We all know that 2020 was a terrible year for traveling, with the Covid-19 pandemic meaning that our passports — and ourselves — were left sitting at home gathering dust. But now there is finally a glimmer of hope with vaccinations being delivered at a rapid pace in many countries around the world. This may soon mean that international borders begin to open again and we can finally start to think about taking a vacation. It’s been so long since this was even a possibility that it can be a huge decision on where to go first! To help everyone make the most out of the reopening of the world, here is everything you need to consider when planning your next trip in 2021.
1. Choose Your Dream Destination
With 2020 being a complete write-off, let’s make 2021 a year to remember by ticking a dream destination off your travel bucket list. We all have that one place where we have always dreamed of going so why not fulfill that dream on your next trip. Whether you have always wanted to go snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef or challenge yourself by hiking the Himalayas, now is the time to do it. When choosing your destination, it is very important that you find out the Covid-19 restrictions and regulations.
It may be that if you are coming from a certain country, you will first need to take a test or even have received your vaccinations. Other countries may require you to quarantine for 2 weeks upon arrival, and your own country may require you to do the same when you return.
2. Choose the Best Accommodation
The accommodation options available to you will depend on the destination you travel to but there will usually be various different types to choose from. If you enjoy going to the same place each year then it may be worth investing in a timeshare so that you can save money on hotels and don’t need to buy an entire rental property yourself.
It is very important that you look into any timeshare company that you are planning to deal with because there are some very dishonest ones out there. Do some research with RCI VIP and you will learn everything you need to know and which companies to avoid. If you find the perfect timeshare in your favorite vacation spot then you will have fantastic accommodation to return to each year. If on the other hand, you don’t want to commit to a timeshare or you enjoy going to different places each time, there are fantastic hotels all over the world to choose from. The global tourism industry has been hit hard by Covid-19 so you may be able to find some great deals in 2021.
3. Choose Your Travel Companions
A huge part of planning the perfect trip is deciding who to go with. Some people love the challenge and adventure of traveling alone while other people like to have their loved ones with them to share the experience with. With many of us being separated from our friends and family during CoronaVirus lockdowns, a vacation is a perfect way to catch up and spend some quality time together. You will need to make sure that your travel companions have also adhered to all the regulations in place at your destination whether that means receiving both doses of vaccine or testing for Covid the day before your flight.
4. Decide on Your Travel Date
There are many things you will need to take into account when you are deciding on your travel date. Some destinations are better to visit at certain times of the year because of the weather or special events. For example, if you want to attend the famous Rio De Janeiro Carnival, you will need to go there in mid to late February because this is when it is always held.
Similarly, if you are planning to see the natural wonder that is the Northern Lights, your best bet is to travel to Iceland or another destination in the Arctic Circle between September and March. Other destinations like the Caribbean are good all year round so you will just need to book the time off work or plan the time that is best for you.
5. Budget the Trip
Once you have made all your plans, the next thing you will need to do is work out your budget. This will need to include everything from the cost of airplane tickets to how much you will need each day for food and recreation costs. It is always better to err on the side of caution and over budgeting for a big trip. You never know what costs may arise unexpectedly when you are away and the last thing you want is to be unprepared. These costs may include medical bills if you get injured while you are on your trip or a special souvenir to remember the time you had.
6. Start Saving for the Trip
After you have worked out how much money the trip will cost, it is time to start saving. It is better to start this as early as possible because then the amount you will have to put aside each month will be lower. Flights and hotels are usually cheaper if you book them many months in advance so it is often better to save extra money in the first months to pay for them.
Many airlines are still wary to announce their flight routes for the coming year so keep your eye out for when they start advertising again. Make sure you book cancellation insurance just in case your trip gets canceled for any reason to make sure that you don’t lose the money that you’ve saved.
Everyone deserves the best vacation of their life after the terrible time we have all had. In order to plan this special trip, it is very important that you take the time to choose the best destination and find the best deals on flights and accommodation. Make sure that you fully understand and follow all health and safety procedures and you will be all set for the time of your life.
Photo by Miriam Eh on Unsplash
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