Travel Like A Pro, Part 2: Resources for Your Trip
- Nov 9
- 5 min read
How To Make Your Own Travel Plans:
Resources For Your Trip
Best Tip For Your Trips:
Websites. Go straight to the vendor's website, rather than all of the search engines. You may be able to get a package deal and book a trip with one click on many travel sites, but there are a few drawbacks: no refunds, no wiggle room with dates or itineraries, no variety with brands, you'll have to pay for the entire trip at once, etc. Take the time to create accounts, sign up for rewards and try a few brands before settling on your favorites. Then, book each part of the trip individually: flight, rental car, lodging, excursions, etc. That way, you will have the trip exactly the way you wanted. But if you get stuck, we have consultations to help you out!
1. Books still rock! They write in a clear, honest and common sense style. I carry one travel sized hard copy version and buy the others electronically. They're excellent for doing your research and planning your trip. Get one before you make any plans, so that you can include the excursions you want while you're making your budget. If you're flying, it will give you something to read on the plane. We have a few favorites: Rick Steves, Lonely Planet, Fodor's and Frommers. Use these books for a general guide, but remember new places may not be in the book. Also, locations such as boutiques, restaurants, etc., may close down, so you will need current information, which brings us to the next tip.
2. Pamphlets. Don't book every single minute of your trip. Leave room for options, alternatives and a change of plans. Some attractions you may have to buy in advance, but there are others that may not sell out. Once you get where you're going, grab a couple of pamphlets and brochures at the welcome center, hotel or airport. Keep your options open so that you can be spontaneous. Some attractions and excursions are not in travel guide books, which are printed with information that can be a year old or more. But pamphlets, brochures and billboards will be more up-to-date.
3. Maps. Street by street maps are invaluable. Yes, the actual kind that you hold in your hand. There are some that fold into a little booklet or are laminated so that you won't have to deal with a mess putting them away. They can be bought in bookstores (yes, there are still some bookstores out there), superstores or ordered online. Get at least one print map because some online maps require the internet (although there are off-line versions). Study it before you walk around foreign countries, it's safer. In fact, you might want to map out directions in the notes feature of your phone. When I arrive to a location, I always pick up a public transit map and get the local city map from the tourist booth either at the airport or near the hotel. Many maps also have many sightseeing tips, which take the place of carrying travel books.
The NYC Traveler Cruise Travel Hacks Playlist
As for the GPS map, you will need to make sure you have the right plan for your phone service. If you have international service, check to see what's included: cell service and/or data service. Unlimited data service is invaluable: you can use your GPS, keep your location on so that loved ones know where you are, you can text and use services that can be used by all types of operating systems and you can look up excursions on your browser. Cell service involves making calls, which may cost. Reserve these for emergencies. Check to see if your phone can make WiFi calls and use the WiFi in your hotel to make any calls, if necessary.
The NYC Traveler Tip For Your Cruise Trip: Turn off your cell service when you are at sea. That's a different ball game altogether and it's not international service at that point. You may have additional charges. If you really need to keep in touch, purchase the ship's wifi plan. Some cruise lines actually might have a one day plan, so you might not need to purchase for the whole cruise. When you dock at the ports, then you can use your international service.
4. Friends and Family. People who live or who have traveled to a destination are excellent resources. Tell them where you're going and ask what do they recommend. Many people will post something on their social media page and ask their friends. Once you arrive, locals often know off the beaten path. Talk to the concierges, the hotel reps or even the person at the local cafe. Of course, sometimes, they will promote certain businesses, but they have good ideas. While you're touring the location, speak to people in the stores or at restaurants. They will share their ideas, as well.
5. TV Shows, social media influencers, blogs & vlogs, such as ours: MC Photo & Travel YouTube Channel. Travel shows, food shows, those "Top 10..." shows, such as the 10 best roller coasters, best beaches, etc. They give you ideas of places to go or what to do when you get to your destination. Even real estate and home building shows are great resources: they move from location to location with each episode. And don't forget entertainment: many TV and streaming series and movies are set in real life places highlighting real life attractions. You can do a search for filming locations and see what pops up. Finally, scan social media. Travelers, photographers, foodies: they all will give great ideas and resources. Search by hash tag: locations, attractions, activities, etc.
So, do your homework: use the search engines to see what's offered and then go directly to the website of the vendor to purchase. Then, get a feel of what's at each destination by following blogs (yep, like this one!), watching some shows and asking around.
The NYC Traveler Presents Tips for Your Trips
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