Love the thought of being there but hate the thought of getting there? Here are some insider tips on how to more fully enjoy the total travel experience.
Start your vacation planning knowing your maximum budget and then take off the cost of a good travel agent’s professional fee. Cost will vary and may even be waived depending on service required. Knowing you have an advocate will give you peace of mind to start.
Next, take off the cost of travel insurance including trip interruption coverage. This will keep you sane if a flight is significantly delayed or cancelled. Hotel, meals, and transportation are all covered and reimbursed given the proper documentation. Factor in airport parking or use a taxi or chauffeur service. The one I use even does wake up calls.
Consider investing in an upgrade when choosing your seats. They often include priority check-in and priority boarding. Two more ways to avoid line-ups. Another great way to avoid long line ups at customs and immigration is to get your NEXUS card. Zoom through and spend that extra time having a lovely cappuccino.
Many airport lounges have hourly rates and accept walk-ins for a fee. Nothing like a little peace and quiet, comfortable seating, light snacks, free Wi-Fi and even a glass of wine for as little as $35.
Layovers can be a challenge. Make sure you’ve given yourself at least one hour between flights so you’re not doing the mad dash to a different gate, or even a different terminal. In some cities, I like more layover time because the shopping is so much fun. Airports these days have celebrity chef restaurants, spas, golf courses and sleeping pods, so you can indulge yourself.
Now that you’ve taken into account all the great ways to enjoy your travel day, see what’s left of your budget. That’s what you should spend on your actual vacation. So many people do it in reverse and then have a miserable start to what could be one whole day of your hard-earned fun!
By Anne Brobyn