Start Traveling
Are you looking to start traveling? Stuck in an adventure rut? Overwhelmed by possibilities and the idea of planning your next trip? Whether you're a seasoned explorer or a passport stamp virgin- here are some ideas to get you out of your comfort zone and into the world.
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1. Start with a destination or an event.
Where have you always wanted to go?
What city do you believe dreams are made of?
Do you prefer warm or cold?
Adventure or relaxation?
Activity or rest?
Are you looking to challenge yourself?
Can you speak any other languages?
Do you mind not knowing the language?
Is there an event you've been meaning to go to?
A festival you hope to attend?
A holiday best celebrated in another location?
A surf retreat on the beach?
2. Do some preliminary research.
How will you get there?
Train?
Plane?
Car?
Check out Google flights or Kayak.
How much money are flights going to cost you?
Should you fly into one city and out of another?
When's the cheapest time of year to visit?
When's the best time of year to visit?
What kind of accommodation will you get?
Couchsurfing?
Hostels?
AirBnB? ($40 off your first stay)
Hotels?
What are the top attractions?
How will you get around?
3. Set a time frame.
How much time can you get off of work?
How long does the event last?
Is there anything you need to be back for?
Is there a season you just can't miss?
How many days do you need to fully enjoy the experience?
4. Decide who's coming with you.
Do you have a partner in crime?
A best friend you need to bring?
A family?
Can they come?
Are they willing to help you plan?
Are your travel priorities similar?
Will you drive each other nuts?
What's their budget?
5. Set a budget.
What will the transportation cost you?
What will accommodation cost you?
What will food cost you?
What will entertainment cost you?
Will you go shopping for souvenirs?
What can you afford to spend?
How much is this experience worth to you?
6. Save up.
What is your income?
What are your expenses?
How much can you save per week/per month to make this trip possible?
Where can you cut back?
Can you budget now to make your trip that much greater?
How long will it take you to save for this trip?
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7. Get your paperwork in order.
Make sure you have the proper documentation such as valid passports and visas if you need them.
8. Book your transportation and accommodation.
Make sure you can get where you're going and have a place to stay.
If you're flying, compare prices on Google Flights and Kayak.
Read you AirBnB reviews closely.
Look for deals.
9. Book your entertainment.
Are you a museum person?
Should you buy tickets ahead of time and skip the line?
Want to take a free walking tour?
Or another kind of tour?
Do you need any event passes?
10. Start packing.
What do you need to bring?
Pack your essentials.
Pack your incidentals.
Pack your first aid kit and medications.
Are you checking a bag or going the carry-on only route?
Do a test pack.
Take out about half the stuff you thought you needed.
Seriously.
Try again and feel so much lighter.
Use packing cubes and feel so much more organized.
11. Get going.
If you're flying, print out your boarding pass and itinerary.
Save them to your phone too.
Write down important addresses and contact numbers.
Triple check that you have your passport.
Triple check that you have your wallet.
Triple check that you have your travel partner(s).
Convert some cash if you need to.
Store some money and an extra card separate from your wallet along with a copy of your passport.
Let your bank know where you're going.
Bring some healthy snacks for the ride.
And some things to make you comfy.
12. Experience adventure.
Do something you never thought you would.
