FmIT Travel provides information about one of my passions: traveling. Whether you're heading to developing countries like Cambodia or modern destinations like Dubai, good travel planning and the right luggage are the foundation for an exciting and relaxing vacation.
Key Questions
- Where and when do I want to go?
- How do I want to travel?
- What do I want to see/do?
- Where do I want to stay?
- How do I get around?
- What do I pack?
1. Where and When Do I Want to Go?
This is arguably the most important question. Of course, you could simply show up at the airport with a suitcase and grab a last-minute ticket to anywhere. However, it doesn't help much if you've packed for Thailand at 40°C and end up in New York at -15°C.
The questions "Where do I want to go?" and "When do I want to go?" are closely connected. Depending on the region, the climate can make your trip either wonderfully pleasant or wonderfully unbearable. The closer you travel toward the equator, the more you should consider the winter months (November to March) as your travel period.
2. How Do I Want to Travel?
Solo
Advantages:
- + Meet new people
- + Complete flexibility
- + Set your own schedule
Disadvantages:
- - All planning yourself
- - Safety concerns in some areas
Friends/Family
Advantages:
- + Share planning tasks
- + Trusted company
- + Safer in groups
Disadvantages:
- - Potential conflicts
- - Less flexible
Tour Group
Advantages:
- + Everything organized
- + See more in less time
- + Meet new people
Disadvantages:
- - Usually more expensive
- - Less authentic cultural contact
3. What Do I Want to See and Do?
To answer this question, it's time to plan your trip schedule. For each interesting city, you should allow 3 to 4 days (with two of those being arrival and departure days). For scenic countryside areas, adjust accordingly—more or less time depending on what there is to explore.
Tip: It's often cheaper to book excursions on-site rather than in advance. However, book early for popular attractions like the Burj Al Arab in Dubai.
4. Where Do I Want to Stay?
Whether you choose a hotel, hostel, or vacation rental, proximity to attractions is key. What looks like a short distance on a map can quickly turn into a major journey in cities like Bangkok, New York, or Miami.
Remember: A 5-star rating in one country doesn't necessarily equal 5 stars elsewhere. Always use comparison websites to find the best prices.
5. How Do I Get Around?
Taxi
- + Flexible, available 24h
- - Most expensive, potential scams
Metro
- + Cheap, day passes available
- - Crowded, pickpockets
Bus/Train
- + Cheapest for long distances
- - Can be very slow
Rental Car
- + Complete flexibility
- - Traffic can be stressful
Warning: Always ask at your hotel what a taxi ride should cost before getting in. If the driver quotes more than 10% higher, find another taxi. Insist on using the taximeter!