Gita Sitaramiah | (TNS) Star Tribune
MINNEAPOLIS — Declan Halloran's family thought about going to popular Algarve region spots like 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 less popular with tourists.
"We were the only Americans there," he said.
While thrilling, international travel involves many factors. 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 even afford your grand plans?
To help plan a perfect trip while keeping all of your priorities in mind, here is some expert advice to consider:
Plan early
Travel agents said most Minnesotans they assist go to Europe for one to two weeks. While information about those countries is readily 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 begun booking client trips to Europe for next year and the year after that. River cruises fill up quickly. 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 pair in central Paris. Including the flight and a 4½-star hotel, the cost is $5,850. A mother-and-daughter trip Delph arranged to Rome and Florence for 10 nights during spring break was similar at $5,800.
Experts stated that waiting for flight deals is no longer effective, and travelers agreed.
“Last minute doesn’t exist because of these algorithms,” mentioned globe hopper Noopur Curtis of Minnetonka, who often flies to Chicago in search of better travel options to India. “I’ve tried for the past two years and haven’t found a deal.”
As prices easily surpass $1,000 for a roundtrip to Europe, other locations farther away are often even more expensive. Traveling to Africa will cost twice as much as a trip to Europe from New York, said Georgina Lorencz, owner of African Travel Seminars.
When traveling to many countries, a combination of credit cards, an ATM card and cash to exchange is all you need but look into the specifics of your destination. Lorencz advises clients to bring a Visa or Mastercard and $500 to Africa. When exchanging for local currency, bring clean, newer bills and ask for the same. She recently tried to exchange some British pounds with the late Queen Elizabeth’s image, but the currency exchange declined them.
Timing is crucial.
Flight delays and changes are more common. Try to book the first flight of the day and build in extra time for travel even if it’s not needed, such as staying near the airport before an international flight home.
Airlines flying in other countries often operate under stricter consumer rules and might offer refunds and compensation. So it’s worth filing a claim for any trouble at the carrier’s website.
Consider whether you want to go to your destination in its high season, which will be more expensive. For a first-time trip to Europe, Snyder recommended going in fall or winter when your money goes further, and crowds are more sparse. Want to go to the Olympics in Paris this summer? At this point, you’ll need lots of money or lots of flexibility. Probably both.
“Another big question is, ‘How many countries can we see in a week?'” Delph said. “If it’s just a week, I would tell them to do one.”
Be inventive. Halloran’s family sometimes stays at ski resorts in the Alps in summer that offer great hiking and rooms at half the price of ski season, said the University of Wisconsin freshman, whose side hustle is travel planning for friends and family. Michael Florey, a semi-retired Minneapolis attorney, suggested trying pricier spots like Michelin-starred restaurants at lunchtime and renting rooms at vineyards to see the countryside.
“You can taste the wine without worrying about driving under the influence,” Florey explained. “You can simply go to your room afterwards.”
Travel agents can provide assistance
Even with a lot of information available on the internet, employing a travel agent could still be a good choice. Travel agents claim they offer expertise, connections, and organization, especially when your trip includes multiple stops or you require a reliable driver or guide abroad.
“Arranging tours in advance and obtaining skip-the-line tickets, all of those are areas where travel professionals can assist,” Snyder stated.
They may also comprehend the local traditions and hotel standards, which can differ greatly.
“I still believe in travel agencies,” Curtis mentioned. “I have organized travel itineraries myself. That requires a lot of effort. Travel agencies can handle much of that work for you for a small extra cost.”
Lorencz equips her clients heading to Africa with a detailed 30-page manual containing everything they need to know about preparing for the trip and what to anticipate upon arrival. She also works to make the journey efficient. As many African restaurants prepare food on order, Lorencz makes arrangements with them in advance so her travelers don’t have to wait for their meals for over an hour.
“Imagine if you walk into the restaurant on your own,” she said. “You would be sitting there for a while”
Pack strategically
Packing a large bag to check might be no problem if you’re going to only one destination or on a cruise or guided tour. If you’re taking buses and trains between multiple locations, think again.
“Sometimes you get to those cities, and the cab can’t even get down the street, and you have to get out and roll your bag down cobblestones,” Snyder said.
Another advantage of a carry-on is being able to keep the bag with you on a plane for peace of mind. Consider packing cubes to fit more in, taking fewer clothes and sending out laundry for longer trips.
“Always keep a small medicine kit,” Curtis advised. “Your Advil, something to stop diarrhea, and something to get you through a cold.”
Study cultural norms
You might have to cover your shoulders and wear long skirts or pants to visit sights in many Islamic countries as well as many cathedrals in Europe.
Avoid using your left hand at the dinner table in Africa and Asia. A hand gesture like a thumbs up common in American culture is offensive in Africa. Be aware that several languages might be spoken in some countries and English might not be as familiar, particularly in remote or rural areas.
Lorencz recalled an appreciative traveler who attempted to hug a cooking class instructor in Morocco, but he found out it’s a no-no in Islamic culture to touch a woman who’s a stranger.
“I couldn’t believe how fast she jumped out of the way,” she said. “She was somebody’s wife. She was older and more traditional. No, don’t touch her.”
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