Travel experts say flexibility is the key to planning the perfect vacation. In an article by USA Today, one leading travel advisor suggested that you should make your itinerary in “pencil not pen” as being flexible allows you to take advantage of travel bargains and avoid crowds, which can sometimes ruin the experience when visiting popular tourist destinations.
Being flexible when it comes to travel means being willing to bend. That often means flying to another city (a secondary airport could save you hundreds of dollars), going off the beaten path (avoiding big cities by visiting smaller nearby destinations that often offer more charm at a substantially reduced rate), and taking detours (a stopover flight through an airline’s hub city is typically a lot less than a non-stop flight).
Technology can also be your friend when travel planning. Search apps and websites can let you track patterns to ensure you are getting the best price when booking airfare or hotel stays. Having flexibility in your travel dates, preferred airport, and destination (such as staying at a suburban hotel rather than in the city center) can also make travel more affordable. Sometimes it pays to not be picky!
Travel experts also recommend you be flexible when planning your travel itinerary. Being too rigid with your plans is not only stressful it can also be more costly. One suggestion is to follow the lead of many in the corporate world and build more “white space” into your travel. Leaving unscheduled time in your plans allows you to live in the moment and immerse yourself in your environment. Remember, travel is more than just crossing sites and locations off a list.
What tricks do you employ to make the most out of your vacations? Message The Seniors Trust on Facebook or Twitter and let us know what you do to save money and headaches when traveling.
