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How to Plan an Affordable and Stress-Free Vacation
Traveling is a great way to expand your horizons and gain a fresh perspective on life. But it can also be stressful and expensive. Whether you're leaving for the weekend or heading on a months' long excursion around the world, good research and planning will ensure your trip is both enjoyable and affordable. Let’s explore some budget-friendly resources to help you plan the perfect getaway.
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How to Plan an Affordable and Stress-Free Vacation
Traveling is a great way to expand your horizons and gain a fresh perspective on life. But it can also be stressful and expensive. Whether you're leaving for the weekend or heading on a months' long excursion around the world, good research and planning will ensure your trip is both enjoyable and affordable. Let’s explore some budget-friendly resources to help you plan the perfect getaway.
We teamed up with Travel Travesty and check out their website to find more great stress-free travel tips like these!
Know When to Splurge
To skimp or splurge is a common debate among travelers. Traveling on a budget doesn’t have to mean skipping out on every luxury. Here are some purchases that are worth the cost.
● Consider buying good travel insurance that covers everything from canceled flights to illness and injury.
● If you're planning a road trip, you'll need some essentials for your vehicle. Check out maintenance tips and reviews for products that will help you get your car ready for the ride and keep it in good shape.
● It can be worth investing in a once-in-a-lifetime experience in a destination you are unlikely to visit again.
● As a way of fully immersing yourself in local culture, order plate after plate of authentic local food!
Leave the Beaten Path
More often than not, you will experience a cheaper and more authentic travel experience when you veer off the beaten path and talk to the locals.
● Instead of relying on guidebooks, ask the locals for advice.
● Slow down and take your time getting to each destination, enjoying the sights along the way.
● Walk, bike, or drive around without a destination in mind. Wander aimlessly and don’t be afraid to get lost!
Learn to Be Flexible
Flexibility is one of the most valuable traveler traits. Travel rarely goes as planned, so be ready to adapt and go with the flow!
● If you’re flexible with your travel dates and destinations, you can find incredible deals on flights.
● Travel during the off-season to beat the crowds and peak-season prices.
● Be ready to break your itinerary and do something spontaneous when the opportunity arises — this is how the best memories are made!
While there’s no wrong way to travel, some forms of travel are more enjoyable than others. If you’re rushing from attraction to attraction, fighting crowds, and splurging on overpriced souvenirs just for the sake of it, you’re going to experience travel fatigue before you know it. Take it slow, make your own path, and embrace the unexpected!
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Planning and Packing for Travel in 2021
2020 was the year for canceled travel plans, but 2021 has made it possible for plans to start being made again. We teamed up with our friends at Soulful Travel to create a travel planning guide to get you back in the swing of travel and ready for the new norm.
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Planning and Packing for Pandemic Travel
The virus canceled countless travel plans over the course of 2020, but progress has made it possible for plans to start being made again. That said, it’s important to plan responsibly so that your travel during the pandemic is as problem-free as possible. We teamed up with our friends at Soulful Travel to create a guide to get you back in the swing of travel and ready for the new norm.
Choosing a Destination
Consider potential destinations in terms of how they have handled the coronavirus crisis. For instance, Everyday Health suggests looking for places that have an established trend of cases decreasing, allow free movement into and out of the area, and have easy access to treatment.
Whenever possible, always plan different outdoor activities. The virus is highly unlikely to transmit when people are outside, so choose fun activities like going to the beach or hiking that allow you to keep a comfortable and safe distance in the open air. It’s a wonderful time to visit any natural wonders you've been dreaming of visiting, as they are the perfect excuse to stay in the sunshine and under the stars.
International Travel
With vaccination efforts fully underway in many places and infections on the decline, countries are beginning to open back up their borders to international guests. While many aspects of transcontinental travel remain the same, some countries are requiring international travelers to provide proof of vaccination before they can enter, while others have changed their stances on dual citizenship passports. Always do research before planning your trip.
Consider this list of questions before deciding on a destination:
● Do I need to be vaccinated?
● What kind of proof is required?
● Will my passport still work?
● If not, can I get a new one in time for travel?
● Do they have a mandatory quarantine period upon entrance?
● What are the country’s restrictions for moving about within and outside of its borders?
If you do travel outside the United States, make sure to bring a universal plug adapter and smart suitcase to make your trip as seamless as possible.
Domestic Travel
If you’d prefer to travel closer to home, state and national parks are excellent options for outdoor activities, the features of which can have a powerful impact on those who visit. Ask anyone who has hiked the Grand Canyon about it, and they will reply with an almost mystical look in their eyes, remembering the breadth and beauty of it. The same could be said for many of the stunningly gorgeous sites of the natural world these parks host. National parks have made a move toward integrating Wi-Fi and establishing cell towers nearby, so it is easier than ever to stay connected even when in the wild.
What to Pack
Pandemic traveling calls for a few extras in your travel bags. Sanitizing wipes, face masks and a digital thermometer are all good investments. Packing food and drinks can help keep you from having to enter too many places, and bringing your own toilet paper and wipes can save you if travel stops along the way have their bathrooms closed to the public due to the pandemic.
Selfie sticks are a great way to get the photos you want of you and your travel companions without having to ask strangers to touch your camera or phone. Solar chargers are perfect for time spent in the great outdoors, and with a mobile hotspot, you can get service wherever you may be. Also, if you plan to use your smartphone for navigation during your road trips, purchase a reliable mount for your car that will allow you to use your device hands-free.
The virus doesn't have to keep you from making memories of exploring new places. Choose your destination wisely, research extensively to make smart plans, and pack with safety and connectivity in mind. Your sweet escape is waiting for you.
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