Poking that trip planning muscle memory

Happy Friday! Happy almost spring! 

So great to see people out there planning trips, holidays, family visits, short breaks, etc., after the completely disrupted travel over the past couple of years, with the coronavirus and Covid-19 pandemic sweeping across the world. Many countries either closed their borders or heavily limited passage across their borders, and states within the United States enacted quarantine periods upon arrival or return. With vaccines being rolled out around the world and immunity or resistance against Covid-19 on the rise, travel is back on the table for a lot of people. If you are like me, you both can't wait to get away and also feel rusty in your travel planning and execution skills. Things that felt so natural now feel foreign. We'll start at the top, yes? 

Decisions, decisions

Choosing a travel destination used to be as simple as deciding where you want to go in the world and checking if it was in budget. At this current point in the world, you need to consider a fair amount more aside from where to go. Do you want to fly with airlines still not back to regular service? Is there a war nearby? What is the Covid vaccination rate on the ground? If traveling internationally, you also need to  look into that country’s travel rules and entry requirements. Some places are allowing travel as usual, while many others require certain steps to be taken by visitors like full vaccinations against Covid,  PCR tests to ensure you are testing negative for Covid before your flight, etc.. Make sure that you meet each country’s entry requirements or are willing to be vaccinated and/or tested before settling on that location.

Can't escape vaccines even on vacation

For certain countries, you are advised to get certain travel vaccinations before entering the country. This can protect you from illnesses that are present in that country but not your own, reducing your chances of getting ill. Common examples include cholera, diphtheria, or hepatitis A and B vaccinations. Make sure you get these well in advance of your trip.

Itinerary Queen

I have always been an itinerary queen. I love creating them and I find they help me see and do everything I want to and make the most of  my time away, if that's the kind of trip I'm taking. This doesn’t have to be regimented and militant but if you have traveled with me, you know some days it can be and is LOL. Mine usually have where I'm staying, driving/travel times, tourist attractions, excursions, and definitely restaurants like a good BBQ Restaurant in the area if you're in that kind of place or seafood restaurant if you're in that kind of place. You get the picture. 

Book in advance

Some attractions can see long queues or may be sold out on certain days. I book as much in advance as I can so I know it's done and I'm getting in, and it's nice that they’re already paid for before you even leave.

Right now, I need to do less thinking and talking about trips and more planning of the one we're going to do this summer with my Dad & Carol up through New England. I'm still not into possible airport fuckery so driving feels right right now.

Do you  have any trips planned/in the planning process? 

Four Hacks for a Family Getaway to London, UK

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TGIF friends! We haven't been overseas since November 2016 and I'm itching to get back. London is on my list, it was originally part of that 2016 trip but ended up being swapped out for Scotland. This post is from James Daniels, a freelance writer, business enthusiast, a bit of a tech buff, and an overall geek. He is also an avid reader, so that's tops in my book.

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London, England has been well known to citizens around the world for hundreds of years. Not too long ago a huge portion of the world was under their control! They were one of the greatest seats of power, and today their city is something to behold. From old, stunning streets to some of the greatest museums in the world, there is no shortage of things to do and see in London. To truly enjoy your trip, however, there are a few things you need to know beforehand:

1. Stay Under Budget in the Expensive Capital 

As you might have heard, London is expensive. It is home to more than 10 million residents and is a major tourist attraction to people around the world. Combined, it can become quite pricey, but it doesn’t have to be. To start, know how to get around. The Underground and transport system is complex and wide, meaning you can get to nearly every destination on your itinerary with ease. What’s more, there is also a daily cap limit on your journeys, meaning you will likely never spend more than £6.80 within zones 1 – 2 (where most tourists stay and explore).

Other ways to stay under budget is to eat at markets instead of fancy restaurants, choose pubs over bars, and, of course, enjoy any of the plethora of free things to do and see.

2. How to Skip the Tourist Traps and Enjoy the Real London 

There are some activities that are worthwhile, and others that are the typical tourist trap experience. The London Eye, for example, is not the only way nor the best way to see London’s skylines. There are plenty of rooftop bars to enjoy better views for less available; you just need to book ahead of time.

In terms of finding the “real London,” you don’t have to go far. Markets are a huge hit with the locals, and the best way to explore what makes London, London is to go to key areas and simply explore. 

3. Top Activities Families Cannot Miss

There are so many family-friendly activities in London to enjoy. Nearly all the museums are free to enter; there are markets, zoos, aquariums, and, of course, musicals. London is a hot spot for the theater, so don’t forget to pick up some tickets for your choice of children’s musicals London during your trip. Musicals are a memorable experience for everyone, and with choices available for toddlers right up to adults, there is something perfect to enthrall your whole family.

4. Don't Try to Do Everything

London is a huge city. It has many different boroughs with many different faces. You can go and enjoy the posh areas of Kensington and Chelsea, or go to the hip areas of Hackney and now Peckham. The point is that you will not be able to do everything, even if you lived in the city for years. Instead, pick and choose what you want to do. If you don’t care to go into Buckingham Palace, don’t. There are so many different hot spots to explore so you can enjoy your perfect trip.

London is a great place for a family getaway. It is beautiful, fun, and interesting. There is something for everyone so just remember to cater your trip to what your family likes best. 

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Additions, people who live in London or have visited London?