Travel is a passion, its what most people live for, some do it often, some occasionally when leaves are approved. whatever be your way of travel one must understand the basics and importance of planning ahead. I was one of those people who loved to go on the go planning, it is a good way to see the best of every place, as in experience it for what it really is, without expectation or anticipation.
But over the years what I have realized is that even if you do one or two such spontaneous trips in a year, it is also important to do some trips which are well planned. What are the benefits of a planned trip is that you can choose exactly the kind of activities that you love and do that and filter through many options which are just there for tourist attractions. And believe me in India especially, this is important, if you have an absolutely free and open calendar then you can waste a few days doing all the odd things and figuring out what you love and then do that. But honestly who has that kind of time now ? Nah not any of us. So here is the best way to plan.
1. Obviously - select your destination. This has to be done carefully, decide if you want a hill station, a beach , a relaxing trip, adventure, or cultural experience or whatever may be your deal. Then pick a place that would be best in the month/climate you are planning to travel. I cant put enough stress on this, this probably makes or breaks a trip's experience. Then also pick a place depending on whether you would be going with your best mate, your colleagues who are picky choosy or you family with your kids.
a. With Your best mate - well here you can both talk it over and decide.
b. With your picky choosy colleagues - this is tricky, don't plan too many adventure sports, have at least one day of relaxing planned into your schedule. Not all people want to be on the move all the time. This is one of the most repeated travel blunders where you make such a tight plan of running about that the ones who like to relax cannot cope and are left with a grumpy mood - An absolute no no for holidaying.
c. With your family and kids - here you can choose a more relaxed place where kids can engage themselves, not a very over crowded place. Also don’t put your kids in a place where they are sure to get utterly bored, include some things that kids will love, like a zoo, a Butterfly park, an Elephant ride, or atleast good food and lots of delicious sweets :-)
2. When doing a planned trip coincide your dates with some offers sometimes airlines run cheap to certain places at a certain time of year. Plan it ahead and use the extra cash to shop, this saves a lot of pain, money and trouble.
3. Do a little bit of a read up on the place, some places are better seen in peak season, some places are just breath takingly beautiful even in the off season and that way you can save a lot of cash and over crowded atmosphere.
4. Ask around, read up on the places that are available for stay , don't lamely book hotel rooms, may be there are nice little unknown home stays, paying guest houses which are not only safe, cheap and lovely but also give an awesome feel of the local lifestyle and cuisines.
5. Apart from all this know yourself and your fellow traveler. This might sound funny but most of us discover ourselves while we travel with each other. So that way you know their likes, their dislikes and their little quirks, keep these in mind while you plan your trip, instead of blindly following what your over enthusiastic friend said about mountaineering and taking your peace and quiet - loving wife to a sweating trip which she will hate.
If you feel you need help planning a trip, we at Life is Calling are always there to offer our services. We can plan a customized trip for your likes, preferences and specifications.
