5 Tips & Tricks to Travel

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Going on vacation always sounds like a good idea, until you have to decide all the little details. Like, where to go, where to stay, how much to spend, when to do it? Aren’t vacations supposed to be easy? Here is the best guide to make your traveling and planning smooth sailing.

We travel often and typically last minute, which doesn’t necessarily mean you are getting a good deal. Flights always seem to jump and hotels you can never tell. So, I wanted to share my thought process when I start to plan a vacay and what better way to do that then when I am ACTUALLY planning one.

Step 1: Logistics (Who, When, How long & How much?)

A couple questions to ask yourself:

Who’s coming with you? Solo, girl’s trip, guys trip, couples or just you and your special someone

When do you want to go? Summer vacation, long weekend getaway, holiday planning

How long do you want to go for? Is it a weekend trip? if so, look around and see what is drivable or a few hour flight away. Or, if you have time, you can go cross country, maybe another continent or down to the islands.

Let’s talk money, how much do you have to spend? Know what is worth splurging on. I like a nice hotel, but nothing too crazy because I won’t spend any time in the room except sleeping.

Step 2: Location, Location,Location

Now that you have answered those questions. What is on your list of places to go? If you don’t have a list I go you. Check out my list or scroll through Pinterest travel à this is one of my favorite past times.

My husband and I are lucky enough to have visitor ALLLLLLL the time so it makes traveling out of the country more challenging, but we have a rough idea of where we want to go. We also, travel spontaneously ALLLL the time. For instance, JAMAICA!  This was two weeks, talk about a spontaneous international trip.

Our friend invited us months ago for his birthday, we looked at the dates, pricing and it did not add up. BUT, they had an extra room booked nonrefundable and said we could have it. And, we couldn’t pass up this opportunity. So Jamaica here we come!

Step 3: Where to stay?

Time to do some research. I was always told I should have been a travel agent because I love this shit!

To Hotel or not to Hotel?

If it is just Mikee and I am all about spoiling myself at a hotel. A decent one, nothing cray but good enough. Something about fresh sheets and not having to make my bed. HA

Hotels Tonight are my fav. And have only let me down one time. Once I find a good hotel and deal, I call and see if they have any promos or do anything for military since Mikee serves.

Rent a House

If you have a group, this is the way to go! I love Airbnb and VRBO. You can find good deals everywhere and if you have enough people you can end up in a mansion on a mountain, with a hot tub, sauna and more. I am not joking.

It is all about who you know!

See if you know anyone that lives where you are going or nearby. We have friends all over the place. They always stay with us, so why not tap into your network and crash for free.

Step 4:  How to get there? Planes, Trains and Automobiles

This one is easy either it is drivable or not. You can drive, fly or if it is an option, taking a train could be fun. In this case, we are flying and in this instance our tickets were actually cheaper last minute. Phew! Check out your options….. ooooh or a boat à keep it interesting.

Step 5:  What to do?

This depends on how you like to vacay. Do you like to be on the go the whole time and see everything or do you like to actually get R&R in or are you like me and want to do both?

I love sleeping in on vacation because typically I wake up at 4am to work out (I know I am crazy) So, I sleep in and soak up the sun BUT I also want to explore and make memories besides ones that involve cocktails on the sand.

Having some chill days and some crazy ones are always fun. This particular trip and group we are going with love to stay at the resort and really relax, enjoy the all-inclusive ness of it but, I am going to get them out and about. Why travel so far and only stay in hotel. Seems silly.

Do you know anyone who has gone? Ask them or hit up your social media networks for tips, tricks and thing you can’t miss out on.

Bonus: My Personal Tips & Tricks

Check out TifferTime.com à she has been all over LOL If I haven’t been there, share your experience with me. I am always looking for where else to visit.

RESEARCH – some people love it and others cannot stand it. If you love or hate it at least do a quick google to see what your options are. Pinterest is my favorite. I always check out the things NOT to do. No point in wasting your time.

Last minute – ask the locals DUH!

How do I actually research online?

1. Pinterest

1. Type in specifically where you are going or staying and the surrounding area
2. Add something you love or always wanted to do, like hiking or waterfalls.

For example try:

Jamaica

Negril, Jamaica

Hiking in Negril, Jamaica

Horseback riding on the beach Negril, Jamaica

Waterfall Hikes in Negril, Jamaica

Best Restaurants with views à helped me find a cave where they do private dinners (SO COOL)