Getting the logistics right.
You’ve got your ideas for a basic itinerary so it’s time to have those guidebooks on hand that suit your itinerary best. Guidebooks I think are a total pleasure for independent budget-minded travelers, packed as they are with information. I’m a Lonely Planet gal since I’m so used to their layout and style but there are many good ones. You can always let the Amazon reviewers help you choose.
Now, how will you make that itinerary happen? How will you get from here to there? In some places you simply can not drive. For example in China or India, forget it. Not happening. And cars are not particularly useful in big cities like London or Tokyo. However touring around some places, like New Zealand or back and forth across the Pyrenees, it’s best to drive. So first you have to figure out if where you’re going it’s possible to drive, if it’s better to drive, and then if you even want to drive.
If the decision comes down in favor of driving, even if you have gps, you’ll want to buy a current book of road maps and know your routes very very well before heading out each morning. You might be heading to place C but the sign will point to place B on the way to C. You know what I mean.
With few exceptions getting around without a car is perfectly possible and as a bonus, generally less expensive. Since you’re mostly on your own this is a good time to re-emphasize the importance of packing light. Just Carry On! You can do it! Coming up soon you’ll see the chapter here for Schlepping Your Stuff.
It’s especially good to know your major transport needs as you might find benefit in adjusting your itinerary. Get the options from your guidebook. Again, Lonely Planet is pretty good with their ‘Getting there and away’ section, but not infallible by any means, so double check everything when you get there. You know that train you were counting on…they’ve cancelled its weekend run…
A couple other entertaining resources for transportation are the train guy and the airport guy. These guys are encyclopedic. And of course Ms Google is happy to help.
Sometimes it’s cheaper to fly a long haul, but the train would be more scenic, but the train takes all day, but, but. Now it’s time to Ask TripAdvisor. The TripAdvisor Forum is an amazing resource for all details about transport and plenty more. Be sure to search the site first, read questions and replies, the FAQ, so you can learn the best way to ask, to get the answers you seek. Like all these online communities, there is an etiquette which you ignore at your peril.
Directory of TIPS!
My two best suggestions.
Deciding where you want to go.
Planning your itinerary.
Getting the logistics right.
Where to stay.
Know before you go!
Schlepping your stuff.
Some good ideas that aren’t for me but might be for you.