Flight & Hotel Choices
I start with Tripadvisor which everyone moans about but I look at the poor reviews and you can read between the lines if someone is just being a bad guest or there is some truth there. You can also find reviews on Google, Booking.com and Expedia and blogs like this one just to double check. Most of the time this method works, occasionally the bad reviews have been true as with the Winter Palace in Luxor!
For flights check Skyscanner, Expedia and the website of each airline for flights plus there are some new sites out there, see Resources. Also sign up with each airline for rewards and notifications for discounted flights. For example with Emirates you can get fare alerts so you can see if the price is changing.
I do like Expedia because you can book the flight and hotel as one package and get a discount, you also get points which you can use towards future bookings. Tracey does the same with Booking.com but I dislike it as it does not show the taxes until you go to book…each to their own!
Once you have your trip booked then take care of your insurance as it will start covering you immediately in case you have to cancel, then do the sightseeing, airport transfers or car hire. For insurance a lot of people recommend World Nomads but I stopped using them after we lost a phone only to be informed that loss is not covered....seriously! I now use a online site called JourneyMan Services.
Checklist
1. Find and check your travel documents are up to date.
2. Look for updated information on safety and security via websites of your home country’s government. Use the USA, UK or Australian sites if your country does not have one.
3. Check the entry requirements for the countries you are visiting and apply for any necessary visas and authorisation required. This info can be found by checking the relevant country’s tourist information websites. Use IVisa to check requirements.
4. See if you require any immunisations, the UK Foreign Travel Advice website gives this information or the Institute of Tropical Medicine
5. Check the weather at your destinations.
6. Book you flights and accommodation as early as possible.
7. Book your transfers from the airport or your car rental.
8. Take out travel insurance and remember don't post on social media you are leaving if no one else is home. Insurance companies are using this to not pay out!
9. Plan your itinerary if required and check out restaurants and shopping tips on the internet…make a list.
10. Check your clothing, get everything washed and/or go shopping!
11. Sort out everything financial…
a) Tell your credit card company you are going away.
b) Pay any bills that will come through while you are away especially your phone bill.
c) Make copies of your passport and any other required documents and keep on your phone or in the cloud or both. For many countries having hard copies of your passport helps for a quicker check in.
d) Sort out your currency but check if it is better to exchange in the country you are visiting.
12. Back up any devices you are taking with you in case they get damaged, lost or stolen.
13. Leave your itinerary with someone close to you so they know where you will be at any given time.
14. Arrange your transfers to the airport or car parking options.
15. Finally pack the suitcases and feed the dog!
