Now that your destination research is complete and the dates are set that you are travelling, it is time to plan how you are getting there. Some people may find researching and booking tickets frustrating, especially if they need more time to focus. Others may dread packing. Personally, I find both of these tasks exciting because it means that I am going somewhere. The travel preparation tips that follow are what works for me when I am getting ready to depart on vacation.
Booking Air Travel
Air travel can be pricey. We all know this. In the past, due to being a bit impulsive, I may have overpaid for air travel. Here is what I do now to find the pricing that works within my budget. and to ensure what I book meets my needs.
- Keep an eye out for any sales through various airlines. Airlines always seem to have seat sales going on. Although, I have found tickets for a few destinations more expensive during the sale.
- I use travel sites like Expedia often, even if it is only for my initial search. By using these types of sites, I am able to see all the airlines that fly to my destination and the various prices.
- Determine if you want a direct flight or if you are unconcerned with how many layovers you may have. Because I am not a fan of waiting, I usually go with the least amount of layovers. If this is something that applies to you, be aware that some destinations only have direct flights for cities during certain parts of the year. For example, direct flights from Calgary to Dublin only are available from May – October.
- When you purchase your tickets, please keep in mind the various seating tiers that airlines offer. Sometimes basic economy may seem like your best bet, but if you think there may be a chance that you need to change your flight, then definitely go to the tier that offers changes. There are various other differences, like seat selection, baggage, and the number of miles you may earn.
- Please pay attention to the seat map when booking your seats. This can definitely impact the comfort of your flight. I need to move around a lot, so I always select the aisle seat. For those of you that are lucky enough to sleep on the plane, then maybe the window seat is better for you. Definitely pay attention to your preferences, especially for long-haul flights.
Packing
Not everyone enjoys packing, especially those of us who have trouble making a decision about what to bring and end up packing way too much. Here are some things to consider when packing for your trip.
- First and most important for me, are there laundry facilities or services where I am staying or in the neighbourhood? This step has saved the need for multiple suitcases or even checked luggage. For my trips to Japan and Australia, I used laundry facilities. This is a standard feature I look for now, even when I stay at Airbnb accommodations.
- If you can’t leave those extra shoes behind or your favourite dress and have multiple bags, then I highly suggest researching your destination to see if there are luggage delivery services. Many airports offer luggage service from the airport to your accommodation. Some places also have delivery services from one city to the next. I used Yamato Transport in Japan because hauling bags on the Shinkansen or through Tokyo is not fun. Plus, being hands-free allows for random stops at sightseeing locations.
- If you can do it, I strongly recommend buying a bag that can fit all your items and fits into the overhead compartment. I have used this type of bag on the last few of my trips. If purchasing online, the dimensions are usually provided, plus some companies have a list of which airlines their luggage will fit into the overhead bins. Things to look for when searching for this type of luggage are backpack straps, a detachable backpack, a handle, and wheels. The first bag I purchased did not have wheels, and that was a mistake on my part. The next version of the same bag worked wonderfully. This is the luggage that I purchased.
- Research the weather so you have an idea of what type of clothes to pack.
- Check to see if the hotel you are staying at provides toiletries like toothbrushes and toothpaste, this saves you from having to pack them. In fact, I normally don’t pack common toiletries, and I pick them up when I arrive at my location. That way, I don’t have to panic about packing something else. My mindset is that as long as I have my passport and wallet, I am good to go.
- Make a list. Honestly, I have been known to start packing months before I leave somewhere or start a packing list months before. There are packing apps that you can download to assist you with packing, but to avoid clutter on my phone screen, I don’t use apps. I actually have a draft email that I add new items I need to pack whenever I think of it. Having a non-stop inner monologue, I think of stuff quite often in bed and find it easier to quickly add to the email instead of worrying about forgetting it in the morning. This works for solo travel as well as if you’re packing for someone else.
- I always use colourful luggage tags for two reasons, number one, my contact information is on them, and number two, they are easy to spot when collecting my luggage at the airport.
- Some people like buying luggage locks, and I used to use them, but I always worried about losing the keys, so instead, I use a paperclip. I basically unbend the paperclip a bit, fit it through the zipper pulls on my luggage and just twist it. This may not save your suitcase from someone going through it, but that isn’t my concern. I am mainly worried about my luggage opening up in transit, which has happened to me.
- The last tip, if you plan on purchasing souvenirs or shopping lots, pack a foldable shopping bag to take with you. I usually used one to pack souvenirs in and use it as one of my carry-on bags.
I hope these tips help you out. If you have other travel-related questions or suggestions for us, please let me know. The next post will be general travel-related tips and suggestions. Thanks for reading, and good luck with your travel planning.