The world of travel in 2021 is going to look very different indeed. Before the coronavirus pandemic hit the world, we took for granted our ability to visit far-off places and book a plane ticket at the click of a button. With lockdowns and travel bans in place all over the globe, it’s nigh on impossible to enjoy a weekend break, let alone an extended summer vacation. Depending on where you live in the world, it may be possible to travel to a select few destinations, but with the pandemic in full force, and government guidance changing all the time, it doesn’t seem worth the risk.
Although all kinds of businesses have suffered in the past year, the tourism industry has been hit particularly hard. Hotels, airlines, activity providers, and dining establishments are all eager for the vaccines to kick in and the population to be allowed to travel freely again.
As a traveler, you are no doubt feeling the same way. You are probably full of ideas about where your next international trip will take you. But the world is a large place and there are many options available to you. If you’re struggling for ideas, here are four steps to planning your first post-Covid adventure.
Pick a destination
Maybe you have a list of possible countries to choose from, or maybe you’d prefer to spin a globe and see where your finger lands. Picking a single destination can be difficult, as the world has so much variety to offer. Think about the countries you’ve always wanted to visit or a place you’ve read about that has captured your imagination. Once you have a few ideas, do as much research as possible. Read books and blogs, look at photos, and search reviews to help you narrow down your choices. Keep in mind factors such as seasonality, cost, and convenience when making your selection.
Create a budget
For all the benefits that travel brings, it can be expensive. You have to fork out for flights, accommodation, dining out, public transport, and any activities you take part in while you’re there. When spending a foreign currency, it’s easy to forget its value and treat it like Monopoly money. Before you know it, you’re all out of cash. The best way to take care of your holiday finances is to create a budget. This will outline exactly how much you have to spend and on what. It will prevent you from going overboard and help you to plan your trip accordingly.
Make an itinerary
Part of the fun of a vacation is the freedom to explore and go with the flow. Nevertheless, having an itinerary can help you to make the most of your limited time abroad. Plan some things to do and sights to see while you’re away. But leave plenty of free time in your schedule for exploration and adventure.
Pack the essentials
You might not be able to travel right now, but you want to be ready to go as soon as you can. Order everything you’ll need for your vacation now, and you won’t need to waste any time when your trip rolls around. Stores ramp up the prices of holiday essentials in peak travel season, so you’ll save a bit of money by planning ahead.