Research and Planning

Guidebooks are a great resource for planning before the trip and during the trip.  Books exist to help in planning to travel for the first time and for traveling to different continents.  I find that I prefer getting information about travel in general from the internet.  The guide books will be out of date as soon as they are published, so related websites will provide some updates as well as some of the online discussion sites are invaluable resources to obtain a “now” perspective of your destination.

Some people prefer to go with an open itinerary.  As a woman traveling solo, I like to conduct research about the visa requirements for the countries I am planning to visit (and those I may visit), money, overall costs, immunizations, and general information about logistics (possible routes) and ongoing transport options.  I am always open about my routes, but like to have some idea about the routes for public transport. 

I like to have my first one or two nights booked in a hostel.  After a 12 – 24 hour flight it makes things easier. I also will research transport to my hotel and the costs so when I arrive I have an idea before I step into the fray.  My first day at the new destination will acquaint me with people who have recent experience in the country and area and I can modify my plans based on their information.