by Loretta Fuller | December 25, 2019 6:19 am
The end of the year is a great time to cherish memories, but it’s also an opportunity to look forward to what the future may bring. As holiday and vacation dates for 2020 are revealed, it’s likely that you’ve started thinking about how to use up your vacation leaves for the next year. With a whole twelve months ahead of you, there’s no better time to start planning for your trips. While you start putting together your vacation plans, here are five things to keep in mind in order to maximize your time on leave.
As soon as you’ve settled on where to go and what to do, it’s time to get started booking accommodations and tickets. While waiting for the best deal might seem like the smart thing to do, Smarter Travel actually recommends booking as soon as possible[1]. But don’t make just any regular booking— specifically, you should be making a “pay when you arrive” reservation. Why? This helps you snag a good deal early on, and serves as a safety net in case a better price doesn’t come along. And if one does, it’s as easy as anything to simply cancel your reservation and book the better price.
Looking for the cheapest option and leaving it at that might be tempting, but there are actually a ton of factors that go into making travel plans. The Internet is the greatest information tool there is, and it’s literally at your fingertips. By taking the time to do your research, you can pick up tips and tricks for the best prices and experiences. For example, when it comes to booking flights Aviation JobNet suggests taking a look at a variety of factors[2] before making your decision during the holidays. While ticket price is important, luggage surcharges, customer satisfaction, and frequent flyer perks are also worth considering.
You might think a vacation is the time to relax and sleep in, but if you’re headed somewhere new and want to explore then waking up early might be better for you in the long run. Getting to tourist sites ahead of the crowds allows you to enjoy the experience more fully, without the added hassle of trying to avoid passing tourists. Getting up early also means there’s more time in the day, which allows you to maximize your itinerary.
Going on a trip might be your chance for some well-deserved alone time, but give yourself a chance to open up and make conversation. Asking where the locals eat, drink, and play might open your eyes to a whole new experience that isn’t featured on the guidebooks. Talking to people in the area can also help you save some money, as they’ll know how to avoid tourist traps and get the best price.
Finally, if you want to make the most of your vacation then sometimes that requires going off the beaten path. While itineraries and guides are important, leaving yourself a little bit of freedom to explore will help you gain a deeper appreciation of the area you’re visiting. National Geographic encourages travelers to head to smaller locales[3] to find the hidden treasures and authentic experiences that may not be available in your typical tourist trip. Taking a leap of faith while traveling might be scary, but you’ll be all the better for it.
Source URL: https://travelntrek.com/5-ways-to-maximize-your-trip/
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