flap.
  • Pack all prescriptions in original containers. Always carry your prescription medication in your carry on.  If this is not possible, make sure to have a few extra days of the medication in the carry on.
  • Pack your carry on as if you might need to gate check your case. Full flights often run out of overhead storage.  When this happens, the remaining passengers will be asked to gate check their luggage.  Always remove your id & passports and anything else of importance if you are asked to gate check.  Gate checked luggage is different than normal checked baggage.  The carry on items will be tagged and stored in a special location on the plane.  Ground crew will deliver the luggage to the walkway once the plane lands.  Unfortunately gate checked luggage is not tagged to move on to your next destination, so if there are challenges with the machines/people who are unloading it, it can make you late to catch your next flight since you must wait for this luggage.  This is what happened to about half the plane on our last flight, after the hydraulics broke on the lift which bring the bags up.  I have never seen so many angry people.
  • Having a foldable shopping bag packed on top of your luggage or in a side pocket is helpful. This can be a store bought pouch or a paper shopping bag.   If you are forced to gate check your carry on, this bag allows you to transfer your most needed items quickly, just remember this is going to go under the seat in front of you, so take only your essentials. *Always keep cash, ID, passports and prescriptions with you.
  • Before leaving for the airport, think about how you will dress.  Dress for speed. No underwire bras (they set off the alarm and almost guarantee a pat down).  Easy to remove jackets or cardigans are easier than those which need pulling over your head.  Slip off shoes ae easier than lace ups (remember to wear footies if you are not wearing socks, you don’t want to stand in that line barefoot…yuck).  *Always wear shoes you can run in…you never know when those gate changes are going to happen or when your flights make a connection very close.  If you want high heels or flip flops, carry them in the carry on and change once you reach your gate.
  • Dress in layers. Planes can be too hot and too cold.  Extra clothing can always double as a pillow.
  • Speaking of pillows, they do not count as luggage.  If you find you don’t have enough space in your carry on, you can put a coat, clothing or other soft items in a zippered pillow case.  This will serve multiple functions as you travel.
  • Arrive 2-3 hours before your flight is scheduled to depart. In large international airports, you may need every minute of this time to clear security.  Smaller airports may only need 1-1 1/2 hours.   If you find yourself with extra time, go shopping, get a bite to eat, look at art or hang out in a lounge but don’t stress yourself by arriving at the airport late.
  • If you are parking a car, write down your parking space number and/or take a photo with your cell phone.  You will thank me when you return.
  • Always carry some cash. If you become stranded at an airport or while en-route, there is never a guarantee that ATM’s and/or online credit card systems will be functioning. Depending on how far I am traveling, how many overlays I have and where I am going,  I usually carry enough to pay for a meal, a car rental and a hotel room.  (Generally about $50-$250).  There is a limit to how much cash can be carried (usually $10,000) , so make sure to declare it, especially if you are transiting between countries.  When declaring your cash, be sure to include travelers checks and cashiers checks.
  • Carry some food and snacks. If a flight is cancelled, you may find yourself overnighting in an airport.  Stores may be closed.  If a flight is delayed and sitting at a gate or on the tarmac, there will be no food/drink service.
  • Pack a USB charger. Our phones carry the equivalent of a computer these days.  They replace cameras, MP3 players and books.  They carry our calendars, address books, maps and more.  Having them functioning at all times can prevent a lot of stress. There are many ways to use up your battery on a cell phone…photos, reading,  listening to music and/or watching movies.  Having a USB charger allows you to recharge while waiting for a flight and/or if your flight is delayed.  The charger can often be used on the plane too.  Just toss one in the carry on, you will be happy you did!
  • Check in online when possible. This helps to prevent standing in line.
  • Pack liquids and gels in a see through quart sized zip lock bag. Place the bag towards the top of your carry on case or in an outside pocket for easy removal.  You will be asked to remove these if you do not have Global Entry.
  • Pack electronics toward the top of your carry on. You will be asked to remove these if you don’t have Global Entry.
  • Choose the furthest left queue in the security line, it is generally less busy.
  • Remove jewelry, belts and jackets before you get in line, or while standing in line. Don’t be “that” person who slows the process by not being ready to move through security.   All of these items can be placed inside luggage if you have room.  Otherwise follow the steps below:
  • Remove your passport and boarding pass (these are carried through the scanner).
  • Place jackets and coats in the first bin.
  • Place electronics (laptop, Ipads, Kindles etc) in  a separate bin.
  • Place shoes and wallet/purse and jewelry together in the last bin, that way you will never forget to pick up your wallet and valuables.
  • Send your luggage through the scanner.
  • Once past security, purchase or fill a water bottle. Hydration is the best way to combat jet lag and helps to prevent airborne illnesses.
  • Consider purchasing coffee or tea before boarding the plane. The water on the plane has been stored in large containers which are never cleaned.  This is the wate tea and coffee are made with.
  • Listen for announcements. It is easy to pass the time by plugging into headphones but miss the announcement of a gate change and you can be left running.
  • Watch for changes around the waiting area. Did everyone suddenly leave?  You better check the departure board.

 

When you have done all that you can to prepare, you can sit back knowing that you are ready for “almost” anything.  Enjoy your stress free vacation