If you missed Hack #1, don't worry, here it is!
Hack #2: Timing is everything
The obvious first thing when it comes to timing, is to assess how much time you have for your trip, and give it at least 3 days buffer for unexpected delays.
More importantly, think about whether the things you had in mind after considering Hack #1 are time-specific.
What are the things that you can do during the month(s) you're thinking of going to certain places? Do they meet your travel objectives?
Were you expecting a wintery holiday with thick coats, or a sunny beach holiday?
These may seem like obvious questions, but we've had clients who live in the tropics, hate the cold, yet booked a January trip to Paris. In this case we provided them with tips on staying warm and the best places to get that cozy, wintery feel.
We don't usually advise against clients' existing plans. But we do forewarn of higher risks.
We advised against a snorkelling trip to Great Barriers Reef planned for December, when "snorkel and swim as much as possible" was the objective.
December might seem like the perfect time, beautiful Aussie summer, warm water, but during November to March the sea water is murkier and the deadly Box Jellyfish are in their prime during their breeding season. If that hasn't triggered the alarm bells, their tentacles can grow up to 10 feet/3 metres long and nobody wants to bump into one of those in water.
Something I learned from my own experience - one year I decided that I was going to swim with the manta rays on my birthday and booked a trip to Fiji, not realising it was too early for the mantas. I ended up swimming with plenty of other beautiful species like tuna and sharks so overall it wasn't a deal breaker, but it does mean 'swimming with manta ray' remains on my bucket list.
A positive example - one of our trips to New Zealand landed on the last week of the succulent green lipped mussels seasons in Marlborough Sounds. How good was a pot of steam mussels with a glass of local Sauvignon Blanc!
It's important to know the time-enabled activities in the destination you're thinking of, and consider whether they meet your travel objectives.
If you know your availability but haven't pin down on the destination yet, you can also research on the best places to visit, or where the places are to do XYZ according to your objectives during your planned travel period.
Have we got you thinking about your next holiday?
Great! Because tomorrow we'll talk more about the pragmatics in Hack #3 Get prepared, especially for the rainy day!
Author: Founder, Should Have Asked - Your Bespoke Travel.
Michelle is an experienced researcher, design-thinker and in former life, government policy maker. Most days she’s an addicted traveller, a shower-soprano and mom of 30+ avocado trees.
Comments