Independent travel gains incredible popularity year by year. There is no wonder as it lets us save money, due to the fact there is no need to pay to the travel agencies. We are not tight to any schedule but the one we pick ourselves. There is no depending on the time, space and people anymore. If you want to stay longer in some particular place – you can easily extend your trip. And one more reason – this type of traveling brings us into the direct contact with the locals. A wonderful opportunity to get in touch with culture, traditions and see the world as it is.
It is ridiculous to think that is you go on an independent trip – you should do it spontaneously without planning a step or two forward. The decision is quite risky and although the best things happen unplanned, you should take care of a few issues not to ruin all your wonderful vacation. Let us hope this list will be helpful.
Visa
The first thing you should find out is if you need a visa to the country, you are going to visit. If you belong to Schengen Area and going to travel inside of it – just get your tickets and go. If you are going to travel to the other countries – check what documents are required.
Tickets
Book ones as advanced as possible. Then you will surely find the rates that do not eat a half of your budget. The closer the flight date is – the more expensive the tickets are. Do not forget to check the low-cost European airlines. If you know how to search them right – you might find the rates equal to your daily meal price.
Transfer
One of the most painful issues for every traveler. Crowds of people waiting for a bus or even fighting for a taxi – what can be worse? One of my latest trips has almost ended up a disaster and after thorough research, I found a service that eased my life and I keep advising it to all my friends. Kiwitaxi.com offers us booking any type of transfer we need in advance. Set the time and the date, pick your transport, state the route and the driver will be waiting for you five minutes in advance.
Although taxis are quite comfortable, do not use them within the city. It is pretty expensive. What you should stick to is public transport. It lets you an opportunity to interfere with people and saves your budget.
Hotel
Do not look for the one in the central part of the city. Those are luxurious palaces for jet set travelers. You need one in the suburbs. You will surely spend only your nights in it, so why overpaying for a nice view and the opportunity to see only the central part of the city?
Sightseeing
Use your browser to find the most interesting places before you go on a trip. Thousands of websites give a thorough description on what to see and how to go there. Mind the information from the tourists who have visited the location recently. If you want to see some extremely popular attraction – buy your tickets online not to waste time standing in the crowd for hours just to get one.
Food
It is clear that most of the tourists tend to try the local cuisine once they come to this or that country. However, all those fancy restaurants have cosmic prices. Be careful and check the menu online before getting in. If you are in the country where the food is much different from what you eat at home – it can cause you certain stomach problems. Try to find a family café or eat at the outside stalls. Forget about Western fast food. Eating junk is not the best idea, and you will look silly going to another country to get a burger.
Language
If you are reading this – you surely speak English, which is rather helpful for any travel as the widest spread language on earth. But sometimes tourists find themselves in places where nobody speaks it. What to do? Learn the most important phrases in the local language just to keep safe.
