What does it take to ensure you have the perfect holiday? The hard work has to be done before you leave and much of it before you make any bookings. The secret is planning, planning, and even more planning
Admittedly, some people can just pack their bags, pick a destination out of the hat and have the most amazing holiday experiences ever.
Unfortunately, not many of us are gifted with such luck. For the vast majority of holidaymakers, the secret to having a holiday you love comes down to planning. If you’re new to the world of travel planning, the following tips are going to be a blessing.
It doesn’t matter whether your travelling with children, planning a romantic anniversary celebration or taking your partner on a city break. You deserve the best time away possible and to come home with lots of priceless memories.
Choose your destination
The actual destination you choose is going to depend on your personal circumstances. Your time or your budget might be limited. You could be travelling alone, with a group of friends or family. The time of year that you go could be flexible or set in stone due to work commitments. There is also the option of how far you want to travel and whether a ‘staycation’ is a better option. Whatever your limitations, choosing your holiday destination is always the first step. Once you’ve decided whether you want to experience Greece holidays, a trek up the Himalayas or a break in the UK’s capital city of London, you can get on with the rest of your planning.
When do you want to travel?
To get the best possible deal on your travel, you need to be flexible, but you also need to be able to book in advance. However, if you’re stuck on a specific date, then you’ll have to travel the cheapest way you can.
There are three things to consider if you want to find the best time to travel. Avoid peak season as this is always going to be the most expensive. It’s the time of the year when most tourists visit specific locations, so travel companies are bound to charge the highest prices. Off-peak season is an excellent time to travel because you’re more likely to find affordable flights. However, you might find the weather is not at its best. If you decide to travel in between these seasons, you’ll get the best of both worlds!
Finding the right kind of accommodation
Your options are almost endless. There are likely to be a number of both large and small hotels in your chosen destination. Resorts are another popular choice, particularly for families. If you want to enjoy a spot of luxury and enjoy being able to sit poolside and not have to worry about booking a seat, then a quality villa is the answer. There are fantastic deals to be found if you know where to look!
How to get around
When you’re planning your trip, you need to consider how you’re going to get around. There will be more opportunities for creating memories if you spend some time looking around the area rather than lying on the beach or by the pool for the duration of your holiday. Are you up for the challenge of using public transport or would it be better if you hired a car? To save yourself time and stress, it’s far better if you research the different options before you leave. For example the London to Stonehenge tour is an absolute winner.
What are you going to see and do?
This is something else you need to plan, or you’re going to miss out on some of the best attractions. It’s also a good idea if you’re planning to travel during the peak season because you might be able to book tickets for certain places in advance. In some cities, for example, there are special deals that mean you get to jump the queue. Always a better option when there is a mile-long queue for the Eiffel Tower, for instance. Make a list of places to eat, day trips to take, city tours, best walks and parks and playgrounds in the area.
Next time you’re thinking about taking a holiday, spend some time on the planning, and you won’t regret it. It means you’ll be able to find some great deals, you won’t miss any attractions, and you’ll be confident you’ve picked the best time to travel. It also builds up the anticipation for your trip.
