Prepare In Advance For your Spring Break To Avoid Disappointments

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You have been dreaming about that spring break trip for so long and when you finally decided to finalize the trip by booking your ticket and hotel accommodation, bam! There is no more available seats and the hotel rates are twice as much as you have last checked. This scene is too familiar especially if you have been in this kind of sticky situation before. But don't be in the same predicament again. Plan ahead to avoid disappointments.

Your dream spring break can happen smoothly if you follow these steps:

Check the validity of your travel documents

If you are planning for a trip that involves traveling outside the country, then before you actually plan for your spring break trip, check your travel documents' expiry and if they are well within the validity.

Decide where to go

Is it going to be a long road trip or just across the coast or you want to travel to other countries during your spring break? This is one of the major thing you have to do before you travel. This will be the focal point of your spring break preparation; that is, to know where you will go. Is it going to be in a hot place? Perhaps in a cold spring in Europe? Wherever you decide to go, this will be the start of your planning stage.

Check visa requirements

It is important to check for visa requirements if your trip will take you abroad. However, if your nationality belongs to those who actually can travel visa-free from many countries across the globe then you are lucky. All you need is to check your passport's validity to ensure it is valid for at least 6 months or more when you travel outside your country.

This is not necessary for local trips.

Plan in advance

It is always advisable to plan at least 6 months early when traveling during high or peak season like spring break time.  Decide on the date when you want to go and check various online sites for packages for spring break. Some website and tour operators offer great deals when booking in advance. When you finally zoned in with your budget and have decided on the place, then you may start reserving for that package for a wonderful spring break vacation.

Check your car

If the long road trip is your thing for spring break then time to check the safety of your car. Have it checked by a professional who can vouch for your car's road-safety worthiness. Do not consider driving your vehicle without having it checked thoroughly. Your safety is your primary concern too.

Book your tickets, car rental, tours, and accommodations

After everything has been decided and planned, now is the right time to get that deal, pronto! For air travelers, there are plenty of airlines offering early-bird deals so grab this opportunity to save money. Book your hotel accommodation now to secure that limited offer promo deals for early bookers.
You may want to reserve that bus tours as well to reserve your seat in advance so you don't cram the last minute upon arrival in your destination. Do you want to visit spring gardens, museums or monuments? Take this time to do all your booking at once.

For those who are going on a road trip and do not have a car to drive along, now will be the right time to secure your rental, whether it is a family wagon, a car, or even an RV!


So, are you all set? Then pack your bags and get ready to go. Have fun!



(Photo credit: background photo from Eugene Quek/Unsplash.com)

Prepare Your Travel Essentials For Spring

Spring is here! Most schools are already in their spring break mode. A lot may have already planned in advance for the spring vacation. However, if you are amongst those who are still in the planning stage when spring has sprung (no pun intended), then here are some tips to help you prepare your travel essentials.

Travel documents

This is the most important aspect of everybody's trip - the travel documents. This applies particularly to those who are travelling overseas. Ensure you have your visas (if needed), plane tickets, passports, traveller's cheque (if you prefer to carry this), credit and debit cards, vaccination cards (if necessary to your destination), travel insurance, hotel voucher, and land tours. It is really wise to have all these ready few weeks in advance.

If you are travelling by road, it is best to still carry a travel insurance just to make sure you can make claims if the needs arise, but I sure hope you won't have to use that. This vacation is all about fun!

Toiletries

Photo credit: glamorganicgoddess.com

Bring only what is necessary for your trip. Most hotels and resorts have provisions for free bathroom amenities including toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo and conditioner and even body soap. You can bring few portions on travel sizes. If you are travelling by air, please always check the allowed size for bringing toiletries in your hand carry.

Flu shots and other inoculation required

Spring break doesn't necessarily have to be heading out to the beach. For us expatriates here in the Middle East, our usual go-to places are the US/Canada areas, Europe and Far East Asia. Why? It's because the spring weather is very inviting before we embrace the arduous heat of the long summer months. Even the locals prepare to go to colder climate to unwind and take in the beauty of nature.

So, it is necessary to also consider checking the vaccinations required for the country you are visiting. I remember taking a flu shot the first time we flew to the US during spring time. We were prepared for the allergies and whatever spring has in store for us.

Warm clothing

Why warm clothing? Well, spring in other continents can be cold unlike spring on the other side of the planet. With that said, make sure you also check the weather forecast just so you have an idea of what to bring. A light cardigan or sweater will be perfect.

I have had spring vacations in the US and in Europe. If I have to compare the two, both continents still have a rather "wintry spring" temperature. So, I always carry my puffy jacket as well. Just make sure you bring some warm clothing you can layer and remove when necessary as the weather temperature rises or dips towards the day.

Insect repellent

This is one of the necessity that I bring during my spring break travels. With the spread of Zika virus and other bug-related diseases out there, I always carry a small insect repellent ant also wear wear protective clothing like long sleeve shirt during my vacation.

Make sure you read the label before applying the insect repellent. Test a small area on your skin to ensure you are not allergic. Also, take caution when applying this to smaller kids.

Sun block, shades and hat

Just because spring time is a great weather to be out and about does not mean you have to ditch the sunscreen. You are still exposed to the sunlight when you are outdoors. Apply sunscreen when needed and wear those nice shades or hat to ward of the sunlight against your face.


Enjoy your vacation and make the most of spring!

How To Plan Your Spring Trip to Europe

Spring is just few days away. The farmer's almanac indicates March 8 as the official first day of Spring. However, countries in North America and some other parts of Europe are still experiencing severe cold weather and spring may still not be as breezy as they want it to be come March 8.

If you are planning to go on a spring break and it is not the typical beach combing style, then head of to Europe to experience their beautiful spring. Here are some tips to note when you plan your European spring break.


Prepare well in advance
My friend and I will travel to Amsterdam this end of March, just in time to see the Keukenhof Gardens with the spring flowers in bloom. However, we didn't plan just out of whim. I did the planning as early as June of last year because hotels and other accommodations offer early-bird discounts if you confirm you stay. I got great deals in Booking.com and when I am checking now, the same hotel I have confirmed is no longer available. Some hotels I have checked previously, the rates have increased substantially, around 25-30%. I got mine way cheaper and considering the season, I had a good deal.

Planning well in advance will give you enough time to adjust or even change your plans all together. Aside from getting early-bird discounts and getting confirmation from your accommodations and flights, you have time to adapt to changes without stressing yourself out.

Budget comes into this stage of planning. You have to set how much you are willing to spend for the trip and from there, plan your itinerary and scout for accommodations, car rentals (if required), train ride costs, tours and airport shuttle.

I would suggest, tours will come at a later stage when you have been granted the Schengen Visa. Most tour operators do not allow refunds so do this at a later stage.

Consider the date when you are visiting Europe. Late March to first week of April will still give you good hotel rates but the dates after that can be a nightmare as they are very expensive. A classic example is the accommodation rates in Amsterdam. End of March to the first week of April is still okay but the weeks after that all the way to summer are way over my budget.



Check your travel documents and apply for visa
If you need to apply for visa then check which country you are visiting first or have the longest stay and that is where you will apply for your Schengen Visa, only if you need visa. However, if you are one of the few citizens in this world who does not require  the Schengen Visa to enter Europe then all you have to do is make sure your travel docs are still valid. Your passport should be at least 6 months valid for international travel; otherwise, consider renewing your passport now.

If you are like me who needs to secure a Schengen Visa then you have to be definite of your plan to enter a certain country first and visit others in the Schengen states. Check out that country's visa requirements and apply accordingly. Follow their requirements and get the documents ready. Some consulates require appointments before your can submit your documents so check that too and apply in advance.

Book for your tours
Now that you have your visa, you can start booking for tours so at least you can avail of the early bird promos. Some tour operators give discount if it's a group tour so it's great to travel with your friends or family so you can save as a group.

I would also assume that by this time, you've already set your itinerary because you can plan your best possible routes if you have an itinerary as your guide.



Pack smartly
Don't pack your entire bedroom in your suitcase. Check the weather and pack your clothes accordingly. Europe's spring climate may vary from region to region. If you're planning to visit the Northern Europe side then you may bring parka (for those intermittent spring showers) or windbreakers and few cardigans for layering. Don't pack too many clothes, just a couple of jeans, few light shirts, long sleeves for layering, light cardigans and at least 1 jacket. You may bring a light scarf and hat if it gets nippy at night. Bring a sturdy pair of shoes for all that walking you will do. A rubber shoes should be fine with rubber soles so you don't slip on most of Europe's cobbled streets.

Don't forget to pack your cameras too to capture those European monuments, great architecture, historical sites and famous gardens.

Prepare for the big day
Hotel bookings? Check! Flight tickets? Check! Visas? Check! Money? In your wallet and ATM cards. Tours? Booked and confirmed! So, what's left for you to do is go to the airport at least 4 hours in advance. I always go at least 4-5 hours in advance just in case there are sudden accidents on the road, I still have enough time to make it to the airport without stressing and rushing.

Relax, wait for your boarding time at the gate and when you've boarded, enjoy the flight.


(all photos ©www.riatravelbug.com)

Itching to Travel

Spring season is coming soon and I am itching to go anywhere. I feel really bad not being able to go on my preferred birthday gift destination because of the new circumstances surrounding my new career direction. I do not regret but an inner amber is burning quietly. I want to travel. I really, really do.

I am still checking options if I can squeeze in few days in the US if we're not pushing through the Japan trip this year. There is always a next time or later this year perhaps. But I want to have a Spring Break because right after I moved from my former department, I started in my new place the very next day. I didn't get to enjoy a day off.

I am thinking New York again. I love the place so much and maybe I can see some Cherry trees in Central Park. Who knows?!? Anyway, let's see. I still have few weeks to sort this out. If not, we'll probably go somewhere on summer.

Spring-Break Travel Tips

Photo credit: www.2wired2tired.com

Spring is such a pleasant season to embark on a fun-filled and joyous vacation with your family or friends. The weather is just right and nature's blooms is at their best which is great for nature-lovers.

Spring is a good time to travel but do keep in mind that a lot of universities and schools are on spring break. Expect plenty of young revelers going out of the country to enjoy their short break. For some young people, this can also be their rite of passage, a first time to travel without adult supervision. For the adult generation, this can mean loud parties and noisy young ones in famous places where young spring-breakers frequent.

If you are planning to travel with your family, plan now. Accommodations and air fares can increase during this period because of high demand.

Check online deals for spring breaks and grab it.

Check hotel properties, resorts and airlines for deals they have on spring break.

If you want your family to enjoy a quiet spring break then avoid famous places where young travelers go to during this season. Most of the time it is the beach area.

If you are looking for cheaper accommodation, avoid the dormitory style especially if you are traveling with young kids. You can still find family rooms at a very low cost in hostels and or BB kind of accommodation. Dormitory style of accommodation with communal bathroom can rob you off that chance to have a good night's sleep because young travelers will rather book in affordable accommodation to spread out their budget.

And if you are one of the young travelers who will embark on a much-deserved vacation this spring, start planning now.

Check your budget and book accordingly. It is always great to travel in a large group with your friends so you can get group discounts.

Avoid spending so much money on souvenirs. One or two from the places you visited should be enough.

If you are not fussy with sleeping quarters then bunk with friends in a dormitory style accommodation because you only pay bed space. This will stretch your budget so you can afford to pay on other activities and even buy some stuff in the market.

Go with group tours. Group tours get lower rates than individual travelers. Ask your travel agent for special offers.

If this is your first time to travel then work your way to nearby areas first so it does not burn a hole in your pocket. You don't want to drown in student loan just because of this trip. There will be more trips after that. Just start easy!

For all travelers, try to pack light and only the essentials. Don't forget to have extra copies of your travel documents and place them inside a plastic envelope or a zip-lock bag for protection.

Don't bring too many cash. Have spare cash and convert some of your cash to your destination's currency even before you reach there for transportation costs if you don't have any free transfers. Bring your ATM debit card and credit card for other purchases. However, please notify your respective banks that you are traveling outside your country. Some banks are quite particular with this and they need to know where you are using your cards internationally to avoid misuse.

Lastly, once you have everything set, relax and double check your bags for unnecessary stuff. First time travelers may get so excited and pack unwanted stuff. Sleep early before the flight and on the day of the flight, make sure all your travel documents are in place. Be in the airport 4 to 5 hours early. I know it's usually 3 hours early but me and my family always go to the airport 4-5 hours early to avoid any inconvenience.

On the days of the trip - ENJOY! And take lots of pictures to celebrate life!