"A Man without a Plan is like a Pig"
(Mr Brosnan, 5th year Geography, C.B.S. The Green, Tralee).
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This lovely turn of phrase, so generously donated by one of my 5th year teachers, has been our mantra over the last six years and has led us right to this point in our lives. Thank you Mr Brosnan!
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Travel Planning
The mountain to conquer before you have even left home is the plan. If you read only one page on this site let it be this one (please read more than one page). There is a noticeable debate about whether or not a travel experience should evolve organically when you arrive at your first destination, or whether you should go with a plan. For us, planning is a must because we are always on a tight budget. To be honest, I think it is a should even if you are not on a budget. You will never get as much done as you would if you planned.
Travel planning is a love-hate affair. I personally detest everything to do with the meticulous planning necessary for ambitious travel. But as it was with 5th year Geography, in spite of my detest, I can certainly acknowledge its benefits. Fortunately my wife LOVES planning and would even go into business as a part-time travel planner (still might, stay tuned). She is my Sherpa on this mountain to be conquered. She has laughed in the face of the travel planning challenge and created what I could only describe as my dream itinerary time and again.
The aspects which require planning can be many or minimum depending on your outlook. We usually plan to the day where we will be and, generally what we will be doing. In order of priority, the following areas cover most of what "we" (really she) usually plans, particularly for long haul trips:
Travel planning is a love-hate affair. I personally detest everything to do with the meticulous planning necessary for ambitious travel. But as it was with 5th year Geography, in spite of my detest, I can certainly acknowledge its benefits. Fortunately my wife LOVES planning and would even go into business as a part-time travel planner (still might, stay tuned). She is my Sherpa on this mountain to be conquered. She has laughed in the face of the travel planning challenge and created what I could only describe as my dream itinerary time and again.
The aspects which require planning can be many or minimum depending on your outlook. We usually plan to the day where we will be and, generally what we will be doing. In order of priority, the following areas cover most of what "we" (really she) usually plans, particularly for long haul trips:
- Countries to visit and sights to see in each - initially this can be your dream trip, cut back or expand later when budgeting;
- The order to visit the countries and within this the order to visit towns and sights - consider transport links, climate & local festivals;
- Accommodation and transport;
- Vaccinations, on-going health and travel insurance - better safe than sorry (or so she tells me!)
- Cost, saving, budgeting and contingency - how much, on what, for how long;
- Making arrangements for your life at home while you are away - close all bills, inform your bank, put the cat out;
- Packing, technology - what do you need;
- Currency, credit cards and cash - this is more complicated than it should be;
- Visas & Work prospects - on our 6 month trip herself had secured employment prior to travel & we both completed TEFL qualifications
- Blogging, keeping a record of your travel - you're reading ours, what do ya think?!