When we decide to take a trip it usually starts off with a “where do we want to go this time?” question. Then we will decide if there are going to be travelmates. Once those questions are settled we then get down to the real planning:

• Discover what each member  of the group wants to do at the travel locations
  • Make time for each member’s preferences
    • This makes sense – no need to ignore or select any individual’s choices. Makes for a harmonious trip
• What’s the weather going to be like where we are going?
  • what clothing will we need to pack for the location
  • do we pack for all the days or find a laundry – cuts down on the clothing needed
• How are we going to get there?
  • will you book on an airline’s website or will you use a booking service e.g. Expedia, Kayak, Google Flights, Booking.com
    • using a booking service has risks of cancellation refunds or missed flights 
  • a long flight might give us a couple of days layover in another location
  • how will we travel once we get there
    • public transportation
    • uber/taxis
    • is there a “City Pass’ with transportation included
• Do we need travel documents?
  • most Countries are now demanding ‘evisas’ or ‘entry permits’
    • are they available on-line or do we need to visit an Embassy
• What is the native voltage of the electrical systems at the location?
  • do we need ‘socket adaptors’
    • compare the merits of a bulky ‘travel charger/convertor to individual plug adaptors
    • do your devices have dual voltage systems built in
      • if they do then that eliminates the need for a ‘convertor’
    • do you have the correct cable for each device you are taking
      • can you use the same cable for different devices
      • does your charger charge more than one device at a time
        • if not consider buying a charging device with multi-ports
• How are you going to handle the money for your travel?
  • will you use charge cards if so which ones
    • Visa and Mastercards are accepted universally AMEX not so much
    • Decide which costs will be charged on the card – hotels, day trips and then add in an amount of local currency for ‘walking around’ money
    • budget for an amount for tips at restaurants and hotels
      • tips for the guides on your trips
      • souvenir shopping at local markets
      • drinks at local bars on the street
  • are you going to take day trips
    • will you book before the trip or will you buy a trip when you get there

A look at my efforts to ‘downsize’ my electronic needs. This pic shows one charger and its many uses for all of our devices.