Organizing a trip abroad on your own may seem like a mountain! It is undoubtedly a process that many people find stressful and frustrating. However, the truth is that from a certain point on, it becomes particularly exciting and enjoyable. Because in order to achieve the desired result, you have to start somewhere, in this article we have prepared for you all the steps you need to follow so that you can organize your trip the way you want.
Know that the journey begins the moment you decide to go somewhere, that is, as soon as you start your search for a country or region!!
- Destination
Is there a place you've been wanting to go for years or do you have a whole bucket list? Anyway, your choice of destination is a big deal. So, you start a parallel search to see if there are airline tickets available at the prices you want where you want to go and if the dates are convenient with your permission or the availability of your group. Unless you're going solo, in which case you'll have to see if it's a safe destination or if there are simply some areas you should avoid.
- Period
When are the most ideal weather conditions when you can travel? Is it too hot or too cold, or is it the rainy season and you won't enjoy it? Also, something you may need to take into account is the fact that the ideal period for visiting each country is accompanied by a large number of tourists. Does this make your trip there more difficult and not so attractive? Are there any holidays or public holidays during that period that may affect your visit to museums-archaeological sites, etc.? All of these are things that you will definitely need to research.
- Air tickets
When is the right time to buy? Will you go directly or prefer intermediate stops? Here too, extensive research will be required. Skyscanner, Kiwi, Google flights and Momodo are some of the search engines we prefer to check to have moderation comparisonHowever, when we choose to book, we usually go directly to the specific airline's website so we can get a better idea of baggage fees, extra equipment, etc.
- Residence
This usually goes hand in hand with the next step. If we only want to visit one city-region, we stay in that one. If we want to see other places, then we will need to book in other destinations as well. Booking, Airbnb, Kayak, Hotels.com are the platforms we use to search for accommodation. We always check the rating and reviews of verified customers before making a final decision.
- Research – planning
This is perhaps the most difficult but also the most enjoyable part. What to do, where to go, what to see, is an enjoyable headache that requires hours of reading and research. The best way to start is always from the official site of the city/country/region (e.g. Visit Mexico, Visit Dubai etc.) where you will also find information about entering the country, which you will need later. Then we search various sites with travel guides such as Culture Trip, the Lonely Planet, or the Condé Nast TravelerWe often search based on hashtags on Instagram, although these are not always representative.
- Means of transport
So, based on your plan, now think about how you will get around. If you will be using public transport, do a search to see if a local transport card is worth it. If you want to see more places, however, maybe you should rent a car? Find one at Rentalcars and in Auto Europe and see if your license is valid there. Of course, you should look up the driving regulations in the country you are going to so you don't have any surprises. Roadtrips are great and to organize them in the best possible way, see our article this one.
- Visa – passports – vaccinations
On the official website of each country you can find information on whether or not you need a visa to travel there. It goes without saying that your passport must be valid for at least another six months if you are traveling outside the EU (from the date of your return) while in website of the EODY you will find out whether or not you need to be vaccinated at the destination you will travel to. If you travel with the little one you, read here the procedures for issuing his passport.
- Travel program
You've done your research, you've made your plans, it's time to draw up a rough itinerary so you know where you're going and what you're going to see so you don't wander around aimlessly. Museums, attractions, activities and all the related stuff. Is it better to get a City Card or will you see some of the above individually? Should you get your tickets earlier to avoid the lines? What will you choose for drinks and food? Have you read the forums to see what the locals recommend? Find the places you want and pin them on Google maps to remember them!
- Travel insurance
If you are traveling within the European Union, you can obtain a European Health Insurance Card free of charge from: Gov.gr although it only covers you for illness and not for other unforeseen events. However, if you are traveling outside the EU, travel insurance is necessary so that minimizations the unpredictable factors on your trip. We recommend that you take out insurance within the EU as well.
- Travel pharmacy
Have it even if you never need it! Take some basic painkillers/analgesics for first aid. Of course, this also depends on the country you are going to as some require special precautions. See also our article this oneAlso see here What travel medicine should you have with you if you are traveling with children?
- Keep copies.
Take photos with your cell phone or photocopy everything you need so that you have it stored somewhere in case of need. Passport, airline tickets, hotel-museum-activity reservations - it's a good idea to have two copies.
- Equipment – Suitcase
Where you're going, do they have the same sockets as us or will you need an adapter? Have you checked the forecast? Will you take a raincoat, umbrella, sunscreen? Did you remember your gadgets (camera, power bank or tablet to watch movies on the plane?). As for clothes, most of the time we pack more than we use, so make a plan for that too and take the absolute essentials! Don't forget to find out about the dress code of the locals in some countries (mainly in the East).
- Email to the bank
Are you on a transatlantic trip, going to make a withdrawal or pay with your card and you can't? For security reasons, your card has been blocked and due to the time difference you cannot contact the transaction security department. So before you start, send an email to inform your bank about your upcoming trip, prepare cash or get a card Revolut to avoid extra charges.
- Check in
It goes without saying that check-in for all flights is now done electronically and the boarding pass comes to your email or mobile app. Make sure to do it on time and print it out just in case you run out of battery or the app crashes.
- Last details
How will you get to the airport? Did you book parking or will you take the bus-metro? Did you get off the app that will be useful to you on your trip? Did you make sure to have internet Where are you going? Have you contacted your accommodation to inform them of your arrival time? Now look at the list again. Did you get everything?
Closing
No matter how well prepared you are, there will be times when something doesn't go as planned, a setback will occur, and something will disappoint you. Don't despair! It's happened to everyone. us. Μαθαίνεις, αναπροσαρμόζεις, συνεχίζεις! Όλα είναι μέρος του ταξιδιού. Πάντα να έχεις μαζί σου καλή διάθεση και να σκέφτεσαι ότι πας να δεις έναν νέο προορισμό, να γνωρίσεις καινούργιους ανθρώπους, να “ρουφήξεις” νέες εμπειρίες!
Have a nice trip!
If all of the above seemed like a mountain to you, tell us to help you. help!
