Travel and visiting new destinations can be quite hectic. Where you want to see as much as possible but only have a small amount of time to do so. However, there are various ways you can prepare in advance of your trip so as to see as much as possible. Here are 5 ways that should allow you to see more on a trip when visiting somewhere new.
1. Research your destination
Before you travel you should some background research on the city or place that you’ll be visiting. Such as looking at what there is to do, opening times for places you’d want to visit, how to get there, and local transport hubs. Also look in travel books such as below for lots of ideas, tips and advice. You could also read online city guides and blogs, which may tell you the best things to see, viewpoints and top restaurants.
Another way of finding things to do is to look on tour sites such as GetYourGuide – this might allow you to add a unique experience into your itinerary that you might not otherwise have thought of. By doing as much background research as possible you will have more time available at your travel destination to see and do more.
Read our post How to Find the Best Things to Do When Travelling for more tips.
2. Book early outbound and late return flights
If you book early outbound and late return flights this will give you the maximum time at your destination. If your flight is early you could get an airport hotel the night before, or just catch some sleep on the plane. Many types of accommodation, such as hotels and hostels allow you to drop off or leave your luggage somewhere safe in the property which also makes sightseeing a bit easier in these scenarios.
3. Book accommodation in a central area
Booking accommodation close to the things you’d like to see, or within easy access to local transport can save you a lot of time and money, as you’ll spend less time travelling and more time seeing and experiencing. Prior to a trip we often note where the main attractions are, such as in the old part of the city. This will then be our base for deciding on our accommodation. To start looking for accommodation consider using our recommended partner booking.com.
4. Find restaurants in advance
If you are picky with where you eat then also research restaurants in advance or go with an open mind, so as to not spend too much time looking for restaurants at your travel destination. Once you’ve found a place where you’d like to eat then plan your day so you end up finishing your sightseeing activities close to the restaurant and around the time you want to eat.
To find places to eat in advance you could read blogs that highlight some of the best places or use sites such as tripadvisor.com.
5. Use public transport
Finally, try and use local transport systems such as subways, trains, buses, trams during your trip. By doing this you will be able to zip around the city a lot faster. Walking can also work if the city isn’t too big and you want to see more of the local streets.
Before you visit it also helps to research the best ticket method. Ie would a day pass be better than pay-as-you-go?! Of course, there is also the option of cars and taxis but these would generally be more expensive and you might also end up with traffic issues.
Summary
So these are some of the top ways to save time when you travel and to see more at your destination. If anything we recommend just being organised and prepared – especially if you’re going on a city break, or a more adventurous destination. If you’re going to a resort or a package holiday and are more interested in just relaxing during your holiday, then that’s also great, but also means you shouldn’t need to worry so much about the above.
