By Staff Writer: Julia Simmons
Traveling overseas is something most people dream about. It’s usually a long-term future goal that you save for. Figuring out how to make the dream or the goal a reality can be daunting, so here’s a few things to keep in mind when planning your vacation.
The first thing to decide is whether you want to plan your vacation yourself or use a group travel agency. These companies do all the work for you- they book your flights and hotels, they plan activities, and they often provide local tour guides to give recommendations on must-see spots. Another positive is these agencies let you pay for the trip on a payment plan, so you don’t have to shell out $1,000 for a flight this second. However, this comes at a premium. You can definitely book a similar trip on your own for cheaper. Think of these group travel agencies as the modern option of a travel agent.
Once you decide on how you’ll book the trip, it’s time to decide where you’re going. With a travel agency, you’ll have a selection of trips to choose from. If you’re booking on your own, the world is your oyster! Where you decide to travel will determine how expensive the trip is, what the weather will be like, and what language you should brush up on. Asia is generally cheaper than Europe or Africa to visit, but traveling to Asia is going to cost more for flights. Likewise, when packing for a trip, clothing is going to vary wildly from Europe to Africa due to the weather. Europe is a good continent to start with for a beginner traveler, but if this is a once-in-a-lifetime trip, go where your heart wants to go!
Saving for this experience is very important. Once you have budgeted how much your trip will cost, finding ways to cut everyday expenses is a good way to save. Making meals at home, cutting back on shopping, and cancelling streaming services are all ways to save money. Picking up a second job or a side hustle could also help your savings grow. Putting your vacation fund into a high-yield savings account will make your money work for you instead of sitting and doing nothing.
These topics are the basics when it comes to travel- every destination is different. Doing your own research is crucial in successfully planning a memorable trip. And wherever you go, be sure to stay safe!