Ever sat there, the day before a trip (whether it’s a quick break in the sunshine or a longer backpacking adventure) and been mind-boggled about where to actually begin?
Me too – but after taking many across the globe, I’ve streamlined my travel preparation so I now have a handy tick list to go through every time I travel.
So, in this article, I’ve put together all of my strategies to get organised effectively before my trip, with everything from my travel budget, the importance of holiday insurance and health precautions.
Let’s dive in!
Find the best deals
First up, let’s try to save some money by finding the best deals! Generally, it’s best to book flights 2-3 months before the trip. But, if you are booking last minute, websites like The Flight Deal and Secret Flying are excellent resources for finding cheap flights and error fares.
For hotel bookings, TripAdvisor and Booking.com are excellent for comparing different accommodations. I typically stick to Booking.com and am a part of their Genius programme, which gives me extra perks and money off many bookings.
Sometimes, you might find that it’s advantageous to book flights and accommodations together – it can mean significant savings!
One more tip: if you travel a lot and don’t have a history of debt, consider using an AMEX or (if you’re based in the UK) a Barclaycard Avios card to make your pre-holiday purchases. You can earn Avios points for every £1 you spend, and they really add up!
Consider currency exchange
One of the best ways you can manage your travel budget is to not get stung by bad conversion rates or excessive ATM fees.
If you want to get some cash before you go, shop around at a few places and remember that sometimes, ordering currency in in large amounts gets you better rates. Avoid changing money at an airport!
If you’re in the UK, I highly recommend Monzo. This is a virtual bank with no fees when you use the card abroad. You can also withdraw up to £200 fee-free. If you’re based elsewhere, there should be an alternative!
In most countries in the world, I’d highly recommend having some US dollars on hand for emergencies. However, if you’re in Europe, North or West Africa Euros are more favourable.
Plan to save on food, accommodation and transport
There are a number of ways that you can decrease your accommodation and transport costs when you’re travelling. Of course, this depends on your travel style – but you might find that you could adopt a few of these to easily save some money.
- Accommodation: Consider hotels or family-run guesthouses (which are typically more authentic and local!)
- Transport: Look at taking buses over coaches: in Europe, Flixbus is very popular and reliable. If you’re taking lots of trains, look at Eurail passes to see if they suit. Rideshare apps like BlaBlaCar can also offer cost-effective alternatives for getting around.
- Food: When I’m travelling around Europe, I usually only eat out for one meal per day. For breakfast, I’ll either eat at my accommodation or grab a pastry, and for lunch I’ll usually make sandwiches. This saves a lot on food!
Purchase travel insurance
If you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel.
Travel insurance provides coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage and unexpected events.
Compare policies to find one that suits their needs and ensure it covers the full length of their trip and all planned activities (for example, sometimes skiing and scuba diving cost extra).
Ensure you have vaccinations and medications
Depending on the destination, certain vaccinations or preventative medications may be necessary.
If you’re travelling to Africa, Asia or Latin America, consult a healthcare provider or travel clinic at least 6 to 8 weeks before departure.
Some vaccines require multiple doses over several weeks. Also, don’t forget to ensure that your routine vaccinations are up-to-date!
Make a note of emergency contact information
One of my top staying safe tips is to ensure you have emergency contact information accessible wherever you are.
Create a document with information for the hotel, local authorities, embassy or consulate and insurance provider.
These contacts can be invaluable in case of emergencies and can save a lot of time!
Pack right
Now it’s time to pack for your trip! Here are a few specific items I always bring to enhance your trip:
- Portable powerbank to ensure your devices stay charged during long journeys
- Multi-country power adapters
- Bluetooth headphones (I use over-ear headphones these days – they’re less likely to get lost and reduce background noise more!)
- 100ml bottles to decant liquids into for hand luggage
Work out how you’ll stay connected
To avoid hefty roaming charges, turn off roaming when abroad. Nearly all hotels and restaurants have WiFi these days, but purchasing an eSIM or local SIM card provides access to local rates for data and calls.
So, are you ready for a trip of a lifetime?
By following these steps, you can ensure that the lead-up to your trip is hassle-free.
So tick them off, relax and enjoy your trip!
