Featured Image by ada_aj on Vecteezy . Transport Stock photos by Vecteezy
Hello Traveler’s and welcome to Blog That Travels! I’m so excited to have you here for my first-ever blog post, and I thought what better way to start us off than by going through finding what your goals are for travelling. Let’s face it, everyone travels differently, we all have unique personalities that make us want to explore the world in different ways and explore countries and cultures differently. Travel is not a one-size-fits-all approach, it takes time, planning, and budget and our own lived experiences shape our travel dreams. It may be something you want to do multiple times a year such as doing small trips multiple times a year, going on one big trip once a year, one trip every couple of years or becoming nomadic and exploring the world every day. All of it is completely fine and related to your unique journey. So let’s take a look at what we need to consider when planning our trip or looking into what we want to achieve from our travels.
1. Defining our travel goals.
Start by noting down what you want to experience or achieve during your travels. Are you seeking a more adventurous escape such as climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro, skiing in Switzerland or scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef? Maybe you want something more relaxing such as chilling on a beach in the Maldives or Bora Bora, or staying at a luxury resort in Dubai. Some travellers love to be ingrained in the culture of the country they are visiting for instance, visiting a Balinese village, learning about their rice fields, chatting with local farmers or learning how they make their coffee. However, the one goal I always find myself going back to is personal growth. Personal Growth is so important for everyone and what’s amazing about this travel goal is that everyone is unique with different lived experiences that make personal growth that much more interesting. This can include places that may have significant meaning for you and your lived experience. No matter what your travel goals are, having a clear idea of what you hope to achieve while travelling will certainly be a clear start to your planning.
2. Consider Your Budget
Now this is probably the most important thing you need to consider when travelling since it will be the basis of what you can see, do and explore. It’s important when planning for your budget to be realistic about your expectations. If you want to stay at a luxury resort in Dubai, but you are using more than half of your budget to do this, then maybe opt for a more affordable option. Start off by having a general idea in mind of how much you want to spend on the entire trip. After this it’s best to research different flights, the time you want to spend at the destination, transportation, hotels and how much your experiences will cost. Another important note when planning your budget is to be mindful of emergency funds. Your emergency fund may differ from country to country but I always like to calculate $50 per day, so if I’m travelling for two weeks I’ll know to save $840 for emergencies. Another top tip when completing your travel budget is to factor in grabbing some travel insurance for your trip but you will probably end up saving if something goes wrong such as lost luggage or a trip to the emergency room. Trust me, you don’t want to be paying $2000 for visiting the emergency room in America.
Top Tip: Always check that costs for experiences and hotels are based in your home currency for easy calculation.
3. Assess your Interests and Preferences.
Note down a couple of things that interest you, it could be visiting famous landmarks or walking through busy cities. Having a clear idea of what interests you will ensure that you are getting the most out of your trip. Also consider if you prefer to travel solo, with a loved one, or on a group trip with friends or group tours such as Contiki. Also, assess how comfortable you feel when you are placed out of your comfort zone. Are you able to communicate in a foreign country, learn their laws, meet new people or navigate unfamiliar environments? Knowing your comfort level will help you plan out places that align with youthful values and preferences.
4. Do your Research!
So you’ve booked your trip to Thailand in mid-June. The hotel has been booked, but when you explore some experiences you realise it is monsoon season and most experiences have been altered or cancelled altogether. Not only is your trip partially ruined but you’ve now been stuck trying to see if you can change your itinerary around to suit your interests. The best thing you can do when deciding on a destination is to RESEARCH! Consider factors such as climate, the overall safety of the country, local customs, and if you will need a Visa to enter the country. Read up on travel blogs or online forums. Speak to family or friends who visited that destination about what they recommend, you may find a hidden gem that the interest isn’t telling you about!
5. Stay Flexible
While planning is the best way to get the most out of your trip, we all know that sometimes things can go wrong. Missed flights, transportation not turning up, missing luggage or cancelled experiences, we know it can be irritating but have a little plan B in case things go wrong. The best way to do that is to expect the unexpected, sometimes the most spontaneous things turn out to be memorable travel experiences.
Ultimately, what’s right for you when travelling is a deeply personal decision influenced by your individual preferences, priorities, and circumstances. By taking the time to understand yourself and your travel goals, you can plan trips that are fulfilling, enriching, and tailored to your unique needs.
Blog That Travels xx