The Traveller´s guide to Happiness
Small Ideas for your Big Journey!
Planning can make the difference between an unforgettable journey and just another unfulfilling getaway. So take off your tourist hat and put on your Indiana Jones outfit, and prepare to treat yourself with the best journey of your life!
PLAN LIKE A GENERAL
-Reading the Reviews: Websites like TripAdvisor.com and TravelPost.com have changed the way people plan their travels. User reviews can be very helpful, but remember that they´re not fool-proof.
-Search, Compare, Book: Check websites like expedia.com, booking.com. Compare fares, ticket prices, travel times, and perks. Always book on the airline or the hetel´s official website since it´s usually cheaper, and you get better customer service.
-Save Money: Use your miles when you book your cheap flight. Search for flexible travel dates. one day difference can sometimes save you more than $100.
-Learn about local laws and customs: Learning the dos and dont´s helps you understand the country you are visiting and saves you from trouble. You don´t want to be arrested for spitting a gum in Singapore.
-Back up your Plan: E-mail yourself your itinerary, as well as all confirmation e-mails for hotel, attraction, rental-car and other bookings. You might need to access all this info abroad.
PACK LIKE A BOSS
-Make a List: Don´t leave packing to the last-minute. Make a list of all the items you will need for your trip beforehand and stick to it.
-The Essentials: Carry minimal toiletries a pair of extra shoes, a sweater depending on the weather, as well as pants and shirts that can easily be mixed and matched together.
-One Bag to Rule them all: Your goal is to pack everything in one bag It enables you to move around more quickly and to have a free hand when you need it.
-if you can´t lose it, don´t bring it: Don´t bring your irreplaceable valuables with you, such as your grandma´s necklace, your glowing jedi sword, or your inimitable wedding ring.
FLY LIKE A PRESIDENT
-Ease your Flight: Reserve a seat on the airplane for longer flights. Some airlines charge more seats near windows or with extra legroom, but usually worth it.
-Your Stuff, Your Comfort: Bring your own comforts and entertainment like travel pillow, a sweater, headphones, iPods.
-Don´t just Sit There!: Stay hydrated and sleep when you can Stand up and walk every once in a while. talk to people around you, you will be amazed by the stories they have!
STAY LIKE A ROYALTY
-A Sofa or a Palace?: From crashing for free on sofas in a stranger´s house through couch surfing, to staying in luxurious Ottoman Palaces like Pera Palace in Istanbul the options on where you stay are as diverse as your imagination.
-Even more Options: Other options include home exchange (HomeExchange.com), room renting (airbnb.com), farm stays (BedandBreakfast.com), and guest houses.
-Free Sofas: Couchsurfing.com is a network of people who let travellers crash on their couches free of charge.
-Or Pamper yourself in Luxury: If you´re more on the traditional and luxury hotels side and like being pampered in luxury and comfort, checkout famous chains like Jumeirah Hotels – whose portfolio includes hotels like Burj Al Arab.
DON´T SHOW ME THE MONEY
-Cards Instead of Cash: Don´t carry a million dollar in cash when you travel Bring only what you need and use debit cards, credit cards, and traveller´s checks whenever possible.
Check and understand the exchange rate of the country you´re visiting before you travel.
-Go Local: Don´t always eat in the hotel. Go out for grocery stores and local restaurants that allow you to taste the authentic cuisine of the country.
Use public transport. Make sure you knowhow much the local taxi costs, and ask taxidrivers to turn on the meters.
-Hone your Negotiation Skills: Learn the art of bargaining. It will save you a lot of money, and everyone is doing it.
