First-time travellers have a lot to experience and consider when planning their first vacation.
There are a lot of elements to consider from the moment you narrow down your destination to the moment you depart. It’s completely natural to feel overwhelmed with the process!
Luckily, I’ve got a few tips that can help you each step of the way. Whether it’s your first time travelling or you’re a seasoned adventurer ticking off your next bucket list item, here are a few things to consider when going on your voyage:
Stay Offline
I have often been baffled by first-time travellers who book a vacation package or airline ticket then constantly check the internet to see if the price dropped.
I ask – why???
You do not get a refund if your price drops, so why torture yourself? If it makes you feel some buyer’s remorse, my advice is don’t do it!
There are a lot of factors to consider, such as booking time off work, pulling the kids out of school, finding a pet sitter, and more. Ultimately, vacation planning takes a significant amount of time and advanced notice.
It takes me at least two weeks, PLUS several phone calls to find someone to watch my two dogs and bunny rabbit. Never mind watch my house and mow my lawn!
With all of these different demands, simply staying peeled online to see what COULD’VE been the price you pay is not a beneficial use of time.
Put your trust in me that I know the prices. After 32 years as a Travel Professional, I ought to know what constitutes as good or bad rate. While it is a significant investment to plan a vacation well in advance, if you can leave the country on a moment’s notice, I say go for it!
Travelling is the one thing money can buy that makes you richer.
Sounds like a win-win to me!
Packing Smart
I start packing weeks before my departure.
Then I unpack, and repack at least four to five times.
Seems like a waste of time, but it is what I do every single time.
I begin by rolling my clothes (I discovered this trick years ago) and fit as much as possible into my suitcase. Who knew that you can get more in your suit case and carry on simply by rolling your clothes?!
First-time travellers should always err on the side of caution when it comes to luggage. Make sure you put some essentials in your carry on just in case your luggage does not make it.
My bathing suit, sundress, and flip-flops are my carry on staples. Don’t forget to at least pack a day’s worth of clothes (yes, it can fit with my roll-on method!).
I once lost my luggage while going on a four-day cruise to nowhere. Having to purchase clothes in the gift shop, walking around looking like the poster child for the cruise line was not my best look.
I had a whole new respect for my carry on.
Ahhh….that’s what it is for!
Reconfirm, reconfirm, reconfirm!
Gone were the days when airlines call the passengers to advise of a flight time change.
Most airlines have apps that you can pull up, and allow you to manage your booking, including checking-in and reconfirming your flight time.
This is a valuable tool, and they have put the responsibility on the passenger to reconfirm flight times.
Did you know if you fail in checking in online, you will be the first bumped in the event of an oversold flight?
First-time travellers maybe incredibly prepared by booking flights ten months ago. When it comes down to the nitty-gritty, airlines assume that you could be a no-show.
Kind of makes you want to reconfirm and check-in online, doesn’t it?
Take a Breath
First-time travellers can experience a sense of overwhelm when it comes to travelling, and that’s completely OK!
Remember the first day is the worst day. The majority of complaints come in on the first day of travelling – People are tired after a long trip, and the patience level is very low. Give yourself a chance to adapt to your new environment.
A four-star resort in another country may not have the same creature comforts as a four-star resort back home. Just breathe and allow yourself time to familiarize yourself with your surroundings.
Things always look better after a good night’s rest.
These are just a handful of tips that can help ease the stress of travel planning. But after all the logistical planning has been done, I guarantee you the outcome will be worth every minute, penny, and time spent on making your travels perfect!
Stacey is a seasoned Travel Specialist at Journeys by Escapes and can assist with planning the vacation or adventure of your dreams! Get in touch with Stacey by dropping her a line at [email protected].
Need more insights and advice on what to pack in your carry-on? Check out our most recent blog post for more tips!
