Research is the most important part of planning before the trip, followed by booking flights and accommodation. Make a checklist, ask someone to water the plants and take care of the pet. Organize everything so you can leave worry-free!
Obviously, you will travel when you can be away from work and other commitments, but you should also consider the cheaper travel seasons, which are before and after the summer (January to April and October to December). The summer months (June to September) are the most expensive. Decide when to travel based on the weather, events on the island, and special travel deals. Keep in mind that during the low season, the places to visit may have more limited opening hours.
If you’re planning to rent a car, research the best options and consider companies that offer free insurance, unlimited mileage, or free child car seats. Car rental companies often have many hidden costs.
Check that your passport is valid for at least three months from your return date. Make sure you have the necessary visa to enter Europe. It is recommended to apply for a visa at least 6 weeks before your trip.
Consult your bank about an international credit card, where you can use it, and how. Inquire about any hidden fees for using your credit card outside your country and keep the contact number in case of loss or theft of your card. Get travel insurance and decide if you want just health coverage or coverage for lost luggage and trip cancellation. Your credit card company or health insurance provider may offer travel insurance.
If you plan to drive, make sure you have an international driving permit.
Organize the medications you use regularly to take with you on your trip.
Booking flights is an art nowadays. There are several travel websites that perform in-depth searches to find the ideal time to buy and the cheapest times and days to fly. Check out the many budget airlines and see if flying with a layover could be cheaper. Plan your transportation from the airport to your accommodation.
After working on your budget, you will have a general idea of the type of accommodation you should look for. Accommodation and flights are the two things you should book in advance.
When selecting accommodation, consider your budget, personal preferences, any specific needs you might have (breakfast included, wheelchair access, family room, etc.), and most importantly, consider the location. Location, location, location! Find out how to get to your accommodation from the airport. Check the cancellation and payment policies.
At this stage, you have chosen accommodation that you like, is within your budget, and provides everything you need. The next step is to pay and print your accommodation voucher. Contact the accommodation to arrange any special extras and ask any questions. Keep the email responses. Some travelers prefer to book a hotel only for the first and last night of their trip and find other accommodations once they arrive. This is for the brave at heart and the super spontaneous.
Make your trip even more special by including a unique activity, experience, or day tour. Local food tastings, boat tours, jeep rides, stand-up paddleboarding, and many others are available. These types of activities usually need to be booked in advance, but don’t book specific activities before you’ve secured your flight.
Get a durable suitcase; check with your airline for the allowed dimensions for carry-on luggage. Start making a list, and whenever you remember things to bring, jot them down to check when packing.
A quantidade de tempo que gasta na sua viagem e as coisas que faz e os lugares onde fica será em grande parte determinado pelo seu orçamento. Decida mais ou menos quanto pode pagar antes de pesquisar alojamentos e bilhetes de avião! Pesquise onde as taxas de câmbio são melhores, converta o seu dinheiro de viagem em euros.
Research the local delicacies, the best restaurants, and the must-visit dining spots.
Map out your basic itinerary, leaving some flexibility, and then start filling in the blanks to see if you can fit everything you want to see and do on specific days. Start with the top 10 attractions, and after adding those essentials to your travel plan, add a few attractions that personally interest you. If you have enough time, plan a one- or two-day trip to another island. For each attraction, check when it’s open and if availability is confirmed. There’s nothing worse than arriving at a museum only to find out it’s closed! Have a basic plan, but stay flexible. To truly experience São Jorge, include both urban and rural activities in your itinerary.
Nowadays, travel can be enhanced with a few simple gadgets. There are endless apps you can download to make your trip easier, for example, use Exploreterceira as your guide and utilize online resources to create your own travel plan; download a currency converter, metric converter, translation apps, and map apps. Organize your smartphone plan so you can use your phone at minimal cost, check if you can access the Internet from your phone and if the charger is compatible with the European system. Save your airline and accommodation phone numbers in your contacts. If you prefer taking photos with a camera instead of your phone, remember to bring the charger and batteries. Equip yourself with a good pair of headphones and enough music to listen to during your adventure in São Jorge.
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