Monday, September 24, 2012

Plan Ahead. Pay Ahead.

As I have mentioned in my previous post, planning your trip ahead is a good way to maximize your time and enjoy your vacation more. This, however,  is not the only thing you have to consider. Sure, your itinerary is there and you already know everything you can about the place. Your camera is ready and your bags are ready. What about your budget?

One reason why most people are reluctant to travel is because they think traveling entails a huge amount of money and they simply cannot afford it. Not really. True, you can't simply go somewhere without funds and certainly not expect to get far with only Php 1,000. However, that doesn't mean you can't go to these places because you're not rich.

If you really want to go there then do something about it. Here are some things I do so I can travel without starving for months.

Let's say you have selected the place already here's what you can do to reach your dream destination.

1. The Checklist. Ask yourself these most important questions, how do i get there? (bus, plane, ship) How long will I be staying? Where will I stay? Once you have answered these questions, itinerary will be the least of your worries.

2. The Budget. Depending on your answers to the questions above, you have to estimate your budget. How much do you need for transportation? How much do you need for lodging? How much for pocket money?

3. How to get there. First, secure your transportation. If you are going by plane, you might want to check out the websites of several airline companies in the country. Air Philippines and Cebu Pacific have promo fare almost every month. Check out bus schedules and fares as well while you're at it especially if you are going somewhere far and expecting different types of transportation.

4. Lodging. Once you have the transportation secured, check out for hotels and lodging places. Check websites such as tripadvisor.com and other related sites. This usually how I get an idea of where to stay. Check what people recommends on the places you want to go to. Most of these people are backpackers so they know the most budget-friendly places to stay in. It also contains their reviews about the place so you know in advance if that place would be worth your money.

5. Book in advance. You know what usually eats your budget when you travel? transportation and lodging. Yes, a plane ticket is expensive. Yes, hotels are expensive. That is why you have to book them in advance this way you will not feel the bulk of the expenses.

Once you have decided where to go, how to get there and where to stay everything else will be a breeze. That is why it is important that you put into consideration the length of time it will take for you to save up for your trip. Once you have done the first four, then next thing for you to do is secure your transportation. Pay for your airfare in advance. If you can avail of a promo fare, much better. Once you have that secured, then save up for your lodging. If you can secure for reservation first then pay for it. Make sure though that you pay everything before your trip. Once you have both paid up, then you only have your pocket money to worry about.

Depending on how much you need, it may take you 2 or more pay days before you are ready to go. With your lodgings and transportation paid up, you can spend your pocket money to your hearts content without worrying that you may not be able to get home.

making your dreams a reality takes a long time. be patient and save up. you will get to your dream destination probably not in the most luxurious way possible but you will get there. isn't that what matters?



0 blabblers:

check ur page rank.

Check Page Rank of your Web site pages instantly:

This page rank checking tool is powered by Page Rank Checker service

 

♥AIAN-ism © 2010

Blogger Templates by Splashy Templates