Last month, I shared with you how to tackle airfare, which is the most expensive item in most itineraries. In my case, Vietnam and Thailand are really affordable—flights accounted for 80% of the final trip cost. With my visa, immunizations and plane tickets in tow, I could then figure out the rest. In fact, because my destination was so affordable and the US dollar went a long way, I had a new challenge: how to spend wisely so I got the most out of the trip.
Here’s some lessons on planning an itinerary so you’re satisfied at the end:
• Stick to what matters to you. Narrow down your general idea of the trip—from “outdoorsy,” “urban,” or “eco-friendly,” to specifics. In my case, I narrowed my goal from “cultural” to “see everyday life unfold.” That made me cross off luxury hotels and nightclubs, which are devoted to foreigners. Instead, I dove into the throng of locals at nighttime food festivals. Instead of spending time on souvenirs, I snapped pictures of motorbikes laden with ice delivering their melting goods to each shopkeeper throughout a day.
• Read up. Research and assign price tags to those desired experiences. For example, say you want to experience the local nature parks and wildlife. Your options may range from a luxury eco-lodge high in the treetops to hiking outdoors and sleeping under the stars. Only with price tags can you start making consistent choices about what to see, where to sleep and even what to eat.
• Last but not least, learn “thank you.” Because English is not widely spoken, most of my interactions were with locals in the tourist industry. A sincere “thank you” in Vietnamese or Thai made me more likable. As a result, I got better explanations, directions and insights. Very useful when you’re navigating the three different levels of Bangkok’s skytrain.
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