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Booking Solo

Updated: May 31, 2024




Now that we have decided where we are going and when we are going or at least got our top 3 options, we can focus on the HOWs, this is the major research and booking process phase.

How long are you travelling for?

On average most people get around 2 weeks of annual leave, so every single day has to be maximized. Keep in mind, depending on where you live in the world, some places may take an entire day or two to reach if you factor in time zones, have layovers or multiple modes of transport. Worst case if it takes two days there and two days back and you only have 14 days of leave, this gives you a full 10 days to see a place. MAXIMIZE IT!

If you are travelling for a few months or indefinitely, or you quit your job for a once in a lifetime experience… This is it. Relax, the best is yet to come!

Step 1: Research

Open your Google maps and look at the country you are going to – sometimes we don’t realize the vastness of other countries and we assume everything is close together.

Research things you want to see & do then check if its in the same city / area or would you need to book local flights / buses / train / boat to get around.

Me:

I try to research the hell out of a place but I don’t like to over plan. So I draw up a wish list of the things I’d like to experience, but sometimes the journey takes me down the rabbit hole and I don’t get to any of it.

I LOVE THE RABBIT HOLE !



Step 2: Booking your international flights

My tactic for the solo booker:

My go-to site to scout for cheap flights is Skyscanner and Travelstart but there are many that you can cross check eg. Cheap Flights, Expedia, Kayak, Kiwi, Orbitz etc.

We are now scouting for the best deal, we want to know what it will cost, how long the flights are and how long the layovers are.

Skyscanner gives you the option of Fastest flight vs Cheapest flight

Fastest flight is the quickest way to get to your destination, either a direct flight or one with a short layover

Cheapest flight is the most affordable way to get to your destination but will likely take longer.

Side note:

What I like about Skyscanner is that it scans Airlines as well as Online Travel Agencies (OTA). Sometimes OTA fares are much cheaper than the airline and this is the only reason I book through them. But in the past I’ve had trouble reaching them when trying to make changes because the Customer Care number is difficult to reach when abroad.

If the Airline is offering the best deal I prefer to book directly through them without the OTA acting as a middleman.

NB: always double-check your dates before paying!

Happy?

BOOK IT!

And savour the high that comes with your flight confirmation email!




Step 3: Booking your accommodation

My go to site is Booking.com – its safe and reliable and I always check review score / customer reviews. If my flight lands at an ungodly hour I always select an option that has a 24-hour front desk. That said, always check the date and time of your arrival before booking accommodation.

Booking.com has a Map view tab where you can see landmarks and distance from attractions use this to select a great location for your stay.

Other booking options include Trivago, Tripadvisor / Agoda, Airbnb etc.

Airbnb has some great options but you’d often need a local SIM card to contact your host upon arrival but besides that you generally don’t need a local SIM wherever you go as most accommodations offer free Wifi.


Stay types include:

Hotels

Hostels / backpackers

Homestays

Guesthouses

Resorts

Villas etc.


AGAIN: always double-check your dates before paying!

Happy?

BOOK IT?

And that’s your major travel expenses, SORTED!




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