Travel tips 101
(Editor’s note: The RichmondHUB.ca thanks Lise Hodgson for a timely article on travel planning. We have a lot of talented people and local businesses in our community at your service! Look for more travel advice from Lise in future articles.)
Travel 101 – You want to travel, but where do you start?
As an event planner and travel agent with over 20 years of experience, I thought I would share my knowledge and experience with you. The information I am providing you is based on personal knowledge, experience and research. These articles are not to sell you a specific product or experience but to help you make informed decisions.
Where, how and when to travel is a personal decision. Before you start booking, or contact a travel agent, I recommend you do a little homework on your own ahead of time. It will save you and/or your travel agent time when it comes to narrowing down your holiday plans.
What is your budget?
Having a budget will help save research time, set priorities and allow to you enjoy your holiday. The cost of a holiday depends on what you are doing and when. For example, an all-inclusive holiday is usually more expensive during the Christmas Vacation and during the school breaks. You may have to forgo that 5-star resort!
Why are you traveling and with whom?
Family holiday, honeymoon, destination wedding, incentive trips etc… may mean different locations. Ask yourself: Do I want to have children around, a party atmosphere, educational/historical trip or do I just want to sit and relax on the beach with a good book.
When do you want to travel?
Sometimes when you can travel is a short window due to your job, family life and other commitments. This could have an impact on your budget and where you can go and what you can do.
How do I travel? What kind of holiday do I want?
There are endless types of travel: All inclusive resorts, ocean and river cruises, guided land tours, golf or scuba tours. None of these have to be expensive. You would be surprised how little it costs to take a river cruise!
Where do I travel?
This is the one question I am often asked. I want to go to an all inclusive or take a cruise, but I don’t know where. Again, this is a personal decision. List your priorities – beach, pool, food, things to do, golf, scuba etc..
Websites
There are a lot of reputable website for you to do your research. Read the reviews carefully. Sometimes the score/stars do not reflect the comments. Keep in mind that some people need to always find something to complain about. For example, is it a resort’s fault that it rained during your holiday?
www.monarc.ca – hotel reviews by Canadian
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to send me a message.
Lise Hodgson, CMP
