A rule of thumb in home remodeling is that a project will take twice as long and cost double than was planned. This can be true with travel too, if you hit the road without a basic plan.
Let’s avoid the word “budget” because it’s too much like the word “diet.” Often just uttering the word spells defeat. Besides, planning for travel is much more than a question of money. Finances are important, of course, but there are other things to consider too.
So, how can we build a travel “plan?”
1. How much time do I have?
There are many good first questions to ask, but I think this is one of the best. It’s possible to avoid a lot of disappointment by not over-doing it and being honest with yourself. If you have only a weekend then obviously backpacking through the Alps is out. There are plenty of interesting, relaxing, and fun things to do close to home. Be sure to consider some of them if time (or money!) is short.
Before a trip I often make a list of all the things I would like to do or see when I arrive. Next, I prioritize them: which ones are most interesting, which ones are “must sees” and “must do’s.” If my list is still too long I’ll mark off one or two items toward the bottom. It’s not easy, I realize, so I cheat a little: I make a list of those items and keep them somewhere handy (just in case), but I don’t put them on my itinerary.
2. Are special preparations necessary for this destination?
Traveling is different depending upon the destination. Sunscreen or parka; a novel or a phrasebook? As important, of course: will I need a passport? In the past, passports were not necessary for travel to Mexico; now they are. The US Department of State website outlines current regulations for passports and for travel in general. If you don’t have a passport and need one this website is the place to begin.
How about immunizations? The Centers for Disease Control provides comprehensive lists of health related requirements and recommendations for travel anywhere imaginable. More than an account of diseases, this site provides valuable tips on staying safety and healthy and what to do should you get injured or sick while out of the country.
It’s an unfortunate reality, but there are some places more dangerous or challenging than others, and this changes without much warning. The US Department of State publishes travel advisories and restrictions on their website. When traveling internationally it’s wise to consider the political climate as well as the weather.
3. Allow time to relax.
Relaxing is not only for the beach! Frequently travelers underestimate how tiring the process of travel can be. A day of flying (waiting in airport lines, changing gates, etc.) can be as tiring as two full days of driving. Depending upon how far you travel it may be a good idea to allow some time to simply relax and get acclimated before visiting sites. A couple hours relaxing in your hotel room is not wasted time. It can be as important as packing enough socks. Also, don’t forget to allow for some “re-entry time” when you return home.
4. How much money will I need?
The truthful answer to this question is: “it depends.” Sorry, but it’s true. It depends on many things, for instance, where you are going. Ordinarily, a week of hiking will cost less than a cruise, and a week in San Francisco is going to cost more than the same week in Indianapolis (unless it’s during the Indy 500). It also depends on your style of living and relaxing. It’s quite possible to spend time in Mexico City “on the cheap” staying in hostels or modestly priced hotels. But the city also has many top-flight hotels whose costs revival luxury hotels in US cities.
Susan Breslow Sardone has provided a useful vacation budget worksheet (the word “budget” is hers, not mine!). Her worksheet provides a helpful summary of the many categories to consider when planning the money portion of a trip. Remember, thanks to ATM’s, it’s possible to have access to funds without carrying a wad of cash.
My rule of thumb about money is: “be realistic, not optimistic” and bring along a few extra bucks just in case.
5. Be ready, but be flexible.
Be ready for a few surprises, but be flexible. Many of travel’s best moments are the surprises we didn’t anticipate. In other words, be ready to throw out the plan when serendipitous moments arise. Unless your trip is a business trip with numerous appointments, there is little reason to keep the same kind of schedule you have at the office.
Traveling in Thailand many years ago I allowed myself a little time each week time for “getting lost,” my way of staying open to interesting opportunities. In the grand scheme of things, taking time to explore an interesting side street or showing up late for an event, is not going to throw the planet out-of orbit.
Regardless of the reason for your travel—business, pleasure, or a hybrid of both—a simple and flexible plan can help keep you solvent and sane.
Have fun, be safe, and send me a postcard.
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