With 2015 underway a lot of people are gearing up to plan their annual vacation. While many people have the desire to travel abroad many don’t go through with their dream vacation because they think planning an international trip would require too much work.
But despite what many may think, planning a trip abroad doesn’t have to be stressful or overwhelming. You can have a safe and fun dream vacation overseas by following a few simple steps. Giving yourself enough time to properly plan the trip is the key having a successful holiday.
Deciding on Where to Stay
Once you’ve selected your destination, consider choosing an all-inclusive hotel for your lodging. There are many benefits for travelers choosing all-inclusive hotels. They not only reduce the logistical ease of deciding where to stay, but they also eliminate the need of budgeting for many aspects of the trip such as airfare, hotel, food, drinks and extras since they are all part of one price. Many all-inclusive hotels are kid friendly, while some even offer adult-only locations.
All-inclusive hotels and resorts also offer the chance for travelers to meet new people from every corner of the globe and learn new about new cultures. They can also be a haven of solitude offering guests privacy and seclusion if they want it.
There are plenty of hotels that offer all-inclusive resorts around the world; one great option is Barcelo. All-inclusive resorts from Barcelo offer a variety of amenities to satisfy even the pickiest traveler. Guests staying at one of their 142 hotels in 17 countries will not only find glamorous themed settings, but also some of the following luxuries and amenities:
- Various health and beauty services
- Swimming pools and entertainment
- Kids’ facilities
- Internet
- Sporting events such as aerobics, tennis, basketball and miniature golf
- Weddings with ceremony included
- Babysitting service
- Tourist information
- Laundry service
- On-site shopping
Choosing the Best Time to Travel
The travel season typically depends on the type of vacation destination and not necessarily the geographic location. Traveling during low season offers lower hotel and airfares, as well as thinned-out crowds; whereas high season typically is the opposite. For instance, high season in the Caribbean runs from mid-December to mid-April, while low season is from mid-April to mid-December. However, travelers planning a trip to Australia will find that mid-April through August is considered low season, while high season is late December to early February.
Securing Travel Insurance
You can never predict what will happen when traveling abroad from experiencing a medical emergency or having your flight cancelled to losing your baggage or wallet. International travel insurance gives assistance when needed and often reimburses travelers for these types of expenses.
It’s best to shop around for the best insurance policy that will fit all your travel needs and offer the services you want, but at the best cost. Make sure to check your personal homeowner, renter, medical, auto club, credit card and auto insurance policies first to see what they automatically cover. Be sure to read all documents thoroughly, especially the cancellation waivers and emergency medical assistance coverage.
Purchasing Affordable International Data Plan
Finally, don’t forget to purchase an international cellular data plan for your smartphone, tablet or laptop to use while traveling. Don’t just assume your current plan will work because that could be a very costly mistake. The top four wireless providers have different pricing and coverage options for their customers, so you will need to determine what’s best for you. Some cell phone companies already offer plans for use in Canada or Mexico, while others allow you to specify where you want your phone to work.
Another option would be to use a Voice Over IP service, such as Skype, when making calls overseas since it can be used on any type of mobile device. Travelers may also want to consider purchasing an international cell phone with a domestic calling plan once they arrive at their destination.
If you’ve thought about ditching your annual trip to Disneyland for a cultural experience in South America, now is the time. Follow these tips and you’ll quickly take the stress out of planning a vacation abroad.
Guest Author: Jennifer Thayer is a freelance writer who enjoys covering everything from the hottest tech gadgets to the latest industry news. Follow her on Twitter to see what tech coverage she shares next.
Photo by Kim Seng.
