Gita Sitaramiah | (TNS) Star Tribune
MINNEAPOLIS — Declan Halloran’s family thought about going to popular Algarve region spots Albufeira or Lagos in Portugal last summer, but he knew those cities would be hot and crowded with British and Irish tourists.
Instead, he planned a trip to nearby Costa Vicentina, a windy coastal area that’s not as touristy.
“We were the only Americans there,” he said.
While it's exciting, international travel involves many things to think about. Do you want to see Machu Picchu or the Great Wall of China, or go on an African safari? Do you want to avoid other tourists? What can you fit in without rushing? And can you afford your grand plans?
To help plan an ideal trip while keeping all of your priorities in mind, here is some expert advice to consider:
Plan early
Travel agents said the majority of Minnesotans they help go to Europe for a week to two weeks. While information about those countries is widely available, and there are several nonstops from MSP airport, the agents are still busier than ever.
Linda Snyder, vice president of travel and retail services for AAA Minneapolis, has already started booking client trips to Europe for next year and the year after that. River cruises book up fast. You should reserve every tour, church and museum visit before departure, if possible.
“Ideally, you’re planning a year ahead of time,” she said. “That’s not to say you can’t plan three to six months out.”
But if you do, you might have to make more compromises or spend more money.
A1 Travel agent Monique Delph books flights six to nine months before departure.
“I’ve seen the ticket price double closer to the trip from six months out,” she said.
Check your cellphone coverage and consider texting and calling free via WhatsApp, a widely used international messaging app. You can pay extra to still use your plan’s data coverage, just plan to use free Wi-Fi or purchase or rent a portable Wi-Fi to use while in the other country.
Wherever you go in the world, review the CDC guidelines for entry requirements and consult your doctor or a travel health clinic for any vaccinations or medications needed.
Also find out whether you will need to apply for a Visa to enter the country.
“You need to make sure your passport has six months of validity beyond the date you return. That’s something people miss,” Snyder said. “If you’re going for a month, you should have six months left from when you come back. That’s true for most places.”
She also encouraged travelers to enroll in the STEP program so the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate knows of your trip in case of a natural disaster or other global event.
“It’s a good safety measure,” she said.
Money matters
Realistically, you’ll likely spend more than you planned. But it’s better to realize that sooner than later and start saving now.
“The biggest question is the budget, and there’s usually some sticker shock,” Delph said.
After paying for the flight and hotels, she recommended a minimum of $100 a day per person, but that can swing up or down. A luxury buyer or party animal might spend much more.
Delph recently arranged a nine-night vacation for a couple in central Paris. This included the flight and a 4½-star hotel, and the total cost was $5,850. Delph also arranged a mother-and-daughter trip to Rome and Florence for 10 nights during spring break, which was similar at $5,800.
Experts stated that waiting for flight deals is no longer effective, and travelers agreed.
Noopur Curtis of Minnetonka, a frequent traveler to Chicago in search of better travel options to India, mentioned that “Last minute doesn’t exist because of these algorithms.” She added, “I’ve tried for the past two years and haven’t found a deal.”
Georgina Lorencz, owner of African Travel Seminars, said that as prices can easily exceed $1,000 for a roundtrip to Europe, other destinations farther away are often even more expensive. She mentioned that traveling to Africa from New York will cost double compared to a trip to Europe.
When traveling to many countries, a combination of credit cards, an ATM card and cash for exchange is sufficient, but it's important to look into the specifics of your destination. Lorencz advises clients to bring a Visa or Mastercard and $500 to Africa. She also suggests bringing clean, newer bills for currency exchange and shares an experience where some British pounds with the late Queen Elizabeth’s image were declined for exchange.
Choosing the right time is crucial
It's common for flights to be delayed or changed. It's recommended to book the first flight of the day and allow extra time for travel, even if it’s not necessary, such as staying near the airport before an international flight home.
Airlines in other countries often follow stricter consumer rules and may provide refunds and compensation. Therefore, it's worth submitting a claim for any issues through the carrier’s website.
When planning a trip, it's important to consider whether you want to visit your destination during its peak season, which will be more expensive. For a first-time trip to Europe, Snyder suggested visiting in the fall or winter when your money goes further and the crowds are lighter. Want to attend the Olympics in Paris this summer? At this point, you’ll need a lot of money or a lot of flexibility, probably both.
Delph mentioned that a big question often asked is, ‘How many countries can we see in a week?’ She advises that for just a week, it would be more advisable to visit just one country.
Halloran’s family takes advantage of great hiking and half-priced rooms at ski resorts in the Alps in the summer. Michael Florey suggested trying pricier spots like Michelin-starred restaurants for lunch and renting rooms at vineyards to explore the countryside.
Florey mentioned that you can sample the wine without worrying about driving under the influence. You can simply go to your room afterwards.
Travel agents can offer assistance
Despite the abundance of online information, utilizing a travel agent could still be a beneficial choice. They claim to provide expertise, connections, and organization, especially for trips with multiple stops or the need for a reliable driver or guide abroad.
Snyder mentioned that travel professionals can assist with planning tours in advance and obtaining skip-the-line tickets.
They may also have knowledge of local customs and hotel standards, which can vary significantly.
Curtis expressed belief in the value of travel agencies, stating that creating travel itineraries from scratch is a laborious task. Travel agencies can handle much of that workload for a small additional fee.
Lorencz equips her clients traveling to Africa with a detailed 30-page guide covering travel preparations and expectations on the ground. She also coordinates with African restaurants in advance to ensure efficient service and prevent long waits for meals.
She illustrated that if you were to enter the restaurant alone, you would end up waiting for a long time.
Pack strategically for your trip
Bringing a large checked bag might not be practical if you'll be moving between multiple locations using buses and trains. Snyder noted that in some cities, the streets are so narrow that cabs can't reach certain areas, forcing travelers to roll their bags on cobblestones.
Carrying a carry-on bag offers the advantage of keeping it with you on the plane, providing peace of mind. Consider using packing cubes to maximize space, packing fewer clothes, and utilizing laundry services for longer trips.
Curtis advised always carrying a small medicine kit containing essentials like Advil, remedies for diarrhea, and cold relief medications.
Learn about cultural norms before your trip
In many Islamic countries and European cathedrals, it's necessary to cover your shoulders and wear long skirts or pants when visiting certain attractions.
Avoid using your left hand at the dinner table in Africa and Asia. Additionally, hand gestures like the thumbs up, common in American culture, may be offensive in Africa. Be mindful that some countries may have multiple languages spoken, and English may not be widely understood, particularly in remote or rural areas.
Lorencz shared the story of a traveler who tried to hug a cooking class instructor in Morocco, unaware that it's inappropriate in Islamic culture to touch a woman who is a stranger.
She was taken aback by how quickly the instructor moved away, realizing that it was not acceptable to touch her, as she was married and adhered to traditional customs.
©2024 StarTribune. Visit at startribune.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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While exhilarating, international travel requires careful consideration. Do you want to steer clear of other tourists? Can you manage everything without rushing? And is your budget sufficient for your ambitious plans?
