Looking for authentic travel planning tips? Whether you’re a solo traveler or planning a family adventure, these insights will help you experience travel like a local.
Why Authentic Travel Planning Tips Matter
Authentic travel planning tips are essential for travelers who want more than just seeing the popular sights.
They empower you to connect with local cultures, immerse yourself in unique experiences, and discover hidden gems often overlooked by mainstream tourism.
When you plan your trip with an authentic approach, you not only save money and avoid tourist traps but also gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the places you visit. These tips can help make every trip feel personal, adventurous, and truly memorable, transforming travel into a journey of genuine discovery.
Background Story
When I first started traveling I loved the idea of just being in the city and enjoying what I see on my stroll through the streets. There is always something that you find to be interesting or beautiful.
My first few trips, I have to admit, I was more the type of “I-follow-my-friend-she-knows-where-to-go-travelpartner”. I remember we were in London and she basically sprinted through the London Underground and I just couldn’t understand how she knows where to go, even though she has never been there, yet understand what and where our destination is because as I said I didn’t even have a plan of what to do in London.
Well, that was my version of typical beginner mistake of traveling.
However, a few trips later I started to do some research beforehand and also started to enjoy the planning almost as much as the traveling itself. Having traveled to over 20 countries until now, I would consider myself as a person that has some good skills when planning a trip.
From daytrips & weekend-getaways, to organizing a 3 week guide or long term stay in a foreign country.
I got you covered
I can help you get started!
Chosing the Perfect Destination: Factors to Consider
- Budget
- Time of the Year
- Interests and Activities
- Safety
- Accessibility
- Language and Culture
Budget
Consider the cost of transportation, accommodations, food, and activities in the destination. Can you afford to travel to your desired location? Are there alternative destinations that might be more budget-friendly?
Make sure to know your budget in advance. Knowing your budget can help you make a better decision when chosing a location because it will define the available money to cover the cost of transportation, accomodation, food, and activities in your destination.
Once you have set your budget you can check prices in different locations that you might find interesting. If they do not fit into your budget you can check whether there are alternative destinations.
Through my eyes
You want to go to Hawaii, but the flights from from Europe to Hawaii are usually super expensive. By doing some research for alternatives you could stumble across a blogpost of the Acores and find that this destination could work as well for you. Not only because it is more budget friendly but also because it is a destination that has maybe gained more popularity in the last few years but is not such a touristy spot.
Time of the Year
Consider the weather and peak tourist seasons in your desired location. Will you be able to enjoy the activities and attractions you’re interested in during the time of year you’re planning to travel?
When planning your trip, it’s important to consider the weather seasons in your desired location. This can have a big impact on the activities and attractions that you’re able to enjoy during your trip.
Through my eyes
For example, if you’re planning a trip to Peru to hike Machu Picchu make sure to check for rainy seasons and dry seasons as this could heavily impact your experience . Another example, if you’re planning a beach vacation in Brazil, you’ll want to make sure that you’re visiting during the summer months there (December-February) instead of the summer moths of the USA (June-August).
It’s also important to consider peak tourist seasons when planning your trip. During peak season, many popular destinations can be crowded and more expensive, making it harder to enjoy your trip. On the other hand, visiting during the off-season can be a great way to save money and avoid the crowds, but some attractions or activities may be closed during that time.
So set your own preference of what you consider more important. Some destinations are really great when traveling off-season. I was traveling to the Acores off-season and I have to admit, I don’t regret it at all. I enjoyed feeling alone on the island and didn’t miss the endless tourist crowds, traffic and tourist-lines.
Before you book your trip, research the weather patterns and peak tourist seasons for your desired location. What I do is read travel blogs of other people that have been to the destination in order to get a feeling for how it is like to travel there off-season or in peak-season.
This will help you make an informed decision about when to visit, and ensure that you’re able to enjoy all the activities and attractions that you’re interested in.
Interests and Activities
Consider what types of activities and attractions are available in your desired location. Do they align with your interests and what you want to do during your trip?
Make some research about activities and attractions that are available in your desired destination. This also includes regional offerings. Find out what makes your destination special.
Through my eyes
If you’re planning a trip to a wine region, consider adding a local wine tasting to your itinerary. It’s not just a tasting, it’s an experience that immerses you in the local culture and traditions. Plus, you might discover your new favorite wine!
Imagine knowing you’re going to be gliding down a river on a sunny day, grilling up your favorite foods on a boat rental that comes complete with a built-in grill.Maybe you could step out of your comfort zone and do something you have never tried before like going canyoning or surfing.
This is the fun part about trip-planning. Find out new things, try them and experience things you wouldn’t in your hometown 🙂
But wait, there’s more! In the next section, we’ll explore how to stay safe when traveling somewhere you’ve never been to:
Safety
It’s important to do some research on the safety of your desired destination before making any concrete travel plans. Check with government websites and travel advisories to see if there are any warnings or restrictions in place for the area. This could include anything from political unrest to natural disasters.
Eventually this could help you make a better decision on buying a flight with a little extra fee that lets you cancel your trip if anything unexpected happens in the country of your desitnation.
Through my eyes
As an example, I like to use my trip to Peru. I was living there for 6 months while doing my semester abroad in 2022. When my family came to visit in the end of december, there was already some severe political unrest basically all across the country. Roads were blocked, and traveling was very hard. I told them that it would be better to reschedule the trip once it would be safer. Unfortunately, they didn’t have that option to cancel their flight without an additional fee.
Luckily, the situation calmed down while they were there, but shortly after the situation escalated again. We were more than lucky, but this is a great example, why considering/consulting the travel advidories of your own country is very important.
You should also look into the crime rate in the area you are planning to visit. Are there any areas you should avoid, especially at night? It’s always better to be safe than sorry, so take the necessary precautions to ensure your safety while traveling.
This doesn’t stop after you planned your trip but continues to be important once you get to your destination: Ask locals about safe areas, or things that are considered dangerous (especially for tourists).
For example, is it safe to go on that hike on your own or should you rather book a guide? Is it safe to carry a bag with you? Etc.
Finally, consider any health risks you need to be aware of. This could include anything from vaccinations you may need to take, to potential illnesses that are prevalent in the area you are traveling to. Make sure you are informed and prepared to take any necessary precautions to protect your health and well-being while traveling.
Through my eyes
Here, I would also make sure to inform yourself whether it is safe to eat street food, drink tapwater, or what you can do in order to avoid any type of possible illnesses:
For example on a hike: buy a bottle with an included waterfilter so you can drink riverwater. Or inform yourself about the optimal clothing when going to the Amazonian Jungle, to reduce the risk of exposure to mosquitos which transmit yellow fever.
Accessibility
When planning your trip, it’s important to consider the accessibility of your desired location. Accessibility includes not only physical accessibility, but also factors such as language barriers and cultural norms.
When choosing a destination, think about the time and effort required to get there. Will you have to take multiple flights or long car rides? Are there direct flights or trains available, or will you have to make connections? Consider not only the distance but also the accessibility of your desired location.
If you or someone you’re traveling with has mobility issues, it’s important to research the accessibility of your accommodations and transportation options. Look for accommodations that offer wheelchair ramps, elevators, and accessible bathrooms. Consider transportation options that are wheelchair accessible, such as taxis or public transportation.
If your destination is remote or difficult to get to, you may need to plan ahead to make sure you have the necessary transportation options available. This could include renting a car or arranging for a private transfer. Alternatively, you might consider choosing a more accessible location that still meets your desired criteria.
Through my eyes
My favorite example here is: The advantages you can have when being prepared! Sounds very obvious, but this example is very extreme and will blow your mind but it is just to demonstrate that preparation is KEY!
When I was traveling, I arrived at the airport and also knew about my options about how to get from the airport to my accomodation: I knew about what price was normal for that distance and I had like 3 different trusted taxi companies that I could have called. I went with the common “Uber” alternative.
I know someone that paid almost 7 times as much as I did because he wasn’t informed about his options. He pretty much got scammed.
He couldv’e saved a lot of money! Don’t get scammed! Be prepared!
On the other hand, if your desired location is a popular destination with lots of transportation options, you may need to plan ahead to avoid crowds and long wait times. Some popular spots are easy to reach in peak-seasons but you might face the fact that some destinations are not available by bus during off-seasons. For this reason: Consider traveling during the off-season or choosing less crowded transportation options, such as taking a train instead of a plane.
Overall, when planning your next trip, make sure to consider the accessibility of your desired location and the ease of getting there and getting around. This will help ensure a smooth and stress-free travel experience.
Once you’ve ensured that your desired location is accessible, it’s time that you consider the language spoken in that region. Will you be able to communicate easily with locals and navigate your way around? Let’s dive into the language aspect of travel planning.
Language and Culture
Language barriers can also pose a challenge when traveling to a new destination. Consider whether the locals speak your language, and if not, how you’ll communicate. Sometimes in some regions, it is not very common for people to understand englisch. It’s a good idea to learn some basic phrases in the local language, or bring a translation app with you.
Finally, cultural norms can differ greatly from place to place. Research the local customs and laws to ensure that you’re respectful and aware of any potential cultural differences. For example, in some cultures, it may be considered impolite to dress in revealing clothing or to show public displays of affection.
Through my eyes
I was in Budapest, Hungary once. (I speak 6 languages, and sometimes, some languages are very similar to me… For example: I do speak Spanish, but to be honest, I didn’t have a lot of issues in Portugal or Italy, when using my knowledge of Spanisch even though I don’t know any portuguese or italian.)
But when I went to Hungary, I knew I was going to be very lost, since I don’t know any language that is even close to Hungarian. So I was listening to a podcast that was teaching me very very basic phrases that were actually pretty useful when traveling around Hungary. Even if it was something basic like: “Hello, can I please have a cup of coffee to go?”.
I know it takes some confidence to say something in a language you don’t actually speak... Especially if you fear they might not understand you or ask you a question you might not understand. But in the worst case scenario you use your hands and your face to signal what you need or want.
I have never experienced a scenario where people got mad. Most of the times it ACTUALLY WORKS. Sometimes they switch to englisch or laugh it off and appreciate your effort! So don’t worry!
Summarizing: By considering language and cultural factors when planning your trip, you can ensure that everyone has an enjoyable and safe experience.