For most people planning a trip is daunting but for me it’s the best part. I love planning my trips. As like most of you who only get 3 week vacations each year, you want to see the most. Not only that you also want to do it on a budget.
Seasoned travelers have their routine and who they use. For those of you just retiring or maybe you finally got the travel bug, here are some recommendations to help you plan your next trip.
Choosing Your Destination
Knowing where you want to go is where to start. Need some inspiration check out the places I have been.
I have based 2 of my vacations (Portugal and Costa Rica) on cheap flights. Thailand was for the Lantern Festival. South Africa was to visit friends from the cruise ships and to do a Safari.
So if you don’t care where you go look for flight deals or hotel deals. This will save you so much since these are the two most expensive costs for travel.
Booking Flights
GOOGLE FLIGHTS : This is usually the first place I come to. The reason for that is it does give you some of the best offers. It also give me what Airlines are common on that path. There are times, such as my Thailand trip, that I was able to get the flight cheaper going direct with the airline.
SKYSCANNER : This is one of my go to cheap flight locators. They at times have the best deals going, even cheaper than going direct. They are great for last minute and if you book way in advance.
CHEAPOAIR : Here is the next one I will check out. They also offer great deals on last minute as airlines will push to make sure the plane is full.
Local Airport : Now another thing you can check out in your own area is your major airport. For example I live near Toronto Ontario Canada, we have YYZ Deals. This is a great site that I have used to book flights. When I don’t care where I go as long as I am going somewhere they offer amazing last minute and future bookings.
Booking Hotels
AGODA : I discovered them 2 years ago and used them for my Thailand trip. I had no issues and the hotels were cheap. The reviews were right on and that is always something I look for.
EXPEDIA : I have used them for 3 of my trips not only for hotel but also for car rentals and flights. If you want to book everything on one site this is the one I would recommend.
AIR BNB : It is sad to see this got bad reviews lately. This was my go to for Costa Rica and Portugal. If you are going to book through them make sure there are a lot of reviews and check the area you will be staying.
BOOKING.COM : When we travel for our girls weekends in the USA Jodi does the booking with them. They offer great deals and when you stay 10 nights you get the next free. We were able to stay in Florida at an amazing hotel for free.
Car Rentals
EXPEDIA : Now this gets tricky. I like booking through them as I have my own insurance that covers me world wide. However here is something you MUST do. When you book your rental call Expedia and tell them.
From experience in not only Costa Rica but in Portugal. I had rented a car in Costa Rica, when I arrived they made me put down 5000 USD. Yes I was able to put that on my credit card but most people cannot. In Portugal they made me buy their insurance to which I got back from Expedia. Make sure if you plan on using your own insurance that you call and they call the rental company so you are not having problems when you get there.
Car insurance is where the company’s make their money so I don’t blame them for getting irritated when someone comes in and has their own.
Going direct with a company you will need to do the same thing, or buy the insurance.
BUDGET : This is worldwide and they offer great deals. Their prices and rental options are great.
ENTERPRISE : Also worldwide and they too offer amazing deals. Getting the right car for the terrain you will be driving is important.
Other Ways of Getting Around
Well I have never used Uber but I am a big fan of local transportation.
Depending on where you are going there is great tourist ways to travel. For example:
- South Africa- Baz Bus. This is a great way to get from place to place along the coast. I used it as the reviews were great and it was safe. You can also book your hotels and safari with them
- Thailand – 12 to go Asia. You can book train tickets, buses and flights. The prices are great and they show you luggage max.
I will choose to drive as long as it is the right side of the road and it is not a big city. But public transportation is such a great to leave a smaller footprint on the environment.
Travel Insurance
Now I am covered with work for travel and health insurance. I do hope to one day travel full time and these are the ones I would look to first. My research and also notes from other nomads show these two would be a good fit.
WORLD NOMADS : This was designed by travelers. So if you are going for a week, a month or longer they have flexible insurance coverages.
MANULIFE : I have them now as insurance through work. I will be honest they are a little more expensive but I love the service and the coverage is great.
With those two being said. If I were to go on vacation for a couple weeks I would choose Manulife but if I were to travel full time I would choose Nomad.
No matter where or how long you plan on going, there is something for everyone. If you are looking for somewhere I have or haven’t been you can always ask me. There is one thing I love and that is planning. I will research any place for you. Just send me an email and I will do my best.
Happy Travels
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