Wednesday, July 8, 2015

Travel like a PRO


















Traveling is fun, but it can be very expensive and stressful especially for long, multi city trips. It's best to be fully prepared. Always plan a little bit of extra time from booking to packing.. If you are traveling with your loved ones, make sure you have a game plan. It's not a good idea to over enjoy and be penniless right after. Always set your vacation on a budget and stick to it. I've got a few tips on how to be efficient in booking those fun escapades with your loved ones.

1.) Plan a year ahead, that way you can scout for some great deals and airline promos thats only a fraction of the cost. Subscribe to your local airlines' website to receive newsletters and updates on their recent promo fares.


2.) Look for apartments/condos for rent instead of getting a hotel. Visit (https://www.airbnb.com/) You can get great deals for half of what Hotels are charging these days. Our last trip to Japan was booked via Airbnb and It was the best decision ever! Traveling for four in a hotel would cost us minimum Php40,000 for a one week stay but since we booked an apartment via a local host (Airbnb) we paid only half of that. The best part is we get to cook our own meals and we have a local host who was quick to help in translating and providing us direction. Not only did we saved money, we also saved time.

3.) Look for tour package deals online and write down all the attractions included in the itinerary. Search it one by one and see how far they are from each other also check if there are entrance fees. If you can get there just by walking, then don't book it! Its best to do it yourself. Most MRT or Rail Stations have detailed information and direction on certain tourist attractions. It's not bad to ask either. So go explore, you might see something thats not in the tour list! =) Book only those attractions that's far and that would cost you double on transportation. That's probably the best and only time that you should join a group tour. Make sure you book few days before incase there are changes.

4.) Download a free printable packing checklist you can find online. My go-to-site is www.pinterest.com. You can find a list of essentials you need for your trip. You can just edit and add as you go along. I will be posting a separate blog on a few of my travel-must-haves, what and what not to bring and how to organize your luggage. Stay tuned! =)


5.) Check the weather at your country of destination. You don't want to be too overdress or too underdress, don't ya? Check them online at www.weather.com

6.) Check into your flight online the day before and make sure you print your flight itinerary, boarding pass, tour itinerary, accommodation/hotel information. You will be presenting them too many times to different counters (check-in counter, travel tax counter, departure fee counter, immigration, etc.) Printed tickets are a lot easier for you and the people who will check it rather than whipping out your phone/tab every time.

7.) Meet with your banker/financial adviser and make sure that you activate all your credit cards to avoid hidden charges while abroad. Most bank charge Php2000 per International transactions. Verify it with your bank.

8.) It's best to exchange your money abroad instead of doing it here. You get a higher rate when you convert your money upon arrival thereto. And I guarantee you that there's a lot of money exchange retailers in the Airport, so no need to worry. Just carry a small amount of cash for emergency use, but then again it's always best and advisable to use your Credit Cards/ATM cards/Debit Card/Prepaid Cards.

9.) Upon arrival. Always ask airport customer service if they are offering prepaid cards that can be use in train stations, grocery stores and vending machines. Most often, they have. It would save you time in buying tickets or food.


10.) If you have a smart phone or tablet, its best to download applications for language translations, maps and tourist attractions. It really is a lifesaver, so keep your gadgets handy at all times.

11.) Always ask for WiFi availability. Some countries have free wifi in almost all areas but some countries don't have. There are pocket wifi's you can rent online for a fee depending on days of usage. It would help if you search it ahead of time so you can have options. WiFi connection is important so you can track your location and your destination. Always remember that traveling is easier with a handy GPS!


12.) Travel light. Just bring the essentials. Most importantly learn and have fun! Get lost once in awhile!