The NYC Traveler: Tips to Plan Your Trip Around the World
- May 7
- 4 min read
Updated: May 22
An Introduction to Planning Your Own Trip
Disclaimer: This information is not intended to provide legal consultation. All links were accurate at the time of publication and will be monitored accordingly. MC Enterprises takes no responsibility. This article is based on personal experience as a traveler who comes from the United States.
Traveling from the United States to other countries is exciting but it can also be confusing. Here are tips to plan your trip around the world:
To travel anywhere by plane within in the United States, you need what is called a REAL ID. So even if you think you won't go outside of the United States, an enhanced official ID or even a passport is needed.
Invest in both types of passport, including the card. You can use to the card to travel within the United States, as official ID for everyday life and to cross the border of some neighboring countries. When you don't need the book, you can leave it at home and worry less about losing it.
There are several ways to see other countries. Different methods of travel work better for different areas of the world. Sometimes you have to use more than one! For example, you can visit several Greek islands either by land, by plane, by ferry or all three! Choose all the planning that goes with that or you can hit several islands in one week by cruise. Meanwhile, you can see at least 3 European countries in one week using a combo of planes and trains. You can get to there initially by plane and then travel within the continent by train or a smaller airline. Tips To Plan Your Trip: Contact us for a virtual consultation with no further obligation.
If you do not come from an area where public transportation is the norm, know that public transit is part of normal life in many cities and countries. Tip to plan your trip: try a domestic trip to a big US city to practice your touring skills before navigating Europe.
Sightsee by planning your own excursions, take guided tours, or a combination of both for your itinerary. Some people enjoy totally guided tours: all you have to do is show up. Some people like to plan their own adventures: you have more flexibility.
Fully Planned Trips & Tours: These trips are usually more expensive but everything is done for you: lodging, dining, sightseeing, excursions, activities and more. There is some individual time built in. This is worth it when it may not be safe to travel within a country on your own.
As with all multiple stop flights, allow enough time to get to the next flight if you have a layover or have to change planes. You might also have to pick up your luggage, go to another terminal, check your luggage again and go through security again. However, long layovers don't have to be a total inconvenience. If your luggage is not checked through, check to see if storage is available and do a quick tour of the layover city. Or, explore the airport! They're like shopping malls. Allow enough time to get back to catch your flight, especially if you have to go through security again.
Do you really need a luxury hotel? Maybe a boutique hotel or an apartment will be good for you. You might even find one within walking distance to the train station or bus terminal that gets you back to the airport without paying for a car service.
Sightseeing can be just that: seeing places without paying. Bad weather might prevent you from going up in the Eiffel Tower but you can still see it! The same goes for many famous sights. Figure out what is essential, pay for those to go inside and admire the others from outside.
Many cities now have city passes: one fee that covers admission to many of the major places. There are different levels, such as how many days and how many places. Also, some places have lower prices later in the day or on certain days of the week. Research these before you book your trip to see if the days will coincide.
Come back to The NYC Traveler Blog for more Tips for Your Trip.
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All photos and videos created and copyrighted by Marcia Crayton, unless otherwise noted.
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