There may still be restrictions in place, but it’s getting much easier to travel again. The world is your oyster, so where will you go next? If you’re looking forward to getting away in 2022, here are some top tips to help you plan your next trip.
Research destinations
Some people celebrated the start of a brand new year knowing exactly where they want to go in the months ahead, but for many people, there’s a host of options still on the table. If you haven’t decided where to visit next, the first step in the planning process is to research destinations. When putting together a list of contenders, think about how far you want to travel, what you want to do while you’re on holiday, how much you want to spend and how long you’re going to be away. If you want to jump on a plane and arrive at your destination in a couple of hours, for example, or you’re only going away for a long weekend, you may wish to eliminate far-flung destinations. Read blogs and travel magazines, ask friends and family for recommendations and use the Internet to get ideas. Once you have a list of locations that are of interest, you can find out more and start getting prices and finding options for your itinerary.
Find inspiration based on your interests and preferences
Travelling covers a wide range of different types of trips. One person’s idea of a dream holiday may be another’s nightmare. The beauty of planning trips in advance is that you can narrow down options and find inspiration based on your individual interests, requirements and preferences. Use social media to get ideas and find the best trip planning site to create a moodboard or a list of destinations that reflect your travel goals and budget. You can filter results according to the type of break you want to book, the distance from home, the cost and the kinds of activities or excursions you want to enjoy.
Take advantage of online booking and comparison sites
Booking online is more convenient than going into a travel agency and it can also provide access to preferential rates and savings. When you have decided where you want to go, or you have a shortlist, use comparison sites and visit tour operator websites to compare prices, get quotes and find out more. From flights, travel insurance, attraction tickets and accommodation to car hire, excursions, transfers, parking and package holidays, there are opportunities to save at the click of a button. It is worth noting that you can usually save a substantial amount of money by being flexible when choosing your travel dates.
Package holidays usually offer better value for money if you plan to take luggage, you’ll need a transfer, you’re travelling to popular tourist destinations or you are visiting a single destination. If you are moving around, it’s worth comparing prices on hotels, flights and bus, coach and train tickets and looking at round-the-world, multi-stop flights if you’re backpacking or you want to visit several different countries. These tickets are often significantly cheaper than buying single tickets between destinations and many offer flexibility.
Read reviews
More than 90% of us now read reviews before buying products or contacting businesses. When you’re planning a holiday, a weekend away or a globetrotting adventure, it’s a fantastic idea to read reviews. Reviews can help you find and choose accommodation options, gather suggestions for trips and activities, locate great restaurants and get information that will make planning your trip easier. Always use reputable websites and look for verified reviews.
Check requirements
Restrictions are easing, but there are still requirements and measures in place that affect travel. Before you choose a destination or start looking at flights or booking hotels, check the entry requirements. You may need to make sure that you have a certain period of time left on your passport or ID document, you may need to apply for a visa and you may need to satisfy requirements related to Covid-19. It’s always wise to check in advance. You will also need to make sure that you have the relevant insurance cover for your trip.
Travel is back on, and many of us are counting down the days until we can jet off and enjoy a holiday. If you plan to get away, and you’re hoping to take the stress out of planning your next trip, take these tips on board. Research destinations, get ideas and inspiration based on your personal preferences and interests, take advantage of online booking and apps and websites that make planning easy, read reviews and check requirements before you book.