Tips for Travel Preparation

by Beth Whitman of Wanderlust and Lipstick

I first introduced you to Beth in September’s newsletter. A new friend of mine, Beth Whitman is a self described travel addict with 20 years of globetrotting experience as both a backpacker and businesswoman.

She is the author of Wanderlust and Lipstick: The Essential Guide for Women Traveling Solo

www.WanderlustAndLipstick.com

Beth's travel blog is at The Seattle Post Intelligencer
( blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/travel )

With these credentials, it isn’t surprising that Beth has some good advice about travel planning which she shares with us below. For some destinations in the world it is possible to get away without much planning in advance. I agree that serendipitously is a great way to go. And if you plan on travel through the African continent with unlimited time and sufficient funds, then all that planning and booking that Beth and I recommend isn’t absolutely necessary for you. However, the majority of us have finite time and money. If you dream about going on safari the earlier you start planning the better. It amazes a lot of people to realize how much work is involved getting your dream safari off the ground.

Beth’s Seven Tips for Trip Preparation

"I often hear from people that travel planning is extremely stressful due to all of the details involved and the potential for making a mistake (booking flights on the wrong dates, paying too much for a car rental, etc.). I, however, love planning my adventures and I believe that this enthusiasm can be learned.

"Whether you are planning an independent journey to Europe or booking a safari to Africa through a reputable tour company, it’s simply a matter of getting organized and knowing what steps are involved.

"As you consider booking your African safari, following these general tips will help relieve the stress and doubt that comes with trip preparation for any adventure allowing you to then really enjoy the process!" 

• 1. Don’t wait until the last minute to book. Give yourself as much time as possible to get organized, physically and emotionally, and this will take a lot of stress out of the planning process.
• 2. Research tour companies. Get to know the unique offerings of several companies and ask for referrals from previous participants. Make sure that the safari program is a good fit for your needs and interests. While price comparison is important, remember that you get what you pay for and those that are offering cut-rate prices are cutting corners somewhere.
• 3. Once you’ve settled on a safari, learn as much about your destination as possible. In addition to reading guide books about the region, you’ll also want to read travel articles, memoirs and news articles written about the area. This will provide you with well-rounded knowledge and insight into the culture and country.
• 4. Begin learning some of the local language. Even though you’ll be with an organized tour with guides who’ll act as your translators, the locals will appreciate and respect the fact that you’ve learned at least a few key phrase words such as hello, please, thank you and excuse me.
• 5. Pay for large expenses on a credit card that gives you mileage through an airline’s reward program. Every bit helps towards a free flight for that next journey!
• 6. Make arrangements with a friend or family member to handle your bills and household issues (i.e. feeding your cat and watering your plants) while you’re away.
• 7. At least a week prior to your departure, let the packing begin. Start putting items aside that you plan to carry along with you. Pack light and use compression bags or packing cubes to save space and organize like-items together.

"Above all else, relax, enjoy the process and expect the unexpected! Know that not everything will go smoothly and build in some emotional flexibility so that you can go with the flow.

"An African safari will truly be an adventure that will provide you with stories and memories that will last a lifetime."

06-01-2008