Motor Home Hire – 10 Helpful Tips On How To Be A Careful Camper In NZ

Jul 9, 2021

Last Updated on: Jul 4, 2023

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Are you a camper! And are you excited to get your campervan out of the garage and on the road? You are, without a doubt. Why would you buy one in the first place if you didn’t need it? Your dream campervan holiday is just a few steps away, but there are a few things to consider first. 

In this post, we’ll discuss some of the things you should and shouldn’t do before and during your motorhome hire journey, as well as ten campervan hacks to help you improve your travel game.

Here are some helpful tips on how to be a careful camper in NZ. 

10 Exclusive Tips To Be A Careful Camper

Campervan camping is always an exciting experience. You do not have to wait for any traveling guide or vehicles. You manage your own and start to explore new places. 

Here are nine exclusive tips to be a successful camper.

1. Include Only The Essentials In Your Bag

1. Include Only The Essentials In Your Bag

Do you have an idea about what is called a campervan? A campervan is not a storage facility. You do not have to pack everything inside your bag. Take only the items you’ll require on your journey. The following items should be on your checklist while you are on motorhome hire.

  • Clothes 
  • Toiletries 
  • Food
  • Miscellaneous

2. Choose Your Camping Location Carefully

Motorhome hire is a deceptive activity in certain ways. We wanted to convey that we frequently have the want to pull over, park, and set up camp anyplace. While spontaneity may be what makes a trip memorable, it never hurts to prepare ahead.

Look for campgrounds that cater to a camper. Make sure you have water and a level parking spot (you don’t want the blanket to fall off the bed in the middle of the night).

3. Before Leaving, Double-Check Everything

Before you set sail, double-check your campervan. The last thing you need is for your car to suffer a mental breakdown in the middle of nowhere on your trip. 

Taking your campervan to a car service for a professional inspection is a good idea. As an experienced camper, you should always give your attention to make your vehicle well-performing.

4. Remember To Refill Your Water Bottle

When you’re at the petrol station, remember to refill the water tanks and empty the waste tank if your campervans have that modern with running water and a toilet. 

Hence you do not have to think about refilling it. But waste management is essential.

5. Eliminate Electricity Waste

Don’t forget to turn off the engine and the light before going to bed. You can take the solar charging flashlights with you to eliminate the electricity waste.

6. Keep Your Flashlight On You At All Times

6. Keep Your Flashlight On You At All Times

Even though your car’s lights are more than adequate for illumination, it’s a good idea to utilize a flashlight for power conservation.

7. Don’t Forget To Lock Your Campervan

If you wish to go trekking or see some of the local sights, make sure your van is locked and secure.

8. Air Out Your Vehicle

Avoid parking your car in direct sunlight and try to keep your doors as open as possible. The importance of ventilation cannot be overstated.

9. Stock Up On Booze And Snacks

9. Stock Up On Booze And Snacks

A camping vacation wouldn’t be complete without a nice drink and some nibbles, right? So, before you leave, make sure you go shopping. Most of the modern campervans have mini-refrigerators. You should have no issue keeping that beer cool.

10. Remember To Pay Attention To The Fuel Check

When you’re out on the road, cracking jokes with your companion or significant other, it’s easy to overlook the camper van’s fuel indicator. Keep in mind, though, that petrol stations do not grow on trees. Plan your route and calculate your gasoline use to determine when and where you should stop.

Conclusion:

As a professional, experienced camper, you always have to make sure of the security aspects. Always go through the places and the camping grounds. If some places have any criminal background, you should avoid halting there. And always keep handy the road map. In many places, the GPS is not going to perform. So keep the road map always with you.

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Abdul Aziz Mondol is a professional blogger who is having a colossal interest in writing blogs and other jones of calligraphies. In terms of his professional commitments, he loves to share content related to business, finance, technology, and the gaming niche.

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Walking On Sunshine: Exploring The Magic Of Vietnam’s Golden Hand Bridge!

BY  sagnika Oct 5, 2023

Are you one of those who loves taking stunning photographs of monuments worldwide? The Golden Hand Bridge is one of the striking monuments that can give you the perfect backdrop for your picture or a wallpaper-worthy photo. The Golden Hand Bridge in Vietnam is an attraction in a themed park that was recently added to the list of beautiful places worldwide. The bridge's construction started in July 2017 and was completed in April 2018. A stunning and unique architectural wonder, Golden Hand Bridge deserves all the attention and popularity it is getting! It is beautifully located in the Ba Na Hills Amusement Park in one of the major cities, Da Nang, in Vietnam. The attraction has become viral due to social media platforms! In this article, I am writing about how walking on the Golden Hand Bridge in Vietnam feels! It is like walking on sunshine as the environment adds up to the beauty of the bridge! Walking On Sunshine: Exploring The Magic Of Vietnam's Golden Hand Bridge! The amusement park in which the Hand Bridge has been built is a Disney-style theme park known as Ba Na Hills. Hand bridge is another common name for the Golden Bridge! You can see it all over social media as people visit the place and create beautiful pictures. If you want to visit the Golden Bridge Vietnam, you can take a guided tour of the Ba Na Hills from Hoi An or Da Nang! Along with the bridge, other things are included in the guide, such as Fantasy Park, the French Village, and the Cable car ride. The whole trip will take at least 3 hours to cover! If you are taking a car ride from the city, it will take some time. You will have to pay 750000 dong to visit the bridge, which might seem more expensive for some, especially if the weather is overcast! You still have to visit the bridge because it is one of a kind! Costs Of Tickets To Visit Golden Bridge Da Nang! You do not have to pay any money to visit the bridge. However, the Ba Na Hills Resorts owns the Golden Bridge Da Nang Bridge. The bridge is included in the Sun World Ba Na Hills tourism complex, so the rate of visiting the resort is included in the ticket price for the cable car. You have to reach the resort by car while reaching the hilltop of Ba Na Hills by cable car. The ticket price for adults for a round-trip is $38.30! You can visit the bridge in two seasons, extending from April to September and October to December. For children whose height is between 1m and 1.4m, the round-trip tickets cost around $31.01! Children below that height can visit where their parents do not need to buy any tickets. There are also offers with a lunch buffet and combo cable car tickets priced around USD $46.38. About Golden Bridge Da Nang! One of the most photographed spots located within Ba Na Hills, Golden Bridge Da Nang is a 500-foot-long bridge with railings shining in golden color. The bridge has been constructed with such a design that it is cradled between two colossal hands. The hands are so big that they seem to be up in the clouds. Further, during rainy days, the clouds are covering the hands. The bridge is 12.8m wide with eight arches. The concept of the bridge was about walking across the hands of the God of mountains on the clouds. The Hand Bridge in Vietnam acts as a connector between the cable car station, which is located at the hilltop, and the Paradise Gardens. Further, the bridge gives you a perfect view of the Annamitr Mountains and the East Sea. I suggest you arrive early in the morning if you want an excellent picture of the attraction or get a photo of yourself on the bridge. When visiting the bridge, you can also cover fantasy parks, the French village, and a cable car ride, making it a complete circle! How To Reach The Golden Bridge In Vietnam? To reach the Golden Hands Bridge Vietnam from Da Nang City, you must go to Sun World Ba Na Hills first. You can go from Thien Thai Flower Garden or Marseille station to the Golden Hand Bridge. There are different transportation routes which you can take! Car Rental In Da Nang You can rent a car in Da Nang to travel to the bridge, especially with people ranging from 4 to 45 people. The rental vehicle is both cost-saving and flexible. The round trip ranges from somewhere $17.02 to $93.62. Taxi If you are looking for something reasonable, book a taxi if you are in a group of 4 to 7 people. The price of a round-trip taxi visit starts from $21.28 to $25.53. Bus To Ba Na If your budget is cheap, take a bus from Da Nang, which will take you to Ba Na in just 75 minutes. The bus is specifically for tourists, and the round-trip costs $6.38 per head. However, the timing could be more relaxed as tourists are picked up between 7:30 and 8:30 from Da Nang. While returning, tourists are picked up from Ba Na between 14:30 and 15:30 to return once the Bridge tour is done. For tourists, it can be restrictive at times! Transfer Car From Danang To Ba Na The transfer car starts from 72 Nguyen Chi Thanh and takes tourists to Ba Na Hills, with the round-trip ticket costing around $2.98 per head. This transportation is convenient for visitors planning to visit Ba Na in the morning, but there will be issues for evening visitors! Again, with the pocket-friendly rate, the car is restricted concerning the timing of the transfer car, which only functions between 8:30 in the morning and 18:00! Motorbike Rental If you are young and know how to ride a motorbike or your partner knows, go for the motorbike rental! It is one of the best choices for tourists because it creates opportunities for you to enjoy nature and its beauty. This transportation choice lets you stay the most active concerning your travel plans. The motorbike rental price ranges from $4.26 to $6.38 per head. What Is The Best Time To Visit The Golden Bridge Da Nang? What is the perfect time to visit Golden Hand Bridge in Vietnam? The opening hours of the bridge start at 8:00 AM, while it closes at 18:30. Considering it is one of the recent and popular attractions on social media, there is a huge crowd. You must know the crowded time while visiting the bridge is between 9 AM and 17:00. So, if you plan to visit the bridge to avoid the rush or the crowd, you must visit either before 9 AM or after 17:00 PM. You can experience four seasons, namely summer, winter, spring, and autumn when you go to the bridge. The cool atmosphere you enjoy up on the bridge is amazing, along with the beautiful scenery. When taking pictures of the attraction, you have to include one of the hands in your photo! It looks majestic! Along with that, you can also opt for panoramic photos. Either simulate the hand or stand inside it to show the magnificent perspective of it. Places To Visit While On the Golden Hand Tour! Based on my understanding of other people's experience of the place, you can visit the place either in the morning or afternoon. If you are hoping for foggy pictures or with the sun rising high on the clouds, go in the morning! Sometimes, you can also catch birds flying, which is a beautiful visual! However, if you are looking for more light, glowing sun in your pictures, you can go in the afternoon. The sunset is just perfect in the afternoon, with a romantic vibe. If you are visiting with your partner, it is the perfect time to go, especially when the photographs will be to die for! Apart from the Golden Hand Bridge, remember that there are other places to visit, such as an amusement park called the Fantasy Park. How can you remember the restaurants and cafes that are of different styles? You have to try the delicious food and beverages there. Further, you gotta visit the Ling Ung Pagoda and the flower gardens. Weather Must Be Taken Into Consideration! Image Source : images.rove.me/ The Golden Hand Bridge has been constructed to be up in the clouds. It is, therefore, important to consider the weather when visiting the Golden Hand Bridge. According to a review on Tripadvisor by udontnomee3e, an overcast day is a bad day to visit the bridge! If the weather is rainy, cold, and cloudy, there is a high chance that you will not be able to enjoy the attraction or take good pictures. The issue, however, with it is that you cannot know what the weather will be when you go up from below because the weather is completely different! During bad weather, the visibility becomes terrible, and the steps become slippery. It isn't obvious because when you are on the ground, you will not realize the weather status on the bridge. At the top, it might be completely different! Highlight Of The Golden Hand Bridge! Image Source: d13jio720g7qcs.cloudfront.net The bridge has hosted a fashion show called "A Walk on a Cloud" fashion by the Fashion Voyage. It is a groundbreaking achievement, especially with the spectacular natural view and a harmonious blend of architecture. The bridge has inspired many designers from the fashion industry to create something that represents out-of-the-world structure. Many couples have done their wedding photo shoots, especially if the location has been accessible. Even though it looks artificial, the bridge is quite interesting in becoming a worldwide photography sensation. It is nothing close to Disneyland, but the amusement park in which it has been made has created quite a stir and an awareness! Accommodation At Ba Na Hills! If you are planning to stay at Ba Na Hills, consider the tour of the Golden Hand Bridge, which can be completed in less than one day! There are other features and attractions that you have to complete, and then you have to book your accommodations there. Some of the best hotels or resorts that you can book while on a trip to the Golden Hand Bridge are as follows: Monarque Hotel - This hotel is a beautiful stay with all the amenities made available! The hotel is mostly for accommodation as the outside is so beautiful and filled with activities and attractions for you to visit. The distance of the hotel is 27.7 km from the Golden Bridge. If you are on a romantic trip, this hotel is definitely for you, as it is perfect for a romantic getaway! As partners, you can enjoy yourselves in the pool apart from the beautiful scenery outside. Muong Thanh Luxury Song Han Hotel - This hotel is 24.6 km from the bridge and is one of the best regarding family stays. The hotel has all the services and amenities, especially with amazing staff services. Traveling as a family, this hotel will ensure all your and your family's requirements are met. Ba Na Hills Mountain Resort - The distance between the resort and the Golden Bridge is 25 km with an altitude of 1487 m! It is one of the favorites based on the guests' ratings and reviews. Apart from having exotic theme parks, the resort offers many recreational activities! Start Packing… Have you started packing yet? Now that we have discussed all about Golden Hand Bridge, Vietnam, you have to visit once in a lifetime. Attractions like these worldwide urge us to see them and create memories of a lifetime. As humans, we are supposed to enjoy the beautiful scenic views worldwide. Even artificial ideas, along with the beauty of nature, confirm our growth and survival. Golden Hand Bridge is worth visiting, along with facilitating accommodations and other attractions. Comment below to tell me why you want to visit Golden Hand Bridge, or have you already checked it off the bucket list? Read Also: These Are The Closest Beaches To Ohio That You Need To Go For A Dreamy Vacation! These Are The 30+ Things To Do In Mexico City That You Must Try!

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Kootenay National Park Or The Land Of Ice And Fire (Experiencing Nature’s Game Of Contrasts)

BY  Sibashree Sep 12, 2024

No, it’s not the battle of the Starks, Lannisters, and other houses of Westeros. In Canada lies Kootenay National Park, the actual land of ice and fire. The glacier-made canyons and valleys sing the song of the ice, while the hot springs and grasslands keep the “fire” element alive here.  Also, the national park is a hub of ancient fossils, encouraging walks through the fossil trails. Moreover, you can take a scenic drive through the park, rich in Indigenous culture, history, architecture, and cultural landscape.   So, do you want a virtual tour of this Canadian national park? THIS is where your journey begins! THESE Are The Things You Will Do At Kootenay National Park With no cell service available in Kootenay National Park, you can get lost in the wilderness and explore the most fascinating landscape. However, being respectful to the wildlife is a must for this national park. This August, I came across disturbing news while doing my research on Kootenay National Park.  I have been in touch with a local from Radium Hot Springs for quite some time now. He told me that a grizzly bear coming out of Kootenay National Park was almost struck by an SUV on 19th August 2024.  This incident occurred on a busy highway in southeastern British Columbia, and fortunately, the Kia Sportage SUV made its way to the other side safely. Further, it was a lesson on why following the safety guidelines is crucial while driving in and around the Kootenay National Park. On the major routes of Kootenay National Park, you will have to maintain a maximum speed of 56 mph.However, on the minor routes, the highest driving speed limit will be 37 mph.  Also, around one month before the incident, on 24th July 2024, there was a minor fire in the  Sinclair Canyon slopes (near Radium Hot Springs) of the national park. It was called the Berland Ridge wildfire. This fire was under control thanks to a helicopter bucketing water on it. However, outside the park’s southern boundary, there was a blazing fire that was brought under control after pain-stricken efforts.  So, these incidents show how mindful and cautious you need to be while taking part in the following activities.  Hiking In Kootenay National Park (Hikers’ Favorite Trails) The hiking trails in Kootenay National Park are full of elevation gains and losses. Also, today, the national park has more than 70 hiking trails at easy, moderate, and difficult levels.  However, I have curated a few hiking trails in the table below. After interacting with a couple of hikers, I found out that these are the ones most preferred. Name of the Trail Difficulty LevelDistanceLocationHighlightsMarble CanyonEasy1.4 Km with 42 M Elevation Gain Located near Lake Louise, AlbertaHiking, snowshoeing, and running are the favorite activities here.It is a pet-friendly and kid-friendly trail. It is a year-long hiking trail. Stanley Glacier Trail Difficult 10.9 Km with 607 M Elevation Gain Located near Lake Louise, AlbertaSnowshoeing, camping, and hiking are popular activities on this trail.You can take your dog as a company.June to September is the best time to hike this trail. Sinclair Canyon via Juniper Trail Moderate5.8 Km with 291 M Elevation GainIt is close to Radium Hot Springs in British Columbia.You will have to hike through a beautiful cedar fir forest on this trail.The view of verdant Sinclair Canyon Falls and the Columbia Valley from this trail is breathtaking.Marble Canyon to Paint PotsModerate2.9 Km with 110 M Elevation GainRadium Hot Springs (Marble Canyon Parking Lot  - 89 km east of Radium Hot Springs, Paint Pots - 86 Km east of Radium Hot Springs).Explore a good mix of mature and burnt forest throughout the trail.Behold the Vermillion River running parallel to the trail. Floe LakeDifficult10.5 Km with 1,110 M Elevation Gain Near Radium Hot Springs (72 Km East)Backpacking and camping are popular activities on this trail. The trail leads to the Floe Lake Backcountry campground. This popular meadowy trail is known for its views of peaks, glaciers, and the beautiful Floe Lake. Numa CreeksModerate 6.3 Km with 385 M Elevation GainThe trailhead is near the Numa Falls, which is 80 Km east of the Radium Hot Springs. It is a forested trail.The trail leads to heavy avalanche paths in the park.  The hikers’ words about the trails in this national park are quite encouraging. Let’s find out what they are saying about the mesmerizing hiking trails.  “This is a beautiful, deep canyon hike. The trail crosses the canyon multiple times to view the ferocious Kootenay river below. Hiking boots aren't necessary since it is a well-traveled trail.” - Deborah Turcotte on the Marble Canyon Trail  “The trail was mostly dry and in very good condition. No snow on the trail, just a few short wet spots. Trek up is mostly sheltered but a bit chilly and windy in the bowl so bring layers as the temp changes quickly when the sun is behind clouds. Still lots of snow in the bowl. Found one rock with fossils. There are a few small waterfalls on Stanley Peak. Lots of boulders at the base of the bowl to sit and enjoy a lunch and 360 views. An easy to moderate 3-4 hour hike with nice views of Stanley Peak, Storm Mtn, and the Kootenay Valley.” - Sue W on the Stanley Glacier Trail  Kootenay National Park Camping  Kootenay National Park is a wonderful place for frontcountry and backcountry camping. You can even live in oTENTiks and spend some unforgettable days in the park under the sky.  Frontcountry Camping You can camp near the Vermillion, Kootenay, and Simpson rivers. Also, you can find some quiet spots near Radium Hot Springs village.  Summer is the best season for front-country camping in the national park. However, the sites remain crowded. So, you must go for a prior booking.  Further, the daytime temperature in the national park remains between 16-23 degrees centigrade. Still, the temperature at night can drop below 0 degrees centigrade. So, abiding by the camping rules is crucial, and especially, be particular about the things you will have to carry. Moreover, like camping in any national park, here also you have to ensure that you don’t leave any trace behind as you leave the site.  Backcountry Camping Backcountry camping and backpacking are the best ways to explore the wilderness of this Canadian national park. However, you must make a prior booking and carry a backcountry permit if you want to spend some days and nights amidst grizzly bears, black bears, wolves, elks, and cougars.  Further, there are six backcountry camping grounds in the park, five of which are located along the  Rockwall Trail. The  Verdant Creek Trail has the sixth camping ground.  Random camping is not allowed during summer, as protecting the landscape and vegetation is crucial. This restriction applies from May to October.  However, in the winter months, you can do random camping in the designated areas. You will still need a permit for this. As I have mentioned, the Rockwall trail is the most prominent place for backcountry camping in the park. This site is also popular for the presence of various multi-day hiking trails. These trails are: Honeymoon Pass and Verdant Creek Tumbling - Floe The Rockwall  Tumbling - Helmet - Ochre Loop Numa Creek Helmet Creek and Falls Tumbling Creek Helmet - Ochre Junction In the popular backcountry camping areas, the trails are maintained quite well. Further, there will be amenities like food storage cables, food lockers, picnic tables, and tent pads.  Living in oTENTik An oTENTik is a modern fusion of a cabin and a tent. In the park, you will find the oTENTik site on the Redstreak campground’s A loop.  If you stay in an oTENTik, you will wake up amidst nature, and taking a bath at the hot springs will be the most rejuvenating experience. Then, you can explore the nearby hiking trails and gorge on traditional meals cooked in the campfire.  Relaxing At Radium Hot Springs  Beneath the colorful Sinclair Canyon mountains lie the most refreshing hot springs. Further, the mineral-rich water of the hot springs does not have any odor, and you can take a bath with your entire family.  To reach the Radium Hot Springs, you must drive from Banff and Lake Louise for around 1.5 hours. Further, the journey is as interesting as the destination, as you will get to small turquoise lakes, falls, canyons, and bridges over rivers as you drive through the Kootenay National Park. Also, don’t forget to stop at the following locations to make the most of your journey. Continental Divide (The line diving the Pacific and Atlantic watersheds) Marble Canyon Hike Paint Pots Trail Numa Falls Kootenay Valley Viewpoint (It is the place to get the most beautiful view of Vermilion and Mitchell Ranges.)  Olive Lake Trail and Day-Use Area However, the highlight of the journey, of course, is the Sinclair Canyon, where you will also find big horn sheep roaming. As you hike through the Juniper / Sinclair trail, you will get a “bird’s eye view” of Sinclair Canyon.  Further, as you enter the Radium Hot Springs village, you will see an iconic steel horn sculpture. The “Bighorns Public Art Sculpture” was officially unveiled on 7th April 2021. Moreover, Clara Reinhardt, the mayor of Radium in 2021, said,  “We chose something that implies a sense of arrival to Radium, the Columbia Valley, and beyond. We captured the undeniable natural beauty of the curved horns through a Fibonacci spiral—the golden ratio in nature and art.” “We wanted to create a piece of art that speaks to both the history and the future of bighorn sheep in Radium. We captured the undeniable natural beauty of the curved horns through a Fibonacci spiral—the golden ratio in nature and art.” - Adam Meikle (Artist of the Bighorns Public Art Sculpture) Burgess Shale Fossil Hike  The Burgess Shale Fossil Hike in the national park will give you access to Mount Stephen and Walcott Quarry. These are UNESCO Restricted Sites. Further, you will get to see some of the oldest fossils in the world here.  However, in total, you have three routes to explore in the Burgess Shale Fossil Hike. Let’s discuss them in detail.  Walcott Quarry Starting Point: Takakkaw Falls Difficulty Level: Difficult  Elevation Gain: 825 Meters Duration: 11 Hours Return Distance: 22 Kms Walcott Quarry is a classic example of a fossil hike. Also, the top view of the Emerald Lake from here is amazing. Further, you will find Burgess Shale creatures here, which were found in fossilized conditions at the mountaintop in the Yoho National Park.  “The Burgess Shale organisms lived 508 million years ago in a time period that Geologists call the Cambrian, which began at 541 Ma (million years ago) and ended by 485.4 Ma. The first fossil occurence of most animal lineages (at the phylum and class levels) occur in the Cambrian. As a result of this fact, and because the fossils are well preserved, Paleontologists studying the Burgess Shale fossils can deduce a great deal about the ancestory of animal lineages.” The Burgess Shale fossils were discovered at the Walcott Quarry site in 1909 by Charles Doolittle Walcott. 1 Mount Stephen Difficulty Level: Difficult  Elevation Gain: 795 Meters Duration: 7.5 Hours Return Distance: 9 Kms As you hike through the Mount Stephen trilobite beds, you will get to overlook the “town of Field” in British Columbia. Railway workers in the 1880s used to call the town of Field the space of “stone bugs.”  Further, during this trek, you will see trilobite fossils (now extinct and one of the earliest marine arthropods), and the view of the Kicking Horse River from the trail is amazing.  Stanley Glacier Difficulty: Moderate Return Distance: 10 km Elevation Gain: 385 m Duration: 7.5 hours You will start hiking the Stanley Glacier in a fire-swept forest. The forest has lodgepole pine and wildflowers. Further, along your route, you will get to see a turquoise river, waterfalls, and the best view of the Stanley Glacier. Moreover, you will get to see the fossils of hyolithids, sponges, trilobites, and sponges here, and they are from the Eldon Formation.  Cambroraster, an ancient arthropod, and many other species are found in the quarry near the Stanley Glacier. Further, the shell of a Cambroraster looks like the Millennium Falcon spaceship in its shape. Important Kootenay National Park Data At A Glance  Before you start for the Kootenay National Park, don’t forget to have a look at the stats. Location: British Columbia, Canada Established: 21st April, 1920 Area: 1,406 km² Highest Landscape: Deltaform Mountain (3,102 m) Designation: UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984 (As Part of the “Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks ) Visitor Center: Kootenay National Park Visitor Centre (7556 Main Street East; Radium Hot Springs, B.C.) How to Reach: Via Highway 1 from Banff, AB or Calgary, AB/Via Highway 95 at Radium Hot Springs, BC Also Read Why Include Whale Watching In Your LA Itinerary. Traveling On A Budget: Tips For Affordable Adventures. From Cocktails To Kickflips: Must-Try Activities In San Diego.

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Useful Tips for Planning a Trip: The 6th One Is Really Amazing

BY  Abdul Aziz Aug 8, 2019

Planning a trip is not only overwhelming but sometimes it might be time-consuming as well. It is always much harder to plan a trip, especially when traveling overseas and with some family members or even your kids gave all the things that you may have to put into consideration. Nonetheless, planning a trip is therefore very essential if you wish to travel. The plan you make for your trip will guide you appropriately on what to do where and how. You will be able to put almost everything that you will do while on the trip into consideration.  Therefore, planning a trip will help you to estimate the total cost of your vacation. One thing you need to understand is that different trips come with different plans. If you are planning to go on vacation with your family, you will require a different strategy compared to the person who is traveling to attend to his or her business duties. One thing that is clear is that whatever the purpose of the trip, you will need to plan to help you sort out everything properly. If you are planning to go on a trip but are stuck at the crossroads with regards to what to do, then a plan will be essential. The tips below should be able to guide you effectively when planning a trip to whatever destination and for whatever purpose. It is good to follow them if you are looking for a memorable trip experience. 10 Useful Tips for Planning a Trip: Do You Know These? The tips for planning a trip are exhaustive. So, let’s get into the thick of it directly. 1. Select the Right Destination for Your Trip: The first thing you may need to do when planning a trip will be to select a destination for your trip. You will have to ensure that the destination you choose will not only meet your preferences but also be friendly to your budget. Another important thing you have to consider will be the duration of your trip. The length of your journey will help you to choose where to visit. If you have about four weeks or more, then you will be able to travel overseas for your trip. If you have little time, a domestic trip will be reasonable. However, you will have to ensure that the destination that you choose for your trip will offer you an opportunity to enjoy and have fun to the fullest. It will not be a good idea for you to plan a trip to a place where you will not be able to enjoy and have fun. That will be a total wastage of your time and other valuable resources. If you are convinced that your travel destination is right for you, you will now have to consider your travel companions. Will you be traveling alone, with your family (including your children) or with your colleagues? You need to put into consideration the aspect of diverse interest. Consequently, if you are bringing some people along with you on your trip, you should also consider their tests and preferences. It is a crucial element to consider when planning a trip. It might be essential for you to sit down with them and discuss their travel preferences and later on agree on a common destination. Lastly, you may have to choose a destination that will allow you to fully enjoy and even remember your trip for days to come. 2. Plan for Your Flight: Immediately after choosing the destination, the next thing you have to do is a plan for your flight. It is essential for you to try and explore the number of options with regards to the available flights and select the cheaper one. Choosing a cheaper flight when planning a trip will help you to reduce your budget when significantly. If you choose to travel with your family, it is advisable to pick a flight that will get you to your destination within the shortest time possible. You also have to ensure the flight offers you and your family maximum comfort. If you are traveling for the first time, then it will be essential for you to go for premium direct flights. This decision will help you to avoid long hours that come with connecting flights. If you are unable to find a cheaper flight, then you can try out some online sites that offer useful information regarding flights. The information will help you to get a cheaper flight that will save you costs in the long run. 3. Book Your Accommodation: It is advisable to choose a suitable accommodation for yourself when planning a trip. However, you need to be so keen not to overspend on accommodation while on your trip. Go for the most affordable accommodation options. Choosing affordable accommodation options will help you to save some money for other activities while on your trip. The length of your trip will also be a significant aspect when planning for your accommodation. If you intend to stay for a shorter period, then you can reward yourself a fantastic moment in prestigious accommodation centers. If you want to stay for a more extended period, then it will only be right that you settle for cheaper accommodation options. If you wish to travel to a country that you are not familiar with, you need to go online and explore some of the cheaper accommodation options available. However, don’t compromise your comfort by choosing the cheapest hotels. Usually, online sites will provide you with a broad range of accommodation options from the most expensive to cheaper options. You can also get privately owned accommodation centers being the best options. 4. Planning for Transportation: After choosing your destination, you need to plan on how you will have fun in different areas. This factor implies that you may have to move around. Therefore, it is vital to start making arrangements on how you will be able to move around your travel destination when planning a trip to ensure that you don’t get stranded at some points. Try and research on the existing travel options in your travel destination and see which one fits you best. You can either choose to use taxis or opt for commuter buses. You will have to be a bit vigilant in some destinations when planning a trip due to insecurity or even avoiding getting conned. Try to avoid rental car companies from the airport since some of them might charge you highly hence reducing your budget. However, there could be some other car rental companies that charge reasonably well. The only problem will be that you may not be able to get them due to the higher demand they face. If you intend to make use of such transportation options, then you need to make an earlier booking. If you manage to catch a vehicle from the company, it will help you to save money and other resources. This is because the vehicles will transport you to and from your destination without making stopovers that tend to waste time. 5. Things to See and Do on the Vacation: It is very much essential for you to determine the place you will have to visit without failure when planning a trip, and possibly the kind of things to do in those places. Also, look around and see if there are other fun things you can do free of charge. If you choose to travel at a peak season, you will be able to catch up with more fun, and more people who are having fun as well. Through having fun, you may find yourself creating new friends in the process. However, traveling during the peak season may force you to make prior bookings to accommodation centers and tourist’s sites. This earlier booking is advisable since there may be many people visiting the sites as well hence making the accommodation options scarce. The research will be fundamental when planning a trip, and more particularly on the kind of things, you will intend to do while on your journey. Some countries offer online booking options to zoos and theme parks. You should make use of these options to avoid last-minute rushes while planning a trip. If you are not so sure of the kind of activities to engage in when planning a trip, you may have to enquire for a guide. The guide will take you through all the events in your selected tour destination, though at a smaller fee. You can also go online and try to research your selected tourist destination. The research will help you to see if there are some things you will need to give priority to while on your trip. The only thing you need to look for will be an exceptional experience in whatever activity you will choose to engage. Ensure the activities present you with an opportunity of enjoying optimally. 6. Places To Drink and Eat While on the Trip: Some travel destinations are famous because of the drinks and foods they offer. If you are a big fan of beverages and foods, then you need to consider such destinations. If you are a fan of testing new things, probably new cafes and drinks, these destinations should have your priority any time you will be planning a trip. If you are traveling with family, it will be vital for you to consider destinations that provide excellent eating places. If you visit these excellent places then you will have an opportunity to sit with your family and enjoy excellent delicious meals. The good thing about such travel destinations is that they come with multiple locations where you will be able to enjoy meals. If you are concerned about budgets, you should find a place where you will be able to enjoy a meal and a drink at relatively lower prices. You need to do a lot of research when planning a trip while on a budget. 7. Check Your Passport: It will just be unreasonable for you to carry on with your trip plans overseas without a visa. If you don’t have a passport, you will need to give yourself enough time to apply for one before eventually carrying on with your trip plans. You have to acquire a passport first before eventually carrying on with the booking of your accommodation and even getting your flight tickets. You also need to check the expiry date of your passport. If the expiry date of your passport is after six months, then you have to fit your travel and vacation plans within the same period.  Some countries or travel destinations will even require you to have a passport with the validity of six months beyond your vocational stay. 8. Understand the Visa Requirements for Your Preferred Destination: You will need to know and understand the visa requirements of your travel destination before eventually setting sail. You also need to know how exactly you will be able to get a specific visa when you need it. Usually, when it comes to visas, different countries provide different rules for nationalities. Therefore, it is essential you to carefully study the kind of rules and regulations that pertains to the Visa of the country you intend to travel to before eventually acquiring one. If you manage to access the rules and regulations regarding the visa, you will have to move with speed and acquire a permit. This speed will help you to avoid the last-minute rushes which might in some cases, end up delaying you. If you are not so sure about overseas travel and what such visas entail, you can gather some information on the same from online sites. 9. Plan To Get Immunized if You Will be Going Oversees: Some travel destinations may cause a risk to your health. Therefore, it is vital for you to ensure you get the necessary immunization before proceeding to visit your preferred travel destination. Most countries give priority to health, and you may even find yourself unable to travel due to the lack of vaccination documents. To stay on the right side of things, ensure you talk to a doctor about the right travel vaccines for you and have yourself vaccinated before eventually traveling. 10. Prepare Copies of Essential Travel Documents: It is a normal thing for people to misplace copies of essential papers when planning a trip. Some companies may even lose your booking reservation. If not so, you could also find yourself encountering a communication breakdown with your company. This breakdown could be due to the amount of money paid and the expected service or possibly many other things. With all these possibilities in mind, it is vital for you to ensure you keep copies of all the essential documents. These documents include passports, visas, flight tickets, and other necessary and relevant records. The copies will help you to confirm your details in case of any misunderstanding. Practical Tips For Writing A Trip Itinerary  Now, let’s focus on the more crucial part of planning a trip. Once you have ticked all the ten points on your checklist, you must draft an itinerary. If you have a travel management company onboard, it will set everything for you. However, if it’s a self-guided tour, you have to create a draft of the stops, time, attractions, and many other things. A good itinerary plan is detailed, with proper time and budget allocations.  Let me share a travel itinerary template with you. Travel ItineraryPurpose: Friends’ ReunionDestination:Travel Start Date:Travel End Date: Departure Flight Details DateTime Of DepartureAirport NameGate NumberArrival TimeAirport NameCar Rental from the AirportDateTime of Pickup from the AirportCar NumberContact Number of the DriverArrival Destination (Hotel) and TimeAccommodation Name and AddressContact PersonRoom NumberBreakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Options and TimingCheck-in and Check-out DateDay 1 to 5Destinations to VisitTime of Trip StartActivities throughout the DayLunch and Refreshment DetailsThings to CarrySafety Instructions (if any)Departure Flight DetailsDateTime Of DepartureAirport NameGate NumberArrival TimeAirport Name If you are uncomfortable making an Itinerary, you can check out the templates available online. However, when organizing solo, family, and friends trips, you will be more aware of your preferences. So, there will be a lot of customization.  In fact, you can use travel guide apps to plan trips to a different country and have a workable itinerary.  These tips for planning a trip should be a perfect guide for you. Whether you will be traveling with your family or alone, these tips will give you the right guidance. Bon voyage!  Conclusion: If you are planning a trip, then the tips mentioned above should act as a perfect guide for you to ensure that you end up with a journey that you will love. Whether you will be traveling with your family or alone, these tips will give you the right guidance. Read Also: Top 10 Best Travel Apps To Use In 2019 6 Expert Packing Tips That Will Make Your Trips More Fun Top Places To Visit In Italy On Your Next Travel Escapade 7 Key Points Remember While Planning Your Honeymoon Trip