(I chose this link because traveling is "moving" in a chosen destination. My next choice is Africa, Jeah!)
Each time a trip comes to a conclusion is when I feel so accomplished with one of the goals. As for me, traveling is not just "packing" luggage and purchasing ticket (or using earned mileage from the previous travels), but it takes 4 other stages: Choosing, Planning, Execution, Analysis and Reflection.
Choosing is an essential stage to start the whole plan. What is the point without choices (as in our life which is full of choices)? What exciting is when are trapped between to tight options. Choosing includes whether you like it or dislike it for whatever reason, timing to go (weather-wise, weather-wise, safety-wise), resources (you can fully support yourself without borrowing, depending from others, and able to feel NOT regretful - i.e., enough resource to plan for the next travel).
Planning comes after Choosing. At this stage, you have made a decision what place to visit (whether domestic or international). Domestic travel is easier than international travel because the latter requires you to check with the embassy of the country you want to visit if visa is required or not with the (type) passport you have. Practically, majority of the countries have active websites which includes visa requirements. As you explore, you will encounter that there are countries that they freely let you stay for tourism purposes for a certain number of days with just a valid passport, return or outbound airline ticket, financial stability to support your stay in their country (not to be a burden on their part) and a verifiable place where you will stay (hotel, hostels, etc.). There will be countries that you can obtain visa-upon-arrival or there are countries that you many need to have visa before arriving into their countries. These are countries that have no reciprocity with the country of your nationality and/or country of origin of your current passport. China is a good example who requires most tourists from different countries to have tourist visa before arrival, otherwise you will be sanctioned under their laws and deported to your country. Planning also includes booking of hotel before leaving. It is always a peace of mind to have a known place to stay instead of looking for hotel upon arrival which can be chaotic and pricy to book on the spot. Of course, when I travel, I want to be relaxed upon arrival and start exploring the place and not to use several hours to look for a place to stay which may cause headache. Careful and intelligent choice are indeed imperative in choosing a place to stay before leaving. Other things to include in planning are the itinerary of each day during your vacation, but be mindful that you should be open for some adjustments in your plan, as need arises. There are circumstances that may be beyond your control (e.g. sudden change of weather, etc.). A piece of good advice: read current reviews about the activities you will choose to know the experience of other people about it (also reading reviews about the hotel of your choice before making decisions will also provide peace of mind to a certain degree). Who knows? You may end up deciding NOT to sign up for it since negative reviews outweigh positive comments. In addition to this, do not forget to have an airport pick (shuttle) that you pre-arranged before your arrival. This is quite pricy but safe. It's all about safety when traveling to make the entire trip positively memorable. Just hopping in a local taxi from arrival area is not a safety decision. This is just common sense to those travelers who do not exchange their money for their safety. In this matter, do not be stingy when it comes to your own personal safety. Last but the the least, plan out your daily expenses. Be sure that you will not "zero in" your budget all the way and make it a point you bring some of your budget back to your bank account at the conclusion of your trip. This will make you feel really good! Ops, not to forget to mention: If you plan to go to bars, beer houses and the like, you are just setting up yourself to danger. These places are the spots of many troubles and temptations, which could make your trip the worst experience you will have in traveling. To those who likes to the bar scene, excuse me for being impartial. In my opinion, it is the truth. All my travels have been safely executed because I do go to those places. Jeah!
Next to planning is Execution. This is when the reality comes in. This is what I call the "the event!" It simply means, making what you have planned into actuality. In the above discussion, I mentioned about flexibility. I want to reiterate it in the execution stage. Planning done on-line is all virtual. Virtual experience may be deceiving sometimes, therefore, be open to adjustment or changes as it may arise in trip unexpectedly.
Finally, the Analysis and Reflection of the trip. I do not have much things to say about these final stages. It is when you are in the comfort of your home from your, wherein you are looking at the pictures, souvenirs you bought (which I am not fond of souvenirs), and other memoirs related to the trip. This is when you can say...either "What a well time and resources spent!" or What a wasteful time and resources spent.!" Grrrr
But I suggest: "No" to regrets, experience is good! But to minimize or eradicate the feeling of regret in traveling, you must PLAN AHEAD and MAKE IT A SAFE TRIP!
The background in this photo taken in my recent trip (April 2011) to Kathmandu in Nepal are local "Nepalese in action" in their daily chores as well as local structures in the outskirts of the Kanthmandu Durbur Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This place is a big JEAH!
On the side of the coin: Today was a great time at work after the spring break vacation. No students around (jeah) but teachers and staff. We had a professional development and it was alright...boring in some areas since they were all repetitions.
I had a strong swim practice today...77 nonstop freestyle laps in 34 minutes...I broke my personal record again! I needed to stop my lap swim today otherwise I will keep on going swimming and swimming. Where did those energy come from? I must be sleeping that time to due to jet lag! Do I have a jet lag from my trips to Hong Kong and Nepal? Hmmm
Ciao!
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