Tips for the novice traveler

Trying to decide on a travel destination when you’re not an experienced traveler can be a daunting and intimidating task.  The obvious concerns of price and destination might be what come to mind at first, but you might start thinking about flights and pricing, all-inclusive vs. European plan, and so on and lead to full on panic and confusion.

Where should you begin? 

• Decide on your dates of travel.  If you have any flexibility, that’s great because you might be able to save money by leaving on an alternate date.

• Budget: You don’t have to know down to the penny how much you can spend, but try to be realistic and have a general idea of what is an acceptable amount that you’re willing to spend.

• Type of travel: Are you looking to spend all of your time on a beach? Are you looking for a cultural trip?  Maybe you want to try a cruise or an all-inclusive resort.  Narrow down what your expectations are before you start looking or you’ll end up more confused and frustrated than before you started your vacation search.

• Destination: If you have a strong desire to go to Jamaica, stop looking at all of the promotions for Europe and Mexico.  If you’re not sure where you would like to visit, try to decide on an overall area like the Caribbean, Europe, South America, Asia, etc.

No one likes a bargain more than I do, but always read the fine print.  Often advertised prices don’t include airfare or taxes and “fees” or are for specific dates of travel.  Although there is absolutely nothing wrong with booking your own overnight hotel stay or the occasional airline ticket, when it comes to booking a vacation package, consider using an expert.

Travel agents aren’t all the same and you should try to find someone that you can connect with during your conversations with them.  Now when I say travel agents I am not referring to the big online travel sites where you can book your own trips for rock-bottom prices.  You get what you pay for and if something goes wrong at any point during your trip, whom are you going to call?  Try calling that 800 number on their web site and speaking to someone immediately who cares that you missed your flight, your hotel doesn’t look like the pictures, or you need to return home immediately.

With a travel agent, you will be able to call, email, or text them and get that person directly and he or she will work hard to help you because they want to keep you as a client.  Best part of all is that using a travel agent won’t cost you a cent since the suppliers pay them directly.  Travel agents are well traveled and can help you with all types of destinations, both popular and those off the beaten path.

When you work with a travel agent you can find the best prices for trips and they can tell you when the best time of year is to travel to certain destinations.  Maybe you’re interested in seeing the Northern Lights.  If you planned your trip yourself, you might not know that you can’t see the Northern Lights in August.  Utilizing an expert to help you with your travel plans will not only save you money, but time and unnecessary stress as well.

My best advice is to plan ahead.  Instead of planning a trip for next month, why not think ahead into the future for next year.  You don’t have to book your trip now (unless you want to!), but you can avoid stress by thinking ahead.  If you do decide to book now, you can sometimes lock in a great rate with only a deposit.

Soon enough you’ll be an experienced world traveler, but until then get organized and work with an expert and you’ll be out exploring the world and all it has to offer.

 (Feature photo of Jamaica. All photos taken by Marian Krueger)