Planning for a Trip

CEBU, Philippines - There’s hardly a person who is not excited about the thought of going outside of his usual surroundings. It seems that the itch of ‘going somewhere’ is part of the human instinct. One wants to know how life is out there somewhere.

In recent times, travel has been found to offer many benefits for the traveler. It widens one’s horizons, enhances his concept of the world. It is also therapeutic, a very good stress reliever, either in simply spending time in a hammock by the beach or really getting into action by engaging in some adventure.

Yes, there are some people whose enthusiasm for travel has waned somewhat. The often reason is a letdown in their previous trips. They have had certain inconveniences or problems during those jaunts.

Yet when analyzed closely, the reason for those previous trip blunders were caused mostly by lack of planning. Perhaps the traveler didn’t plan what to do during the trip or failed to make the necessary arrangements or didn’t consider basic necessities or didn’t bring enough money etc. Perhaps one did not find anything fun or interesting, because he did not go looking for it and merely relied on happenstance. 

Planning is very important for a trip. Whether it’s a quick weekend visit to the province or a major trip to another culture, the traveler needs to have a plan. And it is not a simply itinerary or a wish list of possible activities. It is a basic, practical guide towards making the most out of the trip.  When everything has been thoroughly planned out, all that’s left for the traveler to do is take the trip and relax.

Destination. This is a no-brainer. Of course, the traveler would first have to decide where he wants to go – pick a destination.

Type of trip. And one has to have an idea of how he wants the trip to turn out. Is it about relaxing in the clean sea breeze at a secluded beach, or does the traveler want to climb mountains or chase waterfalls? Experienced travelers would even decide on the type of trip before considering a destination because they find it easier to narrow down a destination once they know what they want to do.

Budget. This aspect also depends on the traveler. If money is not an issue, then it fits here. If resources are quite stringent, then budget might as well overrule everything else – where one can afford to go and what can he afford to do there. Major considerations would be transportation, accommodation and activities costs. If intending to get a local guide or go island-hopping, the guide’s fee and boat rental shall be budgeted for.

Realities in the intended destination. Accommodation is crucial consideration. What’s the price range of the available places to stay in the area – what’s the most that the traveler can afford or the least he can tolerate? It’s also important to check about the kind of food possible. Similarly, he needs to know beforehand if certain personal necessities are available there, so he may not have to stuff the whole household in his bag.

Cold cash or card? It may not be enough to have the funds ready. It would look like a card – either credit, debit or ATM – is advisable on a trip; it is not as tempting for thieves. But then one could easily misplace or lose a card, just the same. Another thing with a card, it may not be as welcome in one’s destination as cash is. But, in general, it is always advisable to have cash on hand – preferably in an amount a bit more than what the drawn budget shows.

Date of the trip.  This one, again, does not have to be decided on late in the line. It can belong in the league of the first things to be set. Once the departure date for and duration of the trip is figured out, things like activities list and budget could be more realistically drawn. The date of the trip could be timed to fit an available time-off from work, drop in fare and accommodation rates, special occasion or season in the destination etc.

Alone or with company? The particulars of a trip won’t be the same when one travels alone as when there’s company. The other fellow’s preferences will have to be taken into consideration, as well. Some people like to travel alone, for the freedom and opportunity for self-discovery it offers. Others like to go with someone, for security reasons and to preclude possible dull moments. It’s up to the traveler to decide for himself – traveling with company may not be as liberating, but there’s also someone to share the cost of the trip.

Of course, one cannot fully plan for the nitty-gritty details of the trip. But it’s better to have the major things covered at least, than go without a clue of what’s going to happen next. It always pays to have a plan. (FREEMAN)