Travel has undergone a remarkable transformation in the past century, allowing people all over the world to enjoy safe and hassle-free travel between cities, countries, and continents. However, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted our travel plans in 2020-2022, causing us to question the very reality we were living in. But as humans, we are resilient and adaptable, and as we enter 2023, many of us are itching to get back out into the world for some much-needed adventure. Yet, with uncertainty still lingering, it can be challenging to know where to start. That’s why we’ve created this “How to Plan Your 2023 Travels: A Comprehensive Guide,” to help you prepare for your upcoming travel plans by answering some of the most important questions.
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The Importance of Travel Planning
Planning ahead is essential to ensuring a successful and enjoyable travel experience, and as adventurers who are always ready for the next thrill, we understand the importance of being prepared. While spontaneous travel can be exciting, it’s crucial to have all the necessary details in place to avoid any unexpected setbacks. With the uncertainties that come with traveling in today’s climate, it’s more crucial than ever to plan your trips with meticulous attention to detail, much like planning a wedding. By being proactive and staying informed, you can ensure that your travels are smooth, stress-free, and filled with unforgettable moments.
Benefits of Travel Planning
Enhancing Happiness
They say it’s the journey, not the destination, but did you know that journey planning itself can bring immense happiness? Instead of just waiting to lounge on a picturesque beach during a dream vacation, planning and preparing for the trip can also boost your happiness levels. According to a scientific study in the Netherlands published in the journal of Applied Research in Quality of Life, the intention or plan to go on a holiday can make vacationers almost as happy as the trip itself. The study compared vacationers to non-vacationers and found that vacationers had a pre-trip mean happiness score of 2.25, while the non-vacationers had a score of 2.07, proving that the act of expecting a leisure holiday can boost your happiness levels.
These findings have been confirmed in other studies, such as the research conducted by the Institute for Applied Positive Research, which found that 97% of respondents feel happier when they have a planned trip, with 82% feeling moderately to significantly happier, and 71% feeling energized when they have a trip planned within the next six months.
So, whether you’re planning to travel soon or further down the road, don’t skimp on the trip planning process. Take your time to think and dream about your next adventure! Not only will it make your trip the best and safest it can be, but it can also elevate your overall level of happiness before the journey even begins.
Saving Costs
Planning your trip in advance not only helps you save money, but also ensures that you have a well-thought-out and enjoyable travel experience. Take airfare for example; booking your flights early can save you a good amount of money thanks to airlines’ dynamic pricing policies. The same goes for accommodation costs, which can also vary depending on when you book.
But planning your transportation to and from your destination is just one aspect of the planning process. You also need to consider expenses during your trip, as well as any internal travel you might need, whether it’s by bus, train, boat, or plane. By researching schedules and comparing fares, you can make informed decisions that fit within your budget.
Beyond just costs, the research process of planning can help you discover new ways to experience your destination. Whether you want a packed itinerary or a more relaxed approach, planning can help you find the right balance and avoid overspending. With a practical vision of your potential trip, you’ll be able to enjoy your travels to the fullest.
Ensuring Safety and well-being
Ensuring a safe and worry-free travel experience is essential for any traveler, especially those who prefer to avoid risks. Taking the time to plan your trip and consider important factors such as health concerns, transit options, and accommodation safety can help you avoid unexpected issues that could spoil your trip. In the current pandemic situation, careful preparation can make all the difference in creating a relaxing and stress-free journey.
To illustrate this point, let us share a story from one of our co-founders’ trips to Greece. In 2017, Athens was experiencing political tensions, including strikes, riots, rising crime rates, and a migrant crisis. Despite the unrest, Maria and her friend decided to travel to Greece without proper planning, assuming that if airlines and hotels were still promoting the destination, it must be safe.
Upon arriving in Athens, they realized their mistake as they were advised not to travel by foot past 4pm, and had to use certified taxis for transportation. During the day, heavily armed police and mobile jails were present in main areas of the city. Omonia Square, a usually bustling area, had become a migrant congregation zone, bringing drugs and crime, causing the girls to feel unsafe and draw unwanted attention from a male-only crowd.
Had they taken the time to research and plan their trip, they would have avoided such a situation altogether. Nevertheless, Maria returned to Greece later and discovered the magic and beauty of Athens and the Greek Islands with better planning and preparation, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.
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How to Plan Your 2023 Travel
If you’re planning a journey now, you might want to consider your inner desires and what type of trip would fulfill your wanderlust dreams. In the past, the possibilities were endless, limited only by time and budget. You could travel on a whim or plan in advance, relax or get active, and explore near or far destinations. However, since the pandemic, the world has changed, and the road to your dream destination may be more challenging due to border closures and other restrictions.
Fortunately, many countries have shifted to domestic tourism, which has helped support local businesses. Airbnb’s real-time data shows that there are five distinctive patterns in travel habits during the pandemic, which can help you make more informed travel decisions. Despite the challenges, there are still many beautiful places to visit and new experiences to be had. By staying positive, flexible, and well-informed, you can still plan an exciting and fulfilling journey that aligns with your inner desires
Family bonding through travel
Amidst the pandemic, families have been able to come together and strengthen their relationships through group travel. This has led to a rise in demand for family-friendly accommodations, and has softened the isolation pressure that many of us have felt.
Spacious and hygienic rentals
As families come together for travel, they require more living space and elevated hygiene standards. This has led to a boost in demand for rentals of entire homes, which offer the necessary space and privacy for a safe and comfortable stay.
Rediscovering local destinations
The shift to domestic travel has encouraged people to explore their own backyards and rediscover the hidden gems within their own country. This has led to a surge in popularity for staycations, rural getaways, and off-the-beaten-path destinations.
Flexibility in travel planning
With the uncertainty of border closures and lockdowns, many travelers are opting for last-minute bookings to avoid the risk of prolonged stays or cancellations. Booking for a shorter stay allows for easier predictability, while longer stays offer more time to consider choices and anticipate risks.
The rise of remote work and location independence
The pandemic has accelerated the trend of remote work and has given rise to the idea of “live anywhere.” Many people are taking advantage of the flexibility of remote work to relocate to new and exciting destinations, leading to increased demand for longer-term rentals in desirable locations.
Remote Work Possibilities
The remote work trend has been gaining popularity even before the pandemic, and there are many amazing destinations that offer a great environment for remote workers. Some popular destinations include Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Georgia, Germany, Iceland, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Costa Rica, Mexico, and Dubai.
Many of these countries offer perks and incentives to attract remote workers, such as vouchers for free visits to tourist attractions or coworking spaces, discounts on accommodation, and more.
While there are conditions that need to be met to be eligible for a long-term remote work visa, such as a minimum annual income requirement, it’s important to remember that there are many other possibilities and countries to consider. For example, US travelers can visit many countries without a visa for up to 90 days, and a similar case applies to travelers from Canada.
For longer stays, it’s important to check if your desired destination is accepting travelers from your country, and to get in touch with your embassy and the foreign country’s ministry of foreign affairs for guidance on long-term visa options.
Preparing for Your Trip in 2023: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Passport: Don’t forget to check the expiration date on your passport and brush off any dust. If it’s been a while since your last trip, it might be time to renew!
- Check countries: Check out which countries are currently open for travel and their COVID-19 infection trends. Make sure to also check if these countries require a quarantine period upon arrival, and don’t forget to look into your own country’s travel policies.
- Budget: Do some preliminary research to estimate the budget you’ll need for your trip.
- Booking: Once you’ve decided on a destination, book your flight and accommodations. Look for options with flexible cancellation policies for added peace of mind.
- Visa: Check if you need a visa for international travel and how many blank pages your passport needs. If you plan on traveling to more exotic destinations, such as Africa, you may need more blank pages. Look for advice from fellow travelers on Tripadvisor.
- Vaccination: Consider getting vaccinated against yellow fever, malaria, or other diseases if necessary. While there are currently no mandatory vaccinations for COVID-19, some destinations may recommend it. Keep an eye on this as it may change.
- COVID-19 tests: Check whether you need to provide a negative PCR or ELISA test to enter a country or cross international borders. As these policies can change daily, be sure to pay close attention to any updates.
- Transportation: Plan ahead for connecting transportation, such as a train, bus, car rental, or taxi. Look for providers with free cancellation options.
- Driver permit: Check with your car rental provider or the local transport authority to see if you need an International Driver Permit, depending on your travel plans.
- Connectivity: Stay connected while on the go by buying a prepaid SIM card with an included mobile internet package or researching cheap local options. Look for reliable, quality connections to keep you available for your professional commitments.
- Power supply: Bring a power bank and travel power plug converter if needed to keep your electronics charged while on the move.
- Finances: Plan ahead and manage your finances, including acquiring foreign currency at your local bank or making arrangements to visit a bank or trusted exchange office upon arrival. Make sure to budget for emergencies and check your daily charge limits and foreign transaction fees for your cards.
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Embrace the thrill of Exploration: fulfill your Travel Dreams safely and thoughtfully
We encourage you to embrace the thrill of exploring the unknown and experiencing the unique cultures of dream destinations. Despite the challenges and uncertainties of the current world, we suggest that there is no better time than now to start planning and fulfilling our travel dreams, while keeping safety and thoughtful considerations in mind. By taking proactive steps and embarking on our journeys with an open mind, you can once again encounter serendipitous moments and meet people from all corners of the world, creating unforgettable memories and expanding our horizons. Let’s look forward to the excitement and raw experiences that await you as we venture out into the world once again!
