Traveling has always been my passion. Ever since I was a kid, I was fascinated by the idea of exploring new places, meeting new people, and learning about different cultures. As I grew older, my love for travel only intensified. I would often spend hours researching different destinations, making itineraries, and planning trips. It was only natural that I would become my family's closet travel consultant!
Researching Destinations
One of the coolest things I love to do is to get lost researching destinations. I always make sure to read up on the culture, cuisine, and local customs of the place we plan on visiting. I also check for any major events or festivals that may be happening during our stay. Doing this helps me create a plan that ensures we experience everything that the place has to offer.
Planning Itineraries
Now the fun starts, planning itineraries for the trip. I take into account everyone's interests and preferences and book activities and attractions accordingly. For example, my sister loves adventure sports, so I would book a zip-lining or hiking excursion for her, while my parents prefer historical sites, so I would plan visits to museums or cultural landmarks. Don't get me wrong, I love spontaneity, but when we have things planned, we are less likely to mop around the hotel or the pool wondering what we are going to do today. Nope, I've got it covered. If we decide not to follow the itinerary, at least we have a fallback.
Transportation and Accommodation
Transportation and accommodation play a crucial role in my travel planning. I make sure to book the best mode of transport based on the destination, time of travel, budget, and comfort requirements. For accommodation, I look for lodging options that are safe, comfortable, budget conscious, but shiek, and located in an area that's convenient for sightseeing.
Budgeting and Expenses
I wish had endless amounts of money to jet around the world with not a care of the cost. Oh, but I am not independently wealthy, and neither are my parents, so budgeting and managing expenses are always top of mind. I always make sure to create a budget for the trip and keep track of all the expenses. This helps us stay within our means and prevents any overspending. I also look for discounts and deals wherever possible to help save money.
Being my family's closet travel consultant is not just a responsibility but also a passion. It allows me to explore new places and cultures while helping my loved ones create unforgettable memories. With the right research, planning, and budgeting, I am able to ensure that each trip is a success. If traveling is something that you too love, I highly recommend taking up the role of a travel consultant for your family and friends. It's a fulfilling experience that you won't regret!
In a future post, I will upload a template I use for planning my trips.