Trip Planning Tips

Travel Guides

Travel guides I've used include Lonely Planet, Rough Guide, Footprint and Insight. These can be expensive to buy in book form and heavy to cart around on a trip. It is cheaper to download e-versions where available and then you can consult them on a tablet and/or smartphone while you're on the move. I borrow hardback versions to read at home from the local library, which cost me nothing and I find them easier to work on while in the process of working up a plan.

Planning

I use the planning app '2Do' to generate an itinerary, keeping notes that I can refer to as we go along. This is very handy as it cuts down the need to refer to multiple sources you have used to keep track of where and when you're going, and the things you want to do.

'2do' planner

Alongside the 2do notes I use the 'Tripit' app to keep track of travel and accommodation arrangements. This is really handy as it uploads your emails from train/plane/ferry/car hire companies with details of your tickets, and from hotels/other accommodation providers with details of your stay.

Tripit 

Where to Stay

Cost and accessibility are probably the biggest considerations for most travellers. If you're using Trip Advisor to look for accommodation it is well worth looking on the website at the Map option  for the area you're looking at. This makes it easier to check how accessible the accommodation is for transport, sights and eating options. Other useful websites for checking accommodation include Booking.com and Expedia. As well as cross referencing prices for a particular accommodation choice to get the best deal, it may be worth your while searching for it under its own name online to see if you can book directly with the provider to see if you can pick up a better price.

Flights

Various websites and apps can be used to check on flight options/prices. I use Skyscanner to check routes out, but its worth checking prices directly with the airlines when you've done this to check on deals. Also, if you're doing a trip that includes more than one flight don't forget to use the Multi-City search option.  I've managed to pick up some fantastic deals this way, including  4 free domestic flights inside Colombia with the national carrier Avianca when I booked international return flights!

Government Travel Advice

It is always advisable to look at the Government Travel Advice for the countries and areas you are planning on visiting. This will help you get oversight of health and security issues you will need to take note of.

Health & Insurance

You will need to ensure you have appropriate vaccinations for the places you are visiting, and that your travel insurance covers your requirements while you are away from home.

Currency

These days cash is no longer king, and it is the riskiest way to cover your monetary requirements when travelling away from home. You will of course want a small amount of cash to cover immediate requirements before you can get to an ATM. A bank card for withdrawals should carry minimum charges, but your own bank may charge quite exorbitant rates for withdrawing cash abroad. There are currency conversion cards such as CAXTON which allow you to withdraw cash at foreign cashpoints without charge (local charges may be applied though). Your credit card should also allow you to spend without extra charges. A small amount of US dollars or your own currency may provide a useful stopgap for emergencies like when the ATMs go on the blink(thunderstorms, power outages etc.) so that you can change that into the local currency to tide you over.

Passport & Visas

Make sure you have at least 6 months left before your passport expires as many countries require this as a condition of entry. Also be careful to check the details of visa requirements for the countries you will be visiting, with the websites for both your home government and for your destination country.