Traveling to a new place is always exciting, but there are plenty of things to do beforehand, from gathering your friends and deciding where to go, to planning all the journey details and actually arriving at the destination of your choice. Some would say that it’s impossible to travel in style without spending huge sums of money, but experienced travelers would reply that you can have your cake and eat it too. With good organization skills and planning in advance, it’s possible to have a luxurious journey without going over budget. Here’s how.
Use your charm to get a luxury hotel
luxury hotel
You can check out hotel rates via sites like booking.com, trivago etc., but the person at the front desk is the one who ultimately decides whether you will get a lower rate or not. After you’ve checked the rates online, call the hotel where you wish to stay directly. It’s best to call in the evening when all the rush is over and the manager has time to talk. Introduce yourself, say during which period you would like to stay, and tell them that you’ve seen the online rates. Be kind, but persistent –it may lead to the best deals, as desk managers are usually very responsive to polite potential guests.
Hire a travel guide
If you have trouble coming up with a list of places you would like to visit, consider hiring a local travel guide. There are many websites you can use to get in touch with the guides and find exactly what you need. On Viator, you can browse through the portfolios of the guides available for the destination you choose, and if you find something you like, you can immediately contact the guide via e-mail. If you opt for Rent-A-Guide, one of the biggest networks of private guides, you’ll be able to book a guided tour right on the spot, without taking any further steps.
Travel guide
Choose the best way of transportation
Everybody loves a comfortable ride when traveling. If you’re traveling by plane, then first class is a classy solution. If you’re taking a road trip, the best option is to have your own bus charter. The bus can take you and your friends wherever you want, not to mention how cool all of you will look driving your own bus, almost as if you’re doing something incognito. This is also the cheapest option, as bus charters can be quite affordable.
Pack smart
Packing is another essential part of the trip, as you’ll need the right clothes to enjoy your travels. When it comes to tops, it’s all about layering, regardless of the season. Include T-shirts and tank tops if you’re traveling during the summer, but don’t forget long sleeve shirts and button-downs for chillier weather. For bottoms, choose skirts or shorts, jeans or leggings, depending on your taste. Also, be sure to bring sweaters or a light jacket and comfy footwear, like flats and sneakers, depending on your activities. Needless to say, bring several pairs of underwear.
Pack smart
In this day and age, travel gadgets are a must. Bring noise-canceling headphones when you want to relax and turn off the outside world. A portable phone charger is a necessity, but it’s also a good idea to bring a waterproof phone case, in case of sudden instances of bad weather. If you’re an avid reader, Kindle enables you to read wherever you are.
From the choice of accommodation to packing essentials, here you can find everything you need to organize a successful trip with your friends. Follow our advice and travel in style wherever you go.