You have the plane ticket paid for, the hotel reserved and the time off of work. Now what are you going to do when you get there? You do not need to plan every second of everyday, but you should have an idea of what to do. Here are a few tips to help make the most of your vacation.
- Figure out transportation from the airport or train station to the hotel. Make sure you have a plan! Particularly if you are traveling overseas because you will be tired when you get to your destination. After a 10 hour flight is not the time to figure out how you are getting to the hotel! It will also help you avoid getting ripped off by taxi drivers and shuttles.
- Before you travel, research and decide on attractions. You do not have to plan every detail of every day, but have a loose plan. A museum you want to go to, a play you just have to see, and that church with the world known painting? Decide which day and make a plan that everyone who is traveling can agree on. Pay attention where sites are located and visit attractions that are close together on the same day.
- Figure out the local transportation system. Buses, trains or subways? Figure out the best way to get around the city. If you will be using public transportation most of the time, look into purchasing an unlimited week long pass.
- Walk places when you can. You probably did not travel across the country or the world to stare at the inside of a train all day. You might miss street entertainment, a cool bookshop or your new favorite restaurant. When ever you can, walk! (Also why visiting sites close to each other is important!).
Traveling should be fun and spontaneous. Do not try to micromanage and plan every second. You will end up grumpy and stressed. Instead, do your research and have a general plan so you do not waste your time or miss something you would have loved to see (but did not know about until back at home).