Dakota’s Guide to Traveling - Everything He Thinks You Should Know

The time has finally come where it’s my time to write a biased, mildly inappropriate, and exaggerated travel guide filled with fake news paid for by big pharma.

“Just kidding! I will leave that to mainstream media.”

However, I will hopefully provide information that can help you plan a great vacation within your means. So, with no more delay, let’s jump into it.

Cades Cove, Great Smoky Mountain National Park

Take your time!

My biggest piece of advice is to take your time. On our big trips (outside of the US or trips two weeks and longer) I like to start planning at minimum of 1-year in advance and 6-months in advance for almost all other trips. This helps with a few things:

1. It allows you to pace yourself and eliminate a large amount of stress.

2. It makes it easier for you to stick with your plans.

3. It allows you to save your money without the guilt of spending outside of your means.

4. It allows time for research.

5. You can make sure you’re prepared.

6. You can make sure you are getting the best prices.

These are just some of the things that comes to mind.

Pick a date

This kinda relates to the “take your time” approach but by picking a date in advance it will make it more likely for you to actually stick with your plans.

“July 2023 I’m going to go to Snake Island”

Note: I shouldn’t have to say this but don’t go to snake island. YOU WILL DIE. DON’T DO IT.

But by having a date you can:

1. Look for deals.

2. Tell your boss you want to take vacation time.

3. Find someone to watch your animals.

4. Avoid plans with people you do not like.

5. Start telling people and getting excited!

Research

As much as this can really suck, and it can REALLLLLLY SUCK, it provides an opportunity to get excited. You can:

1. Find things to do.

2. Find places to visit.

3. Find local scams and areas to avoid.

4. Find the best flight.

5. Find the best rental car.

6. Find the best places to stay.

7. Find out how much money you will need.

8. Find out if you’ll need visas or shots (outside of the US)

9. Find extra costs (gas, tolls, resort fees, etc.)

10. Find out what you can and cannot bring.

Whiteface Mountain, Adirondack Park

Don’t be afraid to experiment

Who doesn’t like to try something new? Spice things up a bit!

There are new things created every day because people find problems with what’s available and creates a solution. Think Airbnb or Turo. They were once new, so don’t be afraid to try something you have heard about in passing but be smart.

“Maybe don’t use that pop-up from a site you probably shouldn’t be on…”

Make lists

I’m guilty of not doing this as much as I should. However, the extra time this takes will ease your mind so much. You won’t forget to do something, bring something, or bring something back.

Have fun

Lastly, have fun! If you aren’t then why travel in the first place? Go explore, make friends, get dirty!

“Maybe not a jail cell at 3am because you took something from someone at the club you probably shouldn’t have kinda fun”

Here are a few websites that I use religiously:

kayak.com

hopper.com

expedia.com

google.com/travel

turo.com

airbnb.com

tripadvisor.com

skyscanner.com

A few more tips:

1. Tuesdays seem to be the cheapest day to book flights.

2. Three months before the trip seems to be when tickets are the cheapest (for domestic flights).

3. Buy your carry on and checked baggage online before your trip.

4. Ask at check-in or the gate to be seated together (it’s 50/50 but if you can they usually don’t charge).

5. If you're in school or college, wear your apparel, alumni are all over and you never know when you'll get someone at a restaurant or checkout desk. You might get a free drink or upgrade.

6. Check your rental car before you leave the lot (Fluids, spare tire, jack, etc.).

7. Use incognito mode.

I’m sure I missed a lot but go out and find out for yourself! Build off this list! Life’s too short and it’s never too late to start traveling. We are always here to help and love to plan trips. Remember “if you can’t find us at home, you can find us in the parks!”

Rome, Italy

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