3 Ways to Maximize Your Next Trip!
I was once a first-time traveler! So, naturally, I did everything wrong: I over-packed, spent way too much on unnecessary tours, fell into touristy traps, and stayed at all-inclusive resorts.
While many prefer all-inclusive resorts, enjoy set itineraries, and don’t mind paying extra luggage fees, I, on the other hand, prefer to travel light, do my own thing, and travel across the region.
1. Overpacking
To begin with, you really DO NOT need all those pairs of shoes, you will NOT wear all those outfits, and you do not need all that make-up! Packing for a trip is hard enough; and having to arrange, re-arrange, and haul unnecessary items through airports, hotels, metro stations…etc., is extra work that I simply just don’t wanna do!! Besides, you will probably wear your fave shorts a few times; and those cute bulky shoes hurt, anyway, so leave the rest at home!! So, it is best to pack items tops that you can wear with at least 3-4 bottoms and shoes that coordinate with different outfits; and avoid paying extra luggage fees, for each way, as it will only add to your overall travel expense! So, condense, travel light, pack travel-size items, and save some big bucks!
2. Booking All-Day Tours
I used to also book all-day tours, and I learned QUICKLY that it was a waste of money and precious time!! I had to be up super early to meet at pick-up point, only wait for last-minute stragglers that would be joining us on the long trip!! And then, to further add to the delay, we would always end up making a couple more stops to pick-up even more tourists. And by the time that we finally got on the road, lunch time was usually approaching, so we would then have to make an extended stop at a buffet-style restaurant, stand in another long line, and fight other tour buses!! It was exasperating!
So, all-in-all, by the time that we arrived at the actual tourist site, more than ½ of the day was gone, so the tour either had to be cut short or rushed, and there was never enough time to roam freely! And it never failed: time and time again, we were always told that the main “attractions” were excluded activities from the tour but could be added for an extra fee!
And of course, there was always that unnecessary, but “required” souvenir shop stop on the way home, where the guide makes a commission from the sale, so they tend to get pushy and upset, if you don’t buy anything. It was always such an unpleasant experience!
It didn’t matter what country or attraction I visited, all the tours were always uncoordinated and handled in the same manner, so I decided I would start doing my own thing, bypass what I don’t want to see, and arrive/depart on my accord. It is cheaper, I get to sleep, and I get to enjoy the sites at my leisure. So, I encourage you to coordinate your own transportation and just go! You can always hire a local guide on-site, if you’d like a guided tour!
I also stopped taking taxis because they are expensive, fees are never set, they always swindle tourists, are somewhat unsafe! Not to mention that if you are stuck in traffic, in places like LA, NYC or Paris, the time and fees also keep on ticking! So now, I take Uber rides, when necessary, but for the most part, I prefer to ride Metros, as they are truly the best, easiest, and more economical way to go! They avoid traffic jams, run frequently, and generally arrive on time! So, go ahead, get a metro card and enjoy smooth rides! Just note that metros typically stop running in the late-night hours, so plan accordingly! And if you are planning day trips outside of the local region, a metro will always connect to a railway station, so you can travel too long distances.
3. All Inclusive Resorts
Now, inclusive resorts….my least favorite of all!!!
In my opinion, they are a waste of money, and I avoid them at all costs! Literally LOL!
I sway away from Inclusive Resorts, as they do not serve MY travel interests, since I like to explore the region, sight-see as much as possible, and experience local flavors. Inclusive vacations don’t benefit me, since I will end up paying for essentials and amenities that I will not consume, engage in, or enjoy; all while, still having to pay for meals, drinks, and activities outside of my resort, during my excursions! I prefer to go out, explore the area, try local meals, and not be confined to the premises. The idea of flying across the world to sit at a resort for an entire week, just doesn’t make sense to me—I can do that locally!
And finally….Travel insurance! It is underrated, and SO inexpensive compared to the potential losses! It is mind-blowing how many people do not purchase travel insurance, given it is designed to protect travelers against financial losses that could occur while traveling. For the cost of a lunch meal (or less), travel insurance can cover emergency/medical expenses, stolen luggage, interruptions, cancelation coverages, and much more!! So, shop around, compare policies and get insured! You will be glad that you did!