Travel Questions I Get Asked the Most

I’m not a travel expert, but my passion is evident. Based on the places I have visited and from my experience, I think I know how to travel wisely and affordably. I often discuss travel with friends and family. I am at a point now where frequent in-person conversations include, “So, where is your next trip?” or some variation of a travel-related question. As these conversations progress, I am usually asked about my experiences on my travels, thoughts on where to go, and advice on how to do it. Of the numerous questions I am asked relating to my travels, here are the most common ones:

Do You Like Travelling by Yourself?

Travelling somewhere far from home and doing it yourself can be daunting for some. When you are on your own, everything is up to you. There are no other opinions, recommendations, or experiences. Travelling with another person can be beneficial, and the rewards of shared life experiences are significant. Travelling alone provides a different experience and a unique sense of satisfaction. It’s still meaningful, but taking everything from the thought into the planning stage, into execution, is a sense of individual accomplishment. Travelling alone is one of life’s most extraordinary adventures as you leave everything behind briefly, go out into a place you don’t know, and experience other areas of our planet.

Travelling by myself is very fulfilling. However, I admit that some of those most meaningful moments that come from travel, the unplanned and unexpected highlights, could be even better with someone with me. From my experience, solo travel is vastly different than travelling with another. The memories I return with will be reflected differently as time passes and I think back and reminisce.

Sometimes, solo travel is more convenient based on scheduling when I only have to accommodate my schedule and availability. Solo travel is different, but I still enjoy it very much.

What Is Your Favorite Country You Have Been To?

I posted earlier this year about the most photogenic places I’ve visited. Topping that list was Iceland, as the landscapes are breathtaking. I have never experienced anything like Iceland in terms of jaw-dropping natural sights. But to take the overall satisfaction of a country I’ve visited, I would consider Italy my favourite. There are plenty of other countries I have never been to, but currently, based on my experience, Italy includes high marks from many aspects that make a memorable travel experience.

First, let’s start with the obvious: the history and architecture. Italy’s rich history and stunning architecture are central to its allure as one of the world’s top travel destinations. Even if you know nothing of Italy, you can probably recognize the Colosseum, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, or the canals of Venice. But along with world-renowned landmarks, Italy has an incredible art history. The most well-known and influential is the Italian Renaissance, from artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo and his David, recognized as one of Florence’s most treasured works. Italy is magnificent. Moving on from the historic works of art and monuments, you can find incredible and beautiful views in Lake Como and beyond.

I have always been impressed by the pride reflected in how Italians present their culture, food and drink, and themselves. The food from the various restaurants we have dined at has always been excellent, and the wine is delicious and affordable. Everyone has been friendly, and the language is beautiful.

This has all been surrounded by mostly fantastic weather on my visits. I’ve been to numerous locations in Italy over several visits, and I think that, having more experience in Italy than any other country, I have accumulated the most memories, which likely contribute to my overall impression and satisfaction with the country.

Italy has become the most memorable country for me based on several attributes, and there is still much more to see.

How Do You Plan Everything?

When I plan a trip, I start as early as possible and chip away at it, which seems the easiest way for me. I find that if you work on something in small amounts over time, it will accumulate to something much bigger, more valuable, and satisfying, all without the need to dedicate hours to the task simultaneously, which can be challenging. Small amounts add up, and those small amounts keep me invested.

For planning, I usually start doing research online for places and landmarks I want to see and plotting them on a custom Google Map. All other information that doesn’t work on a map is added to a Google Doc. On the map, if I stumble upon great coffee shops and places to eat, I’ll add them. These points of interest can accumulate quickly, and for my organization and quick reference, I change the colour of the pin in Google Maps: one colour for landmarks, another for places to eat, etc.

After a general idea of what I will be doing, I look at flights in Google Flights for the cheapest time to fly, prioritizing direct flights, and focusing on what makes sense based on the time I have in my schedule to travel.

Once I finalize the flights, I will begin my search for accommodations. I usually end up with an Airbnb as they tend to be cheaper than a hotel, and sometimes the only option for accommodations based on where I plan to go. I use my map to focus on the proximity to the places I want to visit. As I will be walking most of the time there, I want to be sure that walking to and from my Airbnb doesn’t take much time. Having a convenient place to stay is incredibly important to me as I like to retreat to where I’m staying if I’m tired, need to go back if I forgot something, or want to drop something off that I don’t want to carry with me all day.

I consider other important elements of the trip. That includes checking to see if I need to buy train tickets for further travel, where the train stations are, how far the airport is from where I am staying, and if I need additional tickets for entrance to some landmarks. If so, should I buy them in advance to save on cost and hassle?

Furthermore, if I have not already, I follow some related Instagram accounts that focus on the area in question, as this can give me insight into the most popular spots, I may want to consider visiting, and when to do so.

After that, the foundation of my planning is complete, and at this time, I usually have weeks, if not months, before I travel. Over that time, I’ll add a few things, and if I find some other interesting or valuable information, I’ll add it to my map or the Google Doc of trip information.

Isn’t it Expensive?

Being expensive is relative, but the total cost can quickly increase if you don’t plan correctly. Booking flights when there are sales is critical to saving money. If they occur, deals on flights usually appear a few months before departure, which is beneficial as your travel time significantly affects your accommodation cost if you book well before arrival. I don’t think there is any definitive rule on getting the cheapest accommodation, but the further you book an Airbnb, the more you can generally save. Booking your stay as soon as possible is essential for more extended stays, as even a slight increase per night can add up if you are there for a week or more.

Travel costs always come down to what you want to do, and when I’m asked about this, I feel that there is an impression that I am splurging and doing everything possible when I’m away, or doing what they would do if they went to the same place. Some things can be costly, like concerts and events, and buying items to take back with you can add up. However, suppose you are travelling to see the city, walk around, take photos, and try some local offerings in food and beverages. In that case, it can be done reasonably without exceeding your budget. When I travel solo, that’s usually the intention. It’s not too difficult to keep the cost down when you are only looking out for yourself and only need to satisfy what you want to do.

As I noted above, booking your trip well before you depart is probably the most significant cost savings I experience when I travel.

Conclusion

Travelling has become a big part of my life, so much so that it is one of the main topics of discussion, It’s fun to be able to reflect on my travels, and I find it fulfilling to be able to share my advice and recommendations on places I have been or generally about travel itself. Whether solo or with others, travel is a deeply personal and rewarding pursuit that can be tailored to fit almost any budget or schedule with the right approach. Everyone experiences travel differently; what they get from it is highly personal. Travel can be affordable and enriching by planning, staying organized, and focusing on select experiences.