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The perfect trip comes in all shapes and sizes depending on the type of trip, destination, who is going, and so many other factors. And with everyone’s unique preferences, there is no one perfect trip (that’s why Brownell Travel Advisors use our DISCOVER MORE process to design a personalized trip just for you!). But for some trips, there are universal tips that make it better and less stressful. Use these tips for the perfect trip when it comes time to travel .
FOR HONEYMOONS
Spotted: honeymooners exploring South Africa
Plan in advance
After you get engaged, it’s all about planning the wedding, but don’t wait until the last minute for your honeymoon! Use our honeymoon planning timeline as a reference.
Consider travel times
A 5:30 AM flight is rough, but on the Sunday morning after your wedding it is just plain brutal. It’s tempting to jet off to your honeymoon as soon as you can, but consider building in at least a day for resting and recovering from the big event. If you’re traveling internationally with potential for jetlag, this is even more important – no one wants to start their marriage tired and cranky.
Be Mindful of Seasons
It may be your perfect time to say “I Do” but it doesn’t mean it’s the best time to honeymoon in certain destinations. A beautiful winter wedding is great, but the holiday season in the Caribbean is one of the most popular (and expensive) times to go there. Other destinations have rainy seasons or very hot times. Your travel advisor can direct you to the best destination for your interests and travel window.
Big Trip? Delay Your Honeymoon
The weeks leading up to the wedding are some of the most stressful. Add packing for an exotic two-week getaway, tying up loose ends at works, and getting your home life in order, and you have a recipe for a meltdown. Digital Media Coordinator Brooke Whatley highly recommends this – she and her husband waited a few weeks after their wedding before a two-week South African honeymoon, and they were rested and ready for adventure (and had something to look forward too after the excitement of the upcoming wedding was over!).
Wear Sunscreen
Because nothing will ruin a romantic trip like blistered skin. And ditto for bug spray if bugs are an issue.
Related: Where to Go on Your Summer Vacation
FOR FAMILY TRIPS
Families that hike together, stay together
Let the children play a part in planning
Make a list of the potential activities, and let each child pick a few. It’s a great way to add even more excitement to the trip.
Pack Smart
Granola bars, wet wipes, and a deck of cards can go a long way when you’re trying to keep jetlagged little ones happy. Pack surprises, snacks, and any other things you may need in case of delays. Even better, give each child a backpack with snacks, toys, a change of clothes, and trip information. Brownell Independent Advisor Martha Rhodes says this not only helps the carry-on load but teaches independence and is a safeguard. Plus, those photos of your kiddos with matching backpacks at the airport are adorable!
Downtime is Your Friend
It’s really easy to want to make the most of your trip, and try to see everything. But downtime is so important – especially with children involved. Leave a few hours in each day unscheduled so you can rest, take naps, or explore something that wasn’t on your radar before the trip.
And so is Playtime
The Louvre is definitely not the place to run around, but the Tuileries Gardens is! Allot for time before or after museum tours for little ones to get out their energy. Find a park, playground, or garden, pack a snack, and enjoy time simply soaking in the destination and having fun! Brownell Independent Advisor Ginny Mabry especially recommends fresh air and outdoor time on the first day – a great way to fight jetlag!
Keep Calm and Carry On
Something going not as planned is a way of life. When something goes bump, the more relaxed you are, the more relaxed your children will be – wise advisor from Brownell Independent Advisor Carrie Mahoney. And it’s a great way to teach your children by example how to handle less than ideal situations.
FOR GIRLS’ GETAWAYS
Girls’ getaway in Key West
Brainstorm Together
Grab a bottle of wine and get together to discuss the trip – where you want to go, what you want to do, how much to spend, etc. And be sure to find a time that works for everyone and then block it off. It’s easy to say “we’ll go someday” but when you actually block it off and start planning, things get real.
Have a point person
…and the easiest way to avoid having “too many cooks in the kitchen” is to get a travel advisor to help with the planning. That way you have one person (who is not going on the trip) planning all aspects.
Make a Bucket List
You and your friends are bound to have different dream destinations and schedules. Keep everyone happy by making your “Girls’ Getaway Bucket List.” You may want to alternate between domestic and international trips, long weekends and week-long trips, or adventure and relaxing. Planning where you want to go for the next 5 years or more not only gives you something to look forward to but also helps as everyone’s plans their budget, time off, childcare, and other logistics.
Splurge on Living Space
The best part of a girls’ weekend is catching up and laughing – and you don’t want to all pile in on beds (red wine + crumbs all over your pillow? No thank you!). Brownell independent Advisor Suzette Mack recommends (from personal experience!) that the time to splurge is a room with a living space. It’s worth the extra cost to have one suite with a living room or a room with a balcony.
Relax
Leave your everyday stresses at home and enjoy time with your friends. You’ll feel so refreshed after spending a few days laughing and lounging with your besties.
Related: 17 Places to Travel in 2017
FOR COUPLES’ TRIPS
They’ll always have Paris
Pick travel partners carefully
Some of your most fun friends may not be the best traveling partners. You want a couple that has similar interests when it comes to leisure time. If you love sleeping late and lounging on the beach, that couple who runs marathons and never likes to sit still may not be the best fit. Think about what types of trips your friends have been on in the past and if you have similar travel patterns.
Know budgets and interests upfront
Make sure you are on the same page when it comes to budget for accommodations, activities, dining, and more. From the initial stages of planning, set a budget so everyone knows what to expect.
Go to a Destination with Variety of Activities
Even if you share similar interests, everyone will want to do different things during their vacation. Find a spot that offers activities that fit everyone’s interests, be it spa, golf, culinary, adventure, etc.
Be Cautious with Accommodations
A four-bedroom villa for four couples may seem perfect, but know what you’re getting before you book. Some multi-bedroom units have only one or two master bedrooms and other bedrooms may be for kids (think: bunk beds or no view). If everyone wants their own space and privacy, it may be best to stay in separate hotel rooms.
Book Dining in Advance
Larger groups are harder to accommodate at the last minute, so book your dining reservations in advance (especially at the top restaurants).
FOR SOLO TRAVELERS
Don’t forget a tripod or ask someone to take your photo!
Use a Travel Advisor
In all of these scenarios a travel advisor is key, but when you’re traveling alone it is a must. You may be alone if something goes wrong, but with a travel advisor you are not alone. You can travel confidently knowing someone has your back.
Consider a Small Group Tour
If you don’t want to be completely by yourself and want to meet new people, consider a small group trip. Some of our partners have amazing itineraries for 8-12 travelers that show you a destination in an authentic way.
Send Itinerary to Friends and Family
Keep your love ones posted on your whereabouts so that they can get in touch with you in case of emergency.
Get a Guide
Plan for a guide during your first day. Your guide will give you an overview of the city and can tell you insider spots that fit your interest. Even more important, for safety purposes your guide will know areas to avoid and other things locals know best.
Trust Your Instincts
Without a friend or family member there to assess a situation with you, it is up to you to trust your gut. If a situation seems sketchy, get out of it. It is always better to be safe than sorry whenever you travel
Click here to find an advisor and start planning your next trip!