Traveling is, indeed, quickly becoming a priority for many people. In fact, a study has revealed that 91% of respondents indicated that the ability to travel is essential to their overall happiness. Nowadays, people give more importance to work-life balance, mental health, and family time. This focus makes traveling more and more in demand.
Personalized travel has been on the trend recently as well. Did you know that 85% of travelers prefer a personalized travel experience? Personalizing your trips can take your dream vacation to a whole new level. If you’re considering this option and want to know more, you’re in the right place. Here are some of the most common ways travelers can personalize a trip.
Look For Your Ideal Vacation Spot.
Of course, first things first, know where you want to go. This detail affects all other decisions you need to make for the trip, so consider it carefully. Make a list of the places you really want to explore. Always have plans B and C ready if plan A doesn’t work out as you initially intended. Especially now, some places might have travel restrictions and additional regulations, so it’s best to be ready.
Define Your Ideal Length of Stay.
Decide on how long you want your trip to last. Do you plan to be away for a few days, a week, a month, or more? You need to define this in order to prepare all the other details for your trip efficiently. Ideally, the longer you can stay, the better. Extending the duration of your visit can improve your overall travel experience. 55% of travelers indicated they would opt to lengthen a stay. So, make sure you allow enough time to fully explore and have plenty of fun in the place you choose.
Research Your Dream Destination.
In line with having enough time to explore your chosen destination, researching all about the place is a must. Your research will help you determine how long you need to explore and enjoy the area to its fullest. It will also help you prepare everything you need to bring with you. And in case there are requirements you need to meet in advance, you can process them all on time. Taking care of these things ensures that your trip will be stress-free and that you can focus more on having fun!
Get Everything Ready (documents, luggage, etc.).
Whether you’re going on an overseas or local trip, make sure you have everything you need packed and ready beforehand. That means checking if you have your passport, visa, reservations, tickets, and luggage ready. Triple check everything in your luggage or carry-on bag, so nothing is forgotten or left behind. If you’re going to the beach, pack your swimwear, sunscreen, and a beach towel. Oh, and don’t forget to bring extra batteries and a charger for your camera and phone. Your Instagram-worthy travel photos rely on those! These may seem like minor details, but forgetting them can make for an unpleasant and stressful travel experience. Make a list and mark things off as you pack them to keep track of these necessary items.
Bring Your Own Vehicle.
If you want the utmost safety while traveling, shipping your personal vehicle might be the best option. Relying on public transportation, rent-a-car services, or ride-share apps are not as safe or cost-saving as you might expect. Look for a trusted car transport company that will keep your car safe and deliver it to your destination. You may want to search how much it is to ship a car as well and compare prices. Finally, don’t forget about reading reviews and thoroughly researching the company to avoid getting scammed.
Consider Using Travel Apps.
Technology is everywhere, and it just keeps on evolving. Currently, there are already plenty of travel apps that can assist you with your DIY travel needs. For instance, Airbnb is one of the most popular travel accommodation companies worldwide. It even has a machine learning-based algorithm that helps provide you with personalized results based on your interests.
Aside from Airbnb, there’s also Trivago that can give you customized travel recommendations. TripAdvisor is another useful and convenient travel app that can help you with trip-related decision-making. And hey, don’t forget to download reliable maps on your phone as well. You never know when you might need them!
Book in Advance.
All the travel apps mentioned can help you with this step — book all travel arrangements in advance. Planning all your reservations helps you have a hassle-free dream vacation experience. Find and reserve the best lodging accommodations and even search out the best restaurants in the area. Take advantage of any desired place that allows you to make a reservation in advance. If reservations aren’t allowed, ask about the best times to visit for the best experience. This step ensures you fit everything into your vacation and that it all goes as smoothly as possible.
Take Extra Cash or Credit Cards With You.
If you’ve been an avid traveler for a while now, you know that often, people go over budget on trips. So it’s always wise to take extra cash or at least an additional credit card with you, to be sure. Besides, it’s good to know that you won’t find yourself with zero funds in case of an unexpected emergency. Pack these extra resources, so you have peace of mind about exploring a totally new and unfamiliar place!
Sit Back, Relax, and Enjoy Your Dream Vacation!
When you’ve put in the time for thorough planning, the only thing left to do is relax and have fun on your trip. With these tips and your preparation, you’re sure to have a stress-free and truly memorable travel experience.
