Travelling – as fun and exciting
as it may sound is on the other hand a test to even the tightest of bonds -
from transit times, activities during the trip to budgeting. You may often find
yourself in a fix or an uncomfortable position having to cater to mounting
expenses, spending too much time at an activity that does not interest you, or
having to accommodate a travel partner who is of the other extreme. A
photography enthusiasts who loves lingering around or goes missing from the
group to catch unique photos versus A traveller who wants to see as much as you
can in the place. To someone who needs all things planned out versus a
spontaneous traveller who prefers to figure things out when the time comes!
Sounds familiar? Well we have
helped list out things that can assist in your upcoming trips.
Is the main vacation goal to relax and recover from work – or would it
be to just a FOODIE trip with late nights and everything your tummy can digest
– or would it be to get out of your comfort zones and experience all the
adventures the place has to offer. As
much as we may love going with a group of friends – setting the main vacation
goal will assist everyone to be on the same page and pretty much knows what to
expect. It is completely OKAY! for anyone to drop out from the group as it may
not suit their idea of a holiday.
These goals should however be very clear to everyone coming onboard as
you will not want someone to spoil the vacay for you! For example: if you are
going to hike a mountain to catch the sunrise – you definitely cannot have
someone who is unable to be on tie without being grumpy due to lack of sleep
too! Or you sure as hell can’t have 1 adventure seeker to a group of 5 other
shopaholics!
Yup! It might sound like the FIRST THING YOU DO in any trip, but read
on - budgeting is as important as setting the travel goal – ensure everyone is
well aware of the trip costs and is able to stretch it slightly in an event you
DO come across anything fancy during your trip. You will not want a miser on
your trip or someone who calculates every penny. Setting your budget ahead will
also spare you ample of time to check on currency exchanges from time to time
and make changes as and when the exchange rate is good. Avoid keeping the
exchange to the very last moment before you fly! That will truly leave you to
an uncompromising rate!
If you are carrying a credit/debit card – remember to call the
customer service to inform and request them to allow your cards to be used for
overseas transactions.
1. After having all the above checked! Remember to ask your Tour
Agent/Provider of the WEATHER/SEASON during your trip. This will save you
unnecessary expenditures upon arrival and during your stay – (budgeting for
winter clothes or other requirements upon arrival)
2. Check with your Tour Provider if there are VISA’s required and if
they should be done in your residing country or upon arrival – this may add to
your overall cost and budgeting aside from your travel and tour expenses.
3. Set your budget for the Visa Application and ensure SUFFICIENT TIME
for the Approval Process. Unless it is a 24hrs approval – best to allow 2 to 3
weeks time in between, taking into account weekends and public holidays.
4. Be sure to check if your country of destination has been issued any TRAVEL ADVISORY that may concern your safety and disrupt your travel plans.
Example: Zika Virus, The Mt. Agung Eruption in Bali and the Closure of Boracay for 6
months.
PASSPORT VALIDITY
You are
required to have minimum 6 months VALIDITY on your PASSPORT before you are
allowed to check in your flight tickets. ENSURE YOUR VALIDITY to avoid
unnecessary hassle and delays. IF AN EMERGENCY arises in the airport – check your
nearest IMIGRATION or UTC centres. For example: If you face an unforeseen
circumstances with your family or travelling partner, or anyone in your Group
at KLIA – the nearest would be the Putrajaya Imigration and if it is a Saturday
– head to the PUDURAYA UTC where you can get your passport done in an HOUR! In
time to catch your flight/next flight.
Ever had a
partner who constantly is required to check their EMAILs and WatsApp during
your trip? Well having ground rules about work during your Honeymoon and
Vacation is essential and if you have no choice but to check them daily – try
settling them during your free times. Last but not least, if you are irritable
without good and fast WI-FI, do ensure your hotel provides it or consider
having your own mobile HOTSPOT – to avoid stressing everyone else or worst
still – your spouse during your Honeymoon.
SHARED TOUR may cost you slightly cheaper compared to a PRIVATE TOUR.
Aside from the budget factor, do consider your personal privacy before deciding
to choose your tour type.
SHARED TOURS has a fixed itinerary, times of departures and may at
times require leaving your hotel at odd hours to pick other travellers and arrive
on time for the activity of the day. Having children with you or if you are on
a relaxing holiday – do have in mind that a shared tour will require you to
tolerate the excitement of other passengers singing, babies crying and also
expect delays. On the brighter side – if you are on a trip to make new friends
– do take the shared tours as you may end up expanding your network.
PRIVATE TOURS gives you the allowance and freedom of time, space and
planning out your activity. This is also suitable if your group consists of
elderly and aged grandparents that may require their time in moving about and
getting ready as well as if you are having your little ones in your trip.
Having to identify your differences will benefit in choosing a
destination with activities you and your group will all enjoy. Some may want to
dunk in the pool, and the activity of the day, while others may head for a
massage or window shop instead. Identifying differences also encompasses your
MEAL PREFERENCES from Vegetarian, Vegan to PORK/BEEF free meals. Having a
couple of travellers who would want to try a specific dish in a country that
may offend the preference of others, might minus some fun in your trip – as
well as having these preferences identified – helps you source for the nearest
available eateries.
We are all unique and have our strengths. Allocate your job
responsibilities accordingly, be it on a Honeymoon trip or a Family Vacay. Identify
your roles and trust that person to avoid conflicts and clashes of opinions.
For example: my duties are usually setting out the logistics, ground
tours and budgets while upon arrival to the destination – all my notes and
contact details are handed over to Hubster who takes on from there with the
coordination with the driver or on occasions where he drives, he does all
navigations and decisions hence forth. Most photos are taken by Lil Sissy while
parent’s are left free and easy.
Emergencies
and set-backs may take place with someone falling ill or weather conditions
requiring the activity to be carried forward. Having a day or two to rest or
with light activities will promise a much more full-filling trip. By not over
scheduling, you allow yourself sufficient time to handle any travel or work
emergency that arises.
We hope that this would be of great help in planning out your next STRESS FREE holiday! Looking forward to your suggestions, experiences and comments.
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Signing Off!
YORAIN and PRIYA
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