In part one of the Thrift Traveling 101 trilogy, we discussed the primary steps to booking thrifty travel plans for the first time. Now that you've booked you're trip, what's next? Here, I'll walk you through prepping and planning for a smooth vacation.
Preparing for the Destination. A vacation requires lots of material necessities and work beforehand. It seems like a hassle, but I'll break down a checklist of items to take care of prior to heading to your dream vacation spot.
Create an Itinerary
Open up a Word doc (Google Doc, or whatever note taking method you like), and write down each day you'll be traveling. Under each day, write down what locations you'll visit and activities you will do (but don't get too ambitious! Hoping to accomplish too many things on a vacation may lead to stress). For example, my Italy trip looked like the following:
-Monday: Arrive in Rome, dinner
-Tuesday: The Forum, Coliseum
-Wednesday: Cat Sanctuary, Train to Pompeii, Pompeii
-Thursday: Train to Naples, Naples pizza, Underground Tour
-Friday: Train Naples to Florence, Explore Florence
-Saturday: Fly home
This method works both before or after you have booked attractions. If you have not booked attractions/decided plans for each day yet, keep your itinerary open to change. Once your itinerary is set in stone, print it out (you'll never know if a charger is accessible) and follow it during your trip.
Download Google Maps (and your Vacation Map)
It is possible that there is no internet access at your destination. As a thrift shopper, I do not want to pay extra fees for international cellphone and data use. We rely so much on Google Maps taking us from one place to another, but this doesn't work if there is no service. Once you know what locations you'll be visiting, go to Google Maps on your phone and zoom in on an area that fits all of your destinations.
Click on the three lines in the top left corner to open the drop down menu. From here, click on "Offline Maps." (Top left)
Go to "Custom Map," and make sure the box outlines your vacation area. (Top right). Click on Download. Congratulations, you now have a map of your vacation!
Now, save the places from your itinerary so you know where to go. For example, type in "Colosseo in Rome." Your map will take you to the location of the Roman Coliseum. Click on the name/description (here, Colosseo). Click on the "Save" button with a star (Bottom left). When you go back to the map view, you will see a yellow placemarker showing where the Coliseum is (Bottom right). Now, as you're walking through Rome, you'll be able to know what direction Rome is and head that way!
Pack Your Bags!
As the trip approaches, start to get your bag ready. I start packing about 4 days in advance, and add more items as I remember them. Make sure to check how much luggage you're allowed to take for free with your plane ticket, and how much extra luggage may cost if you need it.
To keep travel cheap, I often go on week-long vacations with my carry-on backpack. Here's what I pack:
Clothes, assuming I'll wear them two or three times during my vacation timeline. Some people may not be interested in this idea, but hear me out. After wearing clothes for a day, they are often not smelly or dirty. So why not wear them for a couple days and save tens to hundreds of dollars for a check-in bag? To bring more clothes in a small space, fold your clothes in half and roll them.
Hygiene Essentials. Always bring a toothbrush, small toothpaste, hairbrush/comb. If you're at a hotel, grab the small containers of shampoo, conditioner, and soap as those are often carry-on bag sizes (security clearance allows 3.4 oz or less fluids). If you're staying at a hotel, don't worry about bringing these items. Other items (such as feminine hygiene products, mouthwash, towels, or robes) are often too bulky and take up a lot of space in your bag; consider buying these items at your destination.
Debit/Credit Cards. If applicable, bring a couple of cards in case one does not work. In my experience, it is easier and cheaper to withdraw money from an ATM (and sacrifice some fees) than to exchange cash at a bank (where the exchange rate between currencies changes throughout the day). Check with your bank to see what fees may apply; more often than not, you'll be charged for cash withdrawal at an ATM/teller and a small percentage for each purchase you make. Furthermore, be sure to call your bank before using your card on your trip. Tell them you are making a "travel request," and they (likely) will not cancel your card when you're in another country. To them, it looks like someone has stolen your credit card, and they may decline your card from being used.
Money. I always bring back-up money in case my cards get declined. I like to bring $500 (which is excessive to most people, but I like to be safe). Spread the money throughout your items in case something gets lost or stolen. I put my money in my purse, suitcase, toiletry bag, secret pockets in jackets, etc.
Itinerary. You spent so long getting all of your plans together and in order! Don't forget to print the itinerary that will lead you throughout your trip.
Adapters. This will require some research and shopping beforehand. Decide what electronics you will bring to the trip (i.e. cellphone, laptop), and see what kind of outlet it requires (USB, outlet, etc.). Then look up the adapter for the country you will be visiting. Most countries do not have the same wall outlets, and an adapter will be critical to charging your electronics.
Getting organized for a trip sounds difficult, but this list can help organize your thoughts and game plan prior to departing. Check out my next blog to learn how to prepare for your (often long) flight!
Comments