Top Travel Tips for 2022 By Susan Doktor
There are three goals that most travelers have when planning a trip. They want to travel safely. They want to save money where they can. And they want to have a fun, stress-free journey.
How about you? Do you have those same expectations?
Recently, travelers have seen a lot of changes. Travel has become more unpredictable since the onset of the global pandemic. Meeting those three, very reasonable goals has become a little more challenging.
That’s why we’ve put together a few recommendations for our fellow travelers. Follow our advice and you’re more likely to get what you’re looking for out of your
next trip.
Tip 1: Get Vaccinated
And boosted. While the very worst days of the coronavirus crisis may be in our rearview
mirror, make no mistake. The pandemic is not over yet. An average of more than 790,000 new COVID-19 cases around the world are reported weekly, as are thousands of deaths worldwide.
Borders have opened up considerably since the height of the pandemic when many countries closed their doors to all or some foreign travelers. But it’s unlikely that we will ever travel as freely as we once did until the virus is vanquished. So be prepared to provide proof of vaccination and/or documentation of a recent negative COVID-19 test.
Tip #3: Practice Excellent COVID Hygiene
Pack plenty of masks in your suitcase and always have one on your person at all times. Wash your hands frequently and carry hand sanitizer, too. Depending on which airline you fly, you may be required to wear a mask during air travel. But
many countries also have mask mandates in place.
You might not be able to shop that dine at a recommended restaurant, order a beer at a historic pub, or shop the cute boutique that catches your eye without one. You’ll get the most out of your trip and protect yourself from illness by donning a mask when you’re indoors and in close contact with others.
Tip #4: Shop for Your Best Deal
Air travel and accommodation costs are higher now and you can expect them to continue to rise. Experienced, budget-savvy travelers use a few different strategies to lower their expenses.
The first is to travel off-season. We’re not suggesting you plan a skiing adventure in India during the heat of its summer. But you can travel to many countries off-season — summer is peak season—and still enjoy a wonderful trip.
Do you have your heart set on a European beach vacation?
Try traveling to Portugal’s Algarve. It will still be bathing-suit season there well into
October. The second is to fly off-peak. Compare departure times as you shop for a flight. It may be a little less convenient, but you can save hundreds of dollars if you take off at 5:00 AM instead of 9:00 AM.
Flights are less expensive on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays so plan your
trip accordingly if you can.
A third budget-trimming option is to stay at an Airbnb instead of a hotel. You just might love it. Hotels offer consistency, it’s true. But they’re also largely the same from country to country.
Airbnbs, on the other hand, offer adventure and authenticity. You’re more likely to get a true feel for your destination when you book an Airbnb.
READ MORE: Best Winter Treks To Do In India This Year
Most Airbnbs also offer cooking facilities. You can save money plus get a true taste of a country by shopping at local markets and preparing meals on your own. It’s easy to find traditional recipes from your destination country using Google.
Tip #5: Protect Your Travel Investment with Travel Insurance
We put a lot of thought, passion, and money into planning our vacations. The average cost of an international ticket is over $900 today. Many travelers think their travel plans are solid and opt to purchase non-refundable tickets, which can cost a couple of hundred dollars less.
But solid plans can crumble for reasons both happy and sad: a grandchild’s birth a few weeks in advance of its due date, a broken ankle, or even a case of COVID.
That’s why you should consider purchasing a travel insurance policy. The best travel insurance plans cover a wide range of expenses, from trip cancellation to medical bills for a reasonable price: usually between 5% and 6% of your total trip cost.
Travel insurance policies often bundle several types of protection together. These coverages include:
● Trip cancellation: This covers you for non-refundable expenses such as airfare, hotel deposits, excursion fees, tee times, and more, so long as you cancel your trip for a covered reason.
● Trip interruption: Pays the cost of returning your home when you have to cancel a trip already in progress. Also pays for returning you to your destination to resume your trip.
● Travel Medical: The most important coverage to have. Pays your medical expenses, including diagnostic tests, surgery, and prescription medicines, when you fall ill or are injured. Also pays for medical evacuation if necessary.
● Lost and Delayed Baggage: Delayed bags are a nuisance. Even if your bags are only delayed overnight, you’re likely to incur some costs. If your belongings get lost for good, you’ll likely have to spend a significant amount to replace them.
Lost and delayed baggage coverage reimburses you for those costs, up to a limit specified by your policy.
But What About Having a Good Time?
We’ve talked about staying safe. And we’ve talked about traveling economically. The last goal that travelers pursue—having a great time on the road—is a little less concrete. It’s not about science and it can’t be measured in dollars and cents. It’s personal.
Certainly staying healthy and not putting yourself under undue financial stress can lead to more pleasurable travel experiences. But health and wellness experts also recommend you take further steps to guarantee you’ll have a fabulous time on your trip. Here are some of their best recommendations. All are easy and inexpensive to follow.
● Unplug yourself to the best of your ability. Turn your attention to the world around you, not your cell phone screen.
● Plan carefully, but roll with the punches. Travel is unpredictable. Sometimes the
surprises you encounter are the most fun and memorable parts of your trip.
● Eat healthfully. Many people see vacation as an occasion to splurge. By all means,
explore the local cuisine and indulge in a few treats. But don’t overdo it. And be sure to stay hydrated so you feel your best.
● Keep up with self-care. Take steps to assure that you’ll be comfortable and serene
while you travel. Do you sleep best cozied up to your body pillow? Bring it with you.
Does tucking your kids in at night make you feel peaceful? Schedule goodnight
Facetime calls with them.
Build the relaxation activities you normally rely on at home into your travel routine, too. Lastly, and most importantly, do your best to stay in the moment while you’re traveling. Truly, leave your at-home worries at home! Focus on the sights, sounds, flavors, and scents that surround you while you wander the world to get the most enjoyment you can out of every travel adventure.
Author Bio:
Susan Doktor is a journalist, business strategist, and veteran traveler. She writes on a wide range of lifestyle and personal finance topics, including health and wellness, travel, real estate, and insurance. Her contribution comes to us courtesy of Money.com.
