The world is finally beginning to open up, and many of us are looking to make up for the time we’ve lost over the last couple of years. After months of staying at home, it’s time to get out and explore the world again, and there couldn’t be a more exciting time to travel. Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to find the time or the money to escape to far-flung destinations, but if this is a category you fall into, don’t worry, there are always ways to make travel more accessible.
Check out these top insider tips to help you come up with a plan for your next adventure, that will not only fit in with your lifestyle and budget, but also enhance it!
Embrace flexible working
Many of us have enjoyed greater flexibility in our jobs over the last two years. If you have switched to home working or a hybrid model, or you’ve moved from employment to freelancing, this is the ultimate time to embrace your newfound freedom. Thanks to advances in technology, many of us can now work from anywhere where there is a stable, reliable internet connection. Which means that working at home in your pyjamas or logging on in a local cafe is fast becoming the norm. And it’s not a bad thing!
If you want to take an extended break, because honestly, we all need one, there’s no need to leave the work behind if you don’t want to. Being able to do a bit of work whilst you’re soaking up the sun on some exotic island will mean you can stay longer without having to rush back to the office after just a few days. Ask your employer about taking a working holiday or consider renting an apartment or a villa for a few days or weeks and taking your laptop with you. If you’re a freelancer, look for destinations that will allow you to complete tasks and stay in touch with clients or colleagues while you travel. The concept of becoming a digital nomad is fast becoming reality for many workers, and the freedom it brings is truly enlightening.
Explore closer to home
Travelling doesn’t always have to involve ten-hour flights or multi-stop tours, trying to cram in as much as possible during your trip. If you’re limited in terms of time, have family or personal commitments that prevent you from being away for longer periods, or are keen to explore closer to home, there are some simple ways to get away more for less.
From hiring a camper or investing in versatile vehicles like hybrid caravans to going glamping, enjoying driving holidays in your home country, or doing a bit of train-hopping, the opportunities for adventure are endless if you know where to look. With a bit of thinking outside the box, you can plan incredible itineraries for spontaneous weekends away, trips with friends and holidays that don’t cost the earth.
Whether you fancy a road trip, or you’re looking at locations that are just a couple of hours away by public transport, there are options to suit all budgets. If you have a camper or a caravan, or you love a road trip, you can explore at your own pace and personalise your itinerary. This is one of the most satisfying ways to explore for those who love their independence and want to take things slowly, rather than dashing around doing lots of sightseeing. It’s a great way to really get to know the place you’re visiting, and you’ll come away with a deeper sense of satisfaction than if you were there on a whistle-stop tour.
Take advantage of deals and offers
It can be expensive to travel, but there are golden opportunities to save a lot of money if you put in a bit of leg work to find them. To make the most of amazing deals and offers, sign up to travel websites, follow tour operators, airlines and discount sites on social media and try to be as flexible as you can when it comes to holiday dates and potential destinations.
Look for last-minute deals, compare prices online and take advantage of flash sales. It’s also a great idea to consider travelling out of season to avoid crowds and reduce the cost of flights, accommodation, attraction tickets, activities and excursions. Booking online is often a simple, quick and convenient way to lower the cost of package holidays, airport parking, flights, transfers and trips and tours.
Many of us are looking forward to travelling more in the weeks and months ahead. It’s not always easy to fund foreign jaunts or find the time to get away, but there are steps you can take to make travel more accessible. Embrace flexible working arrangements, consider exploring closer to home and take advantage of deals, discounts and offers. Additionally, it is always a good idea to get COVID-19 travel insurance to protect yourself from any COVID-related travel mishaps, so you’ll be able to see more and do more in your travels.
