Useful Tips
Research is the most important part of pre-trip planning, followed by flight and accommodation reservations. Make a checklist, ask someone to water the plants and care for your pet. Leave everything organised so you can travel carefree!
Trip planning
Obviously, you will be travelling when you can stay away from work and other appointments, but you should also consider the cheapest travel seasons, which are the months preceding and following the summer (January to April and October to December). The most expensive months are the summer months (June to September). Plan your trip around the weather, special festivals or events on the island, and special travel deals. Please keep in mind that places to visit may have more limited opening hours during the low season.
If you plan to rent a car, look for the best deals and consider companies that provide free insurance, unlimited mileage, or free child car seats. Car rental companies tend to have a lot of hidden fees.
Make sure you have a passport that is valid for at least three months after your return date. Make sure you have the necessary visas to enter Europe. It is best to apply for a visa at least 6 weeks prior to your trip.
Consult your bank about an international credit card, including where and how you can use it. Inquire about any hidden fees associated with using your credit card outside of your home country, and keep the contact information handy in case your card is lost or stolen. Get travel insurance and decide whether you only want health coverage or lost luggage and cancelled flights. Travel insurance is available from your credit card company or health insurance provider.
If you plan to drive, make sure you have an international driver’s license.
Organize the medications you regularly use to take with you on your trip.
Flight booking is an art form these days. Several travel websites conduct extensive searches to determine the best time to buy and the cheapest time and day to fly. Examine the various low-cost airlines to see if flying on a stopover is less expensive. Plan your transportation from the airport to your accommodation.
Once you have worked out your budget, you will have a general idea of the type of accommodation you should be looking for. Accommodation and flights are the two things you must book in advance.
Consider your budget, personal preferences, any special requirements (breakfast included, wheelchair access, family room, etc.), and, most importantly, the location. Location, location, location! Find out how to get to the accommodation from the airport. Check the cancellation and payment policies.
At this stage you have already chosen accommodation that suits 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 your questions. Save your email responses. Some travellers prefer to book a hotel only for the first and last night of their trip and to find other accommodations as soon as they arrive. This is only for the brave at heart and the super spontaneous.
Make your trip even more special, by including a special activity, experience, or day trip. Wine tasting, boat tour, bicycle tour, stand up paddle or many other activities are available. This type of activity should generally be booked in advance, but do not book specific activities before booking your airline ticket.
Get strong luggage; check with your airline about the maximum dimensions for hand luggage. Start making a list, and as you recall items to bring, make a note to check when packing.
The amount of time you spend on your trip and the things you do and the places you stay will be largely determined by your budget. Figure out how much you can afford before searching for accommodation and airline tickets! Look for the best exchange rates and convert your travel money into euros.
Search for local delicacies, the best restaurants and the must-see restaurants.
Create a basic itinerary leaving room for maneuver, then start filling in the blanks to see if you can fit everything you want to see and do and on what days. Start with the top 10 attractions and after adding these essentials to your travel plan, add some attractions that personally interest you. If you have enough time, plan a day or two trip to another island. For each attraction check when it is open and if it has availability. Nothing is more frustrating than arriving at a museum only to discover that it is closed! Maintain a basic plan while remaining flexible. Include both city and rural activities in your itinerary to truly experience Pico.
Nowadays, travel can be enhanced with a few simple gadgets. There are endless applications that you can download to make your trip easier, for example, use the Explorefaial.com mobile app as your guide and use the online resources to create your own travel plan; download a currency conversion app, metric conversion app, translation app and map app. Organize your smartphone plan so that you can use your phone at minimal cost, check that you can access the Internet from your phone and that the phone charger is compatible with the European system. Record the phone numbers of your airline and accommodation in your contacts. If you prefer to take pictures with a camera instead of your cell phone, remember to take the charger and batteries. Equip yourself with a good pair of earphones and enough music to listen to during your adventure on Pico Island.