Planning out your trip itinerary doesn’t have to be the only fun part of travelling – there are a few hidden ways to make the process of getting to your destination easier and more comfortable.
1. Try a boutique hotel
While you may be tempted to stay at a large chain hotel because of its familiarity, boutique hotels are unique hidden gems that add an extra layer of enjoyment to any trip.
Upscale boutique hotels are undoubtedly trendier than a typical chain hotel, as each one has its own theme and premiere location within the best parts of a city. And because these hotels are very small, the staff are often to provide more attentive service throughout your stay and take care of the tiniest details.
You may also consider renting out a serviced apartment or even a private villa if that’s more your style – just don’t overlook the fact that the place you stay can be just as much of an adventure as the place you’re visiting.
2. Hire a personal chauffeur
A personal driver allows you to focus more on the more important parts of your trip (whether it’s enjoying the sights or handling business) by removing the stress of driving in unfamiliar territory.
Chauffeurs are experts at navigating city traffic – a real blessing in places as infamous for their congested and chaotic roads as Beijing, Rome, or NYC. Even if you’re travelling to more remote areas or places where the only other means of travel would involve spending several hours on a train, leaving the driving to someone else frees you up to actually enjoy your trip, instead of struggling with a map or inaccurate GPS.
3. Rent a private jet
Private jets eliminate every hassle associated with commercial flights – they depart according to your schedule, handle your luggage how you want, and allow you to bypass tedious security lines. When flying internationally, a private jet can even ease the process of dealing with customs.
Renting private jets can enhance anyone’s travel experience in ways like they’ve never dreamed possible. No more crowded flights with crying babies, no more endless layovers, no more stale airline food. You just select the type of plane you want to charter, pick an airport (even ones that are outside the range of commercial flights), and show up to the flight at a time of your choosing. It’s that easy!
4. Don’t underestimate travel insurance
Even the most careful travellers can run into unexpected problems – be it lost luggage, a missed flight, or a medical emergency. Travel insurance is a vital part of planning any trip.
One of the greatest fears many travellers have is booking a non-refundable aspect of their trip, only to be forced to cancel when something unexpected happens. Travel insurance plans that include cancellation coverage can be a lifesaver for your wallet if someone in your travel party falls ill or a natural disaster prevents you from arriving safely.
Additionally, overseas emergency medical care can be exorbitantly expensive, since most foreign hospitals won’t accept domestic health insurance. Some travel insurance companies not only cover you for the cost of emergency medical care but also help arrange transportation to the appropriate treatment facilities and guide you back home.
5. Ask the hotel concierge
Don’t assume you can learn all you need to know about a city just by perusing the web. If there’s one expert on a city’s most high-class offerings, it’d be the hotel concierge – it’s their job to know the best of the best.
Your concierge can not only help you decide just where to eat, they can also help you score some rare reservations at places that are usually hard to book. They can also connect you with a dry-cleaning service, arrange special accommodations for your room, and hook you up with a personal driver.
So don’t be shy! Make friends with your concierge and you’ll have a chance to experience some hidden luxuries that you just can’t learn about from a cursory Google search. (And don’t forget to tip to show your appreciation!)
