Monday, May 16, 2016

7 Travel Tips for your next holiday

Disclaimer: I'm no Nomadic Matt. I've just spent the last two weeks submerged in prep for my upcoming holiday and these are my simple go-to resources for holiday planning.

I'm off in 3 days, eeek! Here's a little peek at where I'm headed:


Don't get me wrong - I'm a big info/planning-nerd and all about the YAY in holid-yay.

But the research, planning, itinerarizing, bookings, payments, cancellations, (shudder) last minute changes AND that too for an ENTIRE group is just about as fun as getting your teeth pulled. I wouldn't have it any other way :)

For now, I'm reaching the very end of this process and thought I'd share my go-to resources/tips that made my planning process infinitely easier! 

Flight search


Usually, I use Cleartrip for flight searches - it's easy, you can compare a bunch of flights and book with very few clicks - what's not to love? But on this trip, we stumbled upon some incredible rates using Google Flights. Google magically picked up (as they do) these awesome promotional fares that didn't show up elsewhere and boom, we got tickets almost half off the original price!

Start a spreadsheet


As soon as a holiday plan is in place, the next thing I do is make a Google spreadsheet (promise I'm not sponsored by Google, teehee) and share it with people I'm travelling with - it includes the basic info like a rough schedule, cities we're going to and things we want to see in these places, flight info etc.

This little guy is useful for so many different reasons - you have all the info you need in one place which helps especially if you have a long trip and lots of bookings, you have a clear overview of the schedule, costs and status of things and like I mentioned, you can share this and any updates you make will reflect for others also. It serves a nice little list for the future as well!

The Modern Tourist has done a great in-depth post on this, so head over there if you want more on this!

Finding a place to stay


My go-to is always Booking.com because (again) it's easy, you have free cancellation on most places, so you can book and then take your time to look around for some more options in the meanwhile. I do refer back to reviews on TripAdvisor because sometimes reviews are not that detailed on Booking and they only have the fancy shiny photos of the accommodations as opposed to regular life photos which TripAdvisor has in addition.

Airbnb is also a popular option if you're looking for a homely experience (or so I've heard), I'm yet to try it out myself.

Where to go, what to see


This is the fun but difficult part - I usually use TripAdvisor as a starting point for places to see and then work my way down the rabbit-hole to travel blogs, social media, friends, family etc.

During this process, make sure to look out for the little additional info that people usually share like this is not open on that day, buy these tickets in advance and don't bother waiting in line for this statue etc which will help save time (and heartache). There's tons of different itineraries online from different tour companies, just mix and match as you please.

Zomato collections also work as an good base guide as to where you can eat and drink your way through the city. Apart from this, do a general Google search for events possibly happening in that city while you're there, might stumble into something exciting! (Adele in Lisbon, Coldplay in Barcelona for me and a local festival in Cordoba for me!)

Internal travel


We're booking a lot of internal travel on this trip and it was quite the challenge to figure out what works best with distances, times and the different modes of transport. This website called Rome2Rio was super useful for this specific reason - it lists all options between two places (bus/flight/car/train) along with the relevant information and links to where you can book them as well. You can use this for international travel as well if you need.

Label your bookings in your inbox


While this is not a new trick, it's well worth adding in this list! I have a little more than 20 different bookings on this trip and I've done myself a favor and labelled every booking - Spain/Portugal 2016 - in my email, so that when it's time to print, everything is in place and I don't need to worry about missing an important printout to present at the airport or anywhere else I might need.

Get your International Driving Permit (IDP)


This is a no-brainer. If you're planning to drive where you're going (even if you're not, good to keep handy), get your IDP locally, they are valid for a year and so it'll also help for future travel within that time frame. They print it in a bunch of different languages so you're covered translation wise.

Here's a detailed post on how and where to get your license in Dubai by Globe Trotting Filipina!


And that about rounds up this post, hope it helps you on your next trip. You can follow me on Instagram and Snapchat for updates on my travels!

Mona xo

57 comments :

  1. Your post is providing good information. I liked it and enjoyed reading it. Keep sharing such important posts. I am very much pleased with the contents you have mentioned. I wanted to thank you for this great article. www.usefultravelsite.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. With the help of cleartrip hotel booking you can get great comfort and discounted prices, so check shopozo for cleartrip coupons Shopozo offers 20% cashback on all booking in cleartrip.

    ReplyDelete
  3. This is a good post. This post gives truly quality information. I’m definitely going to look into it. Really very useful tips are provided here www.mehman.pk

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thanks for the post and great tips..even I also think that hard work is the most important aspect of getting success
    medium.com/@traveld/easyjet-flight-delay-compensation-2e85dd60a054

    ReplyDelete
  5. This is a really good read for me. Must agree that you are one of the coolest blogger I ever saw. Thanks for posting this useful information. This was just what I was on looking for. I’ll come back to this blog for sure! travel photography

    ReplyDelete
  6. It seems like invested loads of energy and exertion in your blog. I've spared it and i'm looking toward perusing new articles.
    halki diabetes remedy recipes

    ReplyDelete
  7. I like your post. It is good to see you verbalize from the heart and clarity on this important subject can be easily observed... india visa authorised ports of entry

    ReplyDelete
  8. you got to work hard to earn lots of money because it is not very easy to earn,, top world travels

    ReplyDelete
  9. Keep up the good work , I read few posts on this web site and I conceive that your blog is very interesting and has sets of fantastic information. cheap instagram likes uk

    ReplyDelete
  10. Do you need Finance? Are you looking for Finance? Are you looking for finance to enlarge your business? We help individuals and companies to obtain finance for business expanding and to setup a new business ranging any amount. Get finance at affordable interest rate of 3%, Do you need this finance for business and to clear your bills? Then send us an email now for more information contact us now via (financialserviceoffer876@gmail.com) whats-App +918929509036 Thank

    ReplyDelete
  11. I really like your writing style, great information, thankyou for posting Billigflüge Finden Günstige Flüge Bei Billige Flüge.ch

    ReplyDelete
  12. A debt of gratitude is in order for posting this information. I simply need to tell you that I simply look at your site and I discover it exceptionally fascinating and educational. I can hardly wait to peruse bunches of your posts. travel single parents with children

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hello I am so delighted I located your blog, I really located you by mistake, while I was watching on google for something else, Anyways I am here now and could just like to say thank for a tremendous post and a all round entertaining website. Please do keep up the great work. Intian viisumi

    ReplyDelete
  14. You have a real ability for writing unique content. I like how you think and the way you represent your views in this article. I agree with your way of thinking. Thank you for sharing. instagram followers app free

    ReplyDelete
  15. You'll find dissertation online websites on the web take up residence buy unsurprisingly recognised during the web-sites. Travel blogger

    ReplyDelete
  16. Considerably, this post is really the sweetest on this notable topic. I harmonise with your conclusions and will thirstily look forward to your incoming updates. Saying thanks will not just be sufficient, for the phenomenal clarity in your writing. I will directly grab your rss feed to stay informed of any updates. Admirable work and much success in your business dealings!? Please excuse my poor English as it is not my first tongue. Berita Ambon

    ReplyDelete
  17. If you are to Cyprus on holiday, then it would be incomplete without a rental villa. They really are renowned for their top quality 24 hour service. You can choose either a villa or an apartment close to the beach and there are a variety of options available. Villas for rent in Cyprus

    ReplyDelete
  18. Do you want to uplift your site rapidly on Google, so chop chop! Contact me. I will skyrocket your business on Google. visum fur indien

    ReplyDelete
  19. I have read your blog it is very helpful for me. I want to say thanks to you. I have bookmark your site for future updates. https://europa-road.eu/hu/temperalt-szallitas.php

    ReplyDelete
  20. you have got outdone yourself this develop outdated. It is probably the great, maximum immediate grade by grade manual that i have ever seen. travel blogspot

    ReplyDelete
  21. Tenerife is the biggest of the 7 canary Islands in the Atlantic sea for holidays. Simply off the shoreline of Morocco, Africa, this Spanish domain orders the status of one of the most famous vacationer locations around the globe. holiday

    ReplyDelete
  22. Very useful post. This is my first time i visit here. I found so many interesting stuff in your blog especially its discussion. Really its great article. Keep it up. villa for rent in el gouna

    ReplyDelete
  23. Excellent blog,I have viewed this blog many times and am impressed by it. The Information is helpful and also knowledgeable. I can prefer this blog to many people so that they also get the impressive guidelines about the pakistan visa application online. Start to apply for an online visa by filling the documents of the kenya visa and visit the stunning places and make your trip memorable with your family.

    ReplyDelete
  24. In some exciting cases, an individual could stay away forever. In spite of every one of these obstructions and challenges, individuals traveled; not generally in light of the fact that they expected to, yet commonly, additionally on the grounds that they wanted to.hotels at Kansas city airport

    ReplyDelete
  25. you can always say that Kanye West is a good singer but he will never be as good as michael jackson; BUMN

    ReplyDelete
  26. very nice post, i undoubtedly adore this fabulous website, carry on it cara sukses di usia muda

    ReplyDelete
  27. "The common factor for B&Bs – and what defines our membership - is that they are owner-managed, and not part of a chain.
    That means that they can offer the sort of individual welcome and service, local knowledge and home-cooked breakfast that bigger,
    purely commercial businesses can't replicate." 13 best things to do in montreal

    ReplyDelete
  28. You can assemble a home travel business and carry on with the Internet way of life you generally longed for by working a web-based home travel business. best hospitals in dubai

    ReplyDelete
  29. Travel strategy creators and heads should be directed by rising psychological oppression alarm. For chiefs and staff undertaking travel for organizations, the travel specialists and corporate travel offices (CTAs) ought to demonstrate the consolation for their wellbeing through the travel arrangements. Best walkie talkie

    ReplyDelete
  30. i love the Bazooka of Megatron, i don’t understand why they did not include it on the movie* how to Drive Stick

    ReplyDelete
  31. Youre so cool! I dont suppose Ive read anything similar to this just before. So nice to discover somebody by original ideas on this subject. realy thank you for starting this up. this amazing site can be something that is needed over the internet, someone with some originality. useful purpose of bringing something totally new to the internet! link building service

    ReplyDelete
  32. What your stating is absolutely true. I know that everybody should say the similar matter, but I just think that you set it in a way that absolutely everyone can realize. I also really like the photographs you set in the following. They match so effectively with what youre attempting to say. Im sure youll achieve so quite a few men and women with what youve received to say. enjoyensenada.com

    ReplyDelete
  33. You bear through a awesome vacancy. I sanity definitely quarry it moreover personally suggest to my buddys. I am self-possessed they determination be benefited from this scene. travel bags for toiletries

    ReplyDelete
  34. The ability to move around from one place to the other place is the main virtue one can ever have. All humans and animals have been secured with this ability, but humans are always a step forward. Ferdinand Cheval

    ReplyDelete
  35. this is certainly pleasing in combination with meanful. this is certainly cool and trendy site. Back-linking is extremely simple topic. you've got unquestionably provided the majority who you should visit site and provides they usefull points. Whale Watching Tours Kauai

    ReplyDelete
  36. We all want to go travel but not many people do. They let fear hold them back. Here's some reasons to get out there and travel now and counter the misconceptions and fears everyone has about traveling. Tianmen Mountain

    ReplyDelete
  37. Freight shipping used to be the mainstay of importers and exporters. However, with our changing world, that no longer holds true. In fact, freight forwarding has become a big part of every industry and is even being used by individuals who have to ship large cargo overseas. How do you know whether you need the services of freight companies? The answer is simple: you will need to hire the services of a freight forwarding supplier if you have cargo to send overseas. Roadfreight

    ReplyDelete
  38. A freight forwarder also called a freight agent or forwarding agent is a domestic transportation expert who is a well informed about the logistics of cargo shipment of manufactured and distributed goods. A freight forwarder arranges for transportation of trade goods by contracting with hired carriers companies. Freight Forwarder

    ReplyDelete
  39. Simply desire to say your article is as astonishing. The clarity on your publish is simply spectacular and that i could suppose you’re a professional in this subject. Well with your permission let me to grasp your RSS feed to stay up to date with drawing close post. Thanks one million and please carry on the enjoyable work. Liberty Ammunition Civil Defense .357 SIG 50 grain Hollow Point 500 rounds

    ReplyDelete
  40. Anabolic steroids help you recover faster so you can lift heavy weights more often. This makes you stronger and a better athlete, but it also can increase your risk for heart attack, cause liver damage, shrink your testicles, make you infertile, make you act crazy, and eventually cause an injury that never heals. Is it worth it? their explanation

    ReplyDelete
  41. Hmm is anyone else experiencing problems with the pictures on this blog loading? I’m trying to find out if its a problem on my end or if it’s the blog. Any feed-back would be greatly appreciated. cheat codes

    ReplyDelete
  42. You got a very fantastic website, Glad I observed it through yahoo. 마사지

    ReplyDelete
  43. Thank you for sharing with us, I think this website truly stands out : D. 스웨디시

    ReplyDelete
  44. The US military wants to be the masters of the robotic battle field by 2031, but by that time, will there be any enemies with robots to figh. Discover More

    ReplyDelete
  45. You made some decent points there. I looked on the internet for that problem and located most people will go in addition to with the web site. Game Blast

    ReplyDelete
  46. Good site! I really love how it is simple on my eyes and the data are well written. I am wondering how I might be notified when a new post has been made. I’ve subscribed to your RSS which must do the trick! Have a great day! 강남가라오케

    ReplyDelete
  47. What are you saying, man? I recognize everyones acquired their own thoughts and opinions, but genuinely? Listen, your web site is cool. I like the hard work you put into it, specially with the vids and the pics. But, appear on. Theres gotta be a better way to say this, a way that doesnt make it appear like everybody here is stupid! certified hackers for hire

    ReplyDelete
  48. I just couldn’t depart your site before suggesting that I extremely enjoyed the standard info a person provide for your visitors? Is going to be back often in order to check up on new posts get now EasyFinance 1500 personal loan no credit check

    ReplyDelete
  49. I discovered your blog website on bing and check some of your early posts. Keep the good operate. I just now additional up your Rss to my MSN News Reader. Seeking forward to reading more from you at a later time!… 토토사이트

    ReplyDelete
  50. A high percentage of the "workforce" today is living with parents well into their 20's and 30's for survival. BEST INJECTABLE AND ORAL STEROIDS FOR SALE

    ReplyDelete
  51. Just what I was looking for, appreciate it for posting . paragard iud removal side effects

    ReplyDelete
  52. This design is steller! You most certainly know how to keep a reader entertained. Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Wonderful job. I really loved what you had to say, and more than that, how you presented it. Too cool! UnitedFinances best safest i need 500 dollar now

    ReplyDelete
  53. There may be noticeably a bundle to know about this. I assume you made sure good points in options also. el mejor tarot del amor gratis

    ReplyDelete
  54. Have you thought about introducing some social bookmarking buttons to these blog posts. At least for facebook. Ac installation las vegas

    ReplyDelete
  55. Taylor Lautner Workout Routine… By the way you might want to check out this cool site I found…… Graffiti Removal Los Angeles

    ReplyDelete
  56. For sure, mushrooms do not need light so better keep them somewhere where light cannot seep through like in a closed box. psychedeliccubensis

    ReplyDelete

 
Site Design by Designer Blogs
UA-54556877-1