For many, planning your next getaway has got to be one of the highlights of the year. It’s not just about choosing the right destination, but all the exciting adventures you can have there, too – often things you’d never have the chance to try at home, and that will leave their mark on you forever.
With a plethora of stunning destinations to choose from, each offering their own diverse mix of culture, adventure and all out luxury, you can make your getaway almost anything that you want it to be. Thinking ahead about what you might like to do during your break can help you ensure you get the most out of it – from the sights you hope to visit to the restaurants you’re keen to eat at, and everything in between.
To make sure you pick the perfect destination for your travel adventure this year, it’s wise to do some research beforehand – so we’ve put together four tips for planning an unforgettable trip, wherever it is you’re heading.
Get a guide book
If there’s one thing you’ll need when travelling to somewhere new, it’s a guide book – it’s the secret weapon that promises to help you squeeze the most you possibly can out of your trip. Getting your hands on one before you go will allow you to read up on the hot spots in advance – making it quick and easy to plan your itinerary before you so much as set foot on the plane.
Choose the perfect accommodation
Whether you are searching for the best hotels in Santa Fe, New Mexico, you love the idea of renting a villa in the south of France, or a boutique bed and breakfast in the Scottish Highlands is calling, making sure you the get the right accommodation for your trip is key. Do some research in advance and seek out somewhere that appeals to your tastes with amenities you desire and, of course, in the location that works best for your planned activities.
Keep it local
If you plan to avoid the tourist trap and learn how the locals live in your dream destination, then excursions offered by the bigger tour operators should be avoided at all costs. Going with a local tour guide will give you a better and more authentic experience, and they’re bound to be able to show you shortcuts and little-known sites the bigger companies just can’t. Plus, they’re usually happy to share their insider knowledge to help you to get the most out of your trip.
Plan your itinerary
One of the best ways of making sure you get to see and do all the things you want to is to plan at least a couple of full days in advance. It may be tempting to go with the flow, but thinking ahead will ensure that you get the most out of your day, and prevent you from inadvertently wasting time. If you know you want to take a boat trip or a walk around the local town, then factor it in from the off – then think about the activities and sights you could experience nearby to make for a really fulfilling day.
Remember, location is everything, particularly in large cities, and the chances are that you won’t want to trek back to the same part twice. So get that guide book out and check out what else is in the area to squeeze the absolute best out of your time.
Book in advance
It’s always a good idea to book tickets, trips and excursions ahead to ensure you get a spot. At busy times of year, they can fill up fast, and more spontaneous types can find themselves disappointed. Whether you’re hoping to go on the Fenway Park Tour in Boston, or to see the Colosseum in Rome, advanced tickets will allow you to go at the time of your choice, and have the best possible experience when you do.
Whatever you hope to get out of your dream holiday, be sure to take some time to think about what exactly it is. These steps will go a long way towards ensuring it really is the trip of a lifetime.
