There is more to planning a successful trip than just identifying cheap travel options such as cheap airplane tickets, discount hotel rooms, cheap auto rentals, or cheap vacation packages. A well planned itinerary is one of the best ways to enjoy a stress free trip.
The following are common itinerary mistakes that Smarter Travel recommends you avoid:
Travel without an itinerary. Bring copies of you flight details and hotel reservations with you in either printed and/or electronic form. If you will be traveling between destinations, an itinerary can help determine realistic travel times. Place a copy of your travel plans, as well as contact information, prominently inside checked bags so if your bags are delayed they can be forwarded to the appropriate destination.
Travel without a budget. If you do not make a realistic estimate of your travel expenses including such things meals, taxes, tips, local transportation expense, and more, you could be surprised by your accumulated expenses and possibly not able to afford your trip after it has been completed.
Limit yourself to an exacting budget. Make certain you put aside some additional money to deal with unforeseen events, whether flat tires, lost luggage, or a unique purchase that you just dont want to pass up.
Try to do more than there is time in a day. Some travelers try to plan activities without taking into account the need for sleep, leisurely meals, or the sanity of traveling companions. It is important to be realistic. Plenty of time needs to be factored in for local travel, check-ins, mealtimes, and connections between flights.
Refuse to prioritize. You dont want to experience post trip regrets because you simply ran out of time. Know up front why you chose your destination and the primary factors that lead to you planning your trip. A quick list of three to five top activities you would like to do and sights you want to visit helps ensure positive post trip memories.
Purchase your airline tickets last. One of the best ways to save on airfare is to be flexible with your travel dates. By being open as to when you will fly you will be able to take advantage of the cheapest available fares.
Purchase the first thing you find. By researching accommodations, flights, and activities you will better understand the available options and be able to determine how much everything will cost and what are the best deals.
Not even consider travel insurance. Depending on your destination, travel insurance could be valuable. You should always do a little research to make an informed decision concerning travel insurance.
Not pay attention to the days immediately prior to your trip. Getting reading to travel can be made less stressful by adding a few pre-trip days to your itinerary and making certain that you have sufficient time to take care of your to do list prior to departure.
www.cheapfares.com