Planning your trip
Before going on a great trip at comparatively low costs you need to figure out and organize a couple of things in advance. Of course I [Lena] could write a book about it but on this website I will try to get the basic stuff straight to the point.
1. Create an overview of your available budget. In our category "how to save money" we will provide lots of tips to keep your costs as low as possible. Nevertheless you need to figure out how much money you are able/willing to spend in total because both your destination and length of stay depend on that.
2. Pick your destination and length of stay. For advice on your favourite destinations check out our category "where and when to go".
3. Book your flights. For detailed information check out the category "how to save money".
4. Think about what to do and what to make plans for. Indeed there are some people who just pick a destination and see what happens after their arrival. Personally I prefer to inform myself about my chosen destination in advance to make sure not to miss any great things that match my taste. But I recommend to only put things on your to-do list that you really want to see or do. To avoid stress and retain flexibility it is important to leave yourself enough time to change/adapt your plans locally. Meaning, whenever people you meet on your trips give you insider information, you will be able to include new ideas and won't get in trouble having too less time. Therefore, planning too much is not always the best thing! Anyways, remember to focus on what kind of trip you are looking for.
5. Think about how to get around. Depending on the things you want to see or do and the length of your trip, a route will automatically be developed. But how to connect these spots with each other? Please note that there are many travel destinations where you do not need to book any transportation in advance as long as you have enough time and do not travel on a main tourist path (like the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes in Peru)! Once you are at your destination usually the staff of your accomodation or a tour desk, locals, other travelers or a travel guide will usually tell you the best ways how to move on. For more information about cheap transportation check out our category "how to save money".
6. Choose your type of accomodation. The following questions show where you should spend your nights. How much money do you want to spend? Do you wanna be surrounded by other travelers or locals? Do you prefer a private or shared sleeping spot? What kind of comfort is required concerning beds or sanitary facilities? Depending on these questions, you can choose between hostels, hotels, apartments (Airbnb, B&B, couch surfing) and campgrounds. Traveling on low budget logically means sleeping in cheap spots. For lots of tips on that check out our category "how to save money".
7. Check out the requirements for entering your destination country. Do you need a visa or special vaccinations? Do you have a valid passport until your return? These things might all take a while and can prevent people from entering another country. For more information check out the website of your country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The german one can be found here.
8. How to be able to pay. The easiest way is to have a credit card with you. Make sure to tell your card companies you are traveling, so they won't block your bank account for any transactions made abroad. Once you arrived at the airport of your travel destination find an ATM (cash machine) there and get some local currency bills out of it.
9. Don't forget your travel insurances. If something unexpected happens and you have to see the doctor, get a surgery or even need to be evacuated out of a dangerous situation it can get very expensive for you. Your health insurance at home might not cover costs arising from treatments in foreign countries! My travel insurance is only 10 Euros per year! It might be advisable to check if there is a medical repatriation included in your health insurance. This might save you a lot of money, let me tell you!
10. Also don't forget your voluntary vaccinations. Depending on your destination, you need to check which kind of vaccinations are highly advisable. Compare which ones you already got, which ones need to be refreshed and which ones you need in addition (check your immunization card)! You should never underestimate the risk of diseases and possible infections, especially in tropical countries. Depending on your destination, important vaccinations are for example Hepatitis, Tetanus, Diphteria, Typhoid Fever, Rabies, Cholera, Polio, Yellow Fever or Malaria - for the later the is no vaccine, but prophylaxis pills. To get an overview there are some useful websites such as the German "Centrum für Reisemedizin" but we highly recommend visiting a doctor before starting your trip.
11. Pack your backpack. The last important point is about how and what to pack. Due to the fact that this totally deserves more space, there is an extra category on this - "how to pack".
Well then, enjoy your trip! :)
06.03.2018 - Lena
