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We all want to give off that spontaneous, backpacker vibe, however, sometimes it’s necessary to plan and have everything in order before you board a plane and land on foreign ground. For some, exploring and not having a certain place to lay their head for the night isn’t an issue, but for others it is essential, especially if you want to be well-rested and have a schedule to stick to. Here’s a guide detailing how to plan your trip effectively so you avoid disappointment.
Plan Your Route
Even if you’re touring around Asia at a leisurely pace, you’ll want to plan your route so you know where you’re going next and the best course of action. This doesn’t necessarily mean you need to book all your train or bus tickets, but it does mean you’ll want to decide where you’ll start your adventure and the countries you visit next. For example, if you start in India but plan on ending up in Vietnam, plan your course of action such as India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam.
Not only does planning your route ensure you know where you’re heading next, but it can provide structure in an otherwise, somewhat chaotic experience.
Research the Weather
You’ll want to dictate your travels around the weather you wish to experience. For example, if you want to go skiing, then you need to ensure there’s snow covering the ground. The same goes for if you want to spend your time lazing around beaches. Natural phenomenons such as the Northern Lights and Mount Fuji will also require careful planning – the latter is usually covered by low-hanging clouds caused by humidity during the summer.
Weather can also impact wildlife, activities, and general happiness. You don’t want to head to Myanmar and end up sheltering from the monsoon and rainy season instead of exploring the golden temple!
Book Unmissable Attractions
You may have traveled solely to see a specific event or landmark, so it’s essential you book in advance to save disappointment. There’s little point in traveling half way across the globe if you’re unable to get tickets to Coachella or Glastonbury; therefore, save your money, time and frustrations by checking out sites such as ticketsales.com beforehand.
Check the Food
Fussy eaters or those living with a dietary requirement or food allergy will want to research the area to check out the situation. While many countries are getting better at serving gluten-free/dairy-free/nut-free alternatives, if you’re heading to a place who doesn’t speak your native tongue, you may want to learn some key phrases. Google restaurants and make note of those that seem promising; ask the locals for their recommendations and, if all else fails, take some long-lasting foods with you.
Insure Your Possessions
Accidents happen, therefore, it’s best to plan for the worst. Buy insurance for yourself, but also your possessions. If someone breaks or steals your camera or phone, you’ll want a way to replace them; if someone steals your money, you don’t want to be left stranded in an unknown country with no means of getting home.