Like many bloggers, I am writing this to share my experiences with friends and family. I confess, however, to a secret hope that I will inspire someone…anyone… who is on the fence about exotic travel to take the leap. People often mention a few roadblocks that prevent them from foreign travel, so I’d like to share my perspective on those issues.
The money factor. The high cost of airfare shouldn’t scare you away from international travel. Trust me. In budget-friendly countries, you will save so much on hotel rooms, meals, activities and other expenses that you will more than offset the high cost of your plane tickets. In fact, the total cost might well be less than for a similar trip in the U.S. For example, the range for a budget-level (but nice) private room with bath in Bangkok is $15-20. Your meals might run an additional $2-5. On my upcoming trip, I’ll be attending a 10-day yoga intensive program taught by one of India’s most respected teachers. The cost is about $15 per day for a private room with bath overlooking the Himalayas and the Ganges River, all meals and yoga classes. Here is my shot at a conservative price estimate comparison for 10-day trip for 2 people, transportation, room and board: International travel = $1000 airfare per person, $20 per person room, $15 meals = $2700. Domestic travel = $600 airfare per person, $100/night hotel, $35 per person meals – $10 breakfast, $10 lunch, $15 dinner) = $2900. You do the math….would you like to visit Thailand this year or stay in the U.S. like you always do?
Deciding where to go. Some people set specific travel goals like visiting each continent, seeing the Natural Wonders of the World, seeing World Heritage sites, etc. If this idea appeals, you’ll find plenty of information on the internet to get you started. Personally, I don’t usually start with a defined plan. Sometimes the weather dictates my decision. If I can travel in winter, I’ll look for countries that have terrific weather during our cold season (see www.thebesttimetovisit.com, www.cntraveller.com/recommended/itineraries/top-10-holiday-destinations, or similar sites). As I write this, it is January and I am headed to Asia, where the weather will be sunny, but not too hot. I would pick a different destination if it were rainy season. I am highly influenced by airfare sales. One of my favorite trips was to the Philippines, a place that I would never have considered visiting but for the cheap airfare. When using award travel, the balance in my account and availability of flights are the deciding factor (e.g., “I have 80,000 miles and need to travel between June 1st and 15th. Where can I go?”). Award travel usually comes with a layover option in a connecting city. Thanks to award travel, I enjoyed several days in Hong Kong and Seoul (on different trips) without the cost of additional air fare. Sheer happenstance has occasionally led me somewhere. With a final destination in mind of the Canary Islands, I found that my friend Nancy and I could have a free layover in Reykjavik if we flew via Icelandair. Unfortunately, the airline doesn’t fly into Tenerife, but they do fly to Glasgow. Ryanair just happened to have a terrific sale from Glasgow to the Canary Islands and we scored a triple hitter.
Organizing the many moving parts. You’ll find a dedicated page in this blog about itinerary-building tips.
Safety. Whether traveling with others or along, I try have a healthy respect for the cultural norms and values of the locations to which I travel. As a woman, this means that I dress modestly, leave the flashy jewelry at home and so forth. When out and about, especially when alone, I stay alert and use extra care when going out at night. In some countries, I may not drink and, in fact, may not go out at night at all. At the hotel, I keep my suitcase locked and store my valuables in the hotel’s safe or in a Pacsafe that I bring along with me. I wear a money belt (though it drives me crazy) and wear a cross-body purse. I prepare an emergency first-aid kit, my insurance cards and, in some countries, buy addition medical travel insurance. Once I take all precautions that I deem necessary, I relax and enjoy the trip. I would do the same if I were traveling within the United States and, in fact, probably less (despite that the only violent crime I have ever personally experienced was in the U.S.).
Do you have other questions or thoughts? Please share them via a comment!
Saffron and Silk 