If you want to travel in style (especially if you’re not quite making the Forbes Richest 100 list yet), getting the low down on a destination before you arrive is imperative.
When you have done your research, it is easier to travel with confidence, to have a fair idea of how far your money can take you and to decide what it is you want to spend your money on (I personally am a big fan of scrimping on some aspects of travel so that I can splurge on others).
Last Carriage provides some excellent ideas on Researching your Destination before you go.
To Last Carriage’s suggestions, may I add the following online ports of call for stylish travel preparations:
Gridskipper
Lonely Planet Thorntree Forum
The Cool Hunter
Checking out these sites supplements the tried and true favourite of…
Asking people who have been there!
Nothing beats first hand experience and asking friends for the low-down can be a great way to avoid hidden scams and find out what isn’t necessarily worth the money & what is.
The positive here is that everyone loves to talk about their travels and most people will be more than keen to share their experiences (as well as show you way too many photos).
The downside is that everyone is different and what is trash to some is treasure to others. Consider the personalities, likes & dislikes of the people you are asking (and if possible ask people with similar values & interests to yourself) and take everything you hear with a grain of salt.
Now back to our original question is… How do you prepare for a trip?
