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When Planning a Holiday...
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I can sometimes take too long Joe  . It's usually for me because 99% of my travel is booked independently, rather than as a package.
I have to ensure that I keep refocusing on my objectives and priorities, rather than getting lost or overwhelmed with choice.
I'll typically get a few options coated, so that I can compare and weighup the pros and cons. And then finally I'll do it, getting the booking done.
Waiting reduces the choice and often increases the price.
Be as clear upfront and have some boundaries that you'll not cross. And potentially give yourself some second options, for future holidays.  |
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Not sure I will ever be able to book a holiday without help. I have spent a week trying to find and book a hotel for the next Bank Holiday weekend and despite there not being much choice I just can't do it |
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"Are you travelling alone? If so I'd just jump and book it !
I am, it's my first time traveling solo and getting a bit dizzy with all the options 😵"
Presumably you have a budget so within that I'd prioritise location. It's horrible wasting holiday time on travelling to and from places you want to see. |
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By *avie65Man 3 weeks ago
In the west. |
I look for the cheapest flight with early morning or afternoon flight times. I then look on a booking site to see the range of accommodation available, then contact the accommodation provider directly. After I’ve been away for 5 or 6 days I think about a booking a flight home and how to get to that airport. Very seldom do I come home from the airport I arrived at. |
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By *eliWoman 3 weeks ago
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Yep I'm a nightmare for it. I currently have 32 tabs open for one location. I track the hotel prices, look for German reviews (if that's a filter option), compare on various third party sites... I could go on. I won't.
If it's somewhere to just lay my head I'm far quicker at making a decision. If it's somewhere I really want to make the most of, I like certain things. Quality. Price isn't always the best sign of quality, more oft it's demand. Which can be a sign of quality. Or proximity. See Joe? I think too much on it. I don't mind though.  |
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By *avie65Man 3 weeks ago
In the west. |
"Are you travelling alone? If so I'd just jump and book it !
I am, it's my first time traveling solo and getting a bit dizzy with all the options 😵"
I have been a solo traveller for a few years now. Please fell free to ask any questions you may have. |
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I’m used to staying at luxury hotels for free with my work, so I really resent having to pay when I am on holiday 😂😂😂😂
I’d just say go for it! Are you looking for something in particular? Beaches? Culture? Lots of walking? |
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"I find it overwhelming and outsource it to other people and just ask them to give me the dates and tell me how much I owe  "
This is me, I let them get on with it. Pay them and go, for most trips and holidays. I can't decide what to have for tea most nights, so am a nightmare when trying to book a holiday! |
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"I can sometimes take too long Joe . It's usually for me because 99% of my travel is booked independently, rather than as a package.
I have to ensure that I keep refocusing on my objectives and priorities, rather than getting lost or overwhelmed with choice.
I'll typically get a few options coated, so that I can compare and weighup the pros and cons. And then finally I'll do it, getting the booking done.
Waiting reduces the choice and often increases the price.
Be as clear upfront and have some boundaries that you'll not cross. And potentially give yourself some second options, for future holidays. "
That's very sound advice. Thank you! |
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I'm bad enough just booking hotels in the UK! Twice I've ever booked anywhere abroad myself, and one was Disney (easy peasy), and another was to the same hostel our friends had booked 🙈
It's so difficult with so much choice! Good luck  |
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"Are you travelling alone? If so I'd just jump and book it !
I am, it's my first time traveling solo and getting a bit dizzy with all the options 😵
Presumably you have a budget so within that I'd prioritise location. It's horrible wasting holiday time on travelling to and from places you want to see. "
I already have an activity in mind so wanted somewhere close to the meeting point for that. Then of course, things like good restaurants, coffee places, sights etc. |
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"I look for the cheapest flight with early morning or afternoon flight times. I then look on a booking site to see the range of accommodation available, then contact the accommodation provider directly. After I’ve been away for 5 or 6 days I think about a booking a flight home and how to get to that airport. Very seldom do I come home from the airport I arrived at. "
That's a good shout. I was actually looking more at package details that way it's just one thing to look for rather than 2 😅 |
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"Yep I'm a nightmare for it. I currently have 32 tabs open for one location. I track the hotel prices, look for German reviews (if that's a filter option), compare on various third party sites... I could go on. I won't.
If it's somewhere to just lay my head I'm far quicker at making a decision. If it's somewhere I really want to make the most of, I like certain things. Quality. Price isn't always the best sign of quality, more oft it's demand. Which can be a sign of quality. Or proximity. See Joe? I think too much on it. I don't mind though. "
Ahhh it's so simple when you put it like that 🥴😂 |
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As someone mentioned above, cruising is a great option for exploration and discovery. Depending on itinerary, you can be in a new city/town/port each day and it takes away the burden of planning travel. Plus theyre usually all inclusive! If youve got the budget for it id give it a little gander. |
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These days yes l look very carefully for location, reviews, rooms, restaurant and food, other facilities and good flight times too. It's an expensive business, service has gone to pot and so has the quality of foodcand other services in many of them even those that used to be excellent. And btw not just abroad but here too. It pays to research and even then it's not guaranteed you get everything you want. |
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By *avie65Man 3 weeks ago
In the west. |
"Where do you want to go to Joe?
I'm looking at Krakow in June. I think my post was a bit vague, I meant once the destination was already decided and more along the lines of picking a hotel 😅"
I find if I book directly with hotels I get a better room. I do this through their app or on the website. You can also build up loyalty points or get discount on bar bills etc. |
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I usually take a while. It's hard to describe but somehow I just know when I've found the right one. What I'm looking for dependa where I'm going. Generally I like to have certain things within walking distance and good transport links to any attractions I want to visit. |
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Yes a take ages then book something on the spur of the moment that we've never looked at before.
Essentials are whatever is important to you. For us it's great food, indoor pool and no more than 40 mins from the airport by taxi it's probably very different for you  |
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"I usually take a while. It's hard to describe but somehow I just know when I've found the right one. What I'm looking for dependa where I'm going. Generally I like to have certain things within walking distance and good transport links to any attractions I want to visit. "
I'm feeling like that right now! I'm waiting for something to jump out at me that feels perfect but maybe I just need to get in with it and book it 😅 |
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"These days yes l look very carefully for location, reviews, rooms, restaurant and food, other facilities and good flight times too. It's an expensive business, service has gone to pot and so has the quality of foodcand other services in many of them even those that used to be excellent. And btw not just abroad but here too. It pays to research and even then it's not guaranteed you get everything you want. "
This is what I'm worrying about. If I'm paying for it, I want it to be a great as possible, but then I suppose I have no reference point for value for money as I've never travelled solo before 🤔 |
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"Do you ever take ages trying to figure out the perfect place to stay? What the essentials and for the love of God, how do I just bite the bullet and book somewhere? 🙈😂"
Where are you thinking of going? And what dates…? Asking for a friend👀😂 |
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I booked a 3 nights trip to Brussels in June, for me and my partner, a week ago. He wanted to go abroad, but flights were quite expensive so I checked Eurostar. £39 per person going there, on a Tuesday, £63 per person, coming back on Friday. The hotel is very near the city centre, and has good public transport so no need for a car there. So yes, you can find places that are really good value for money (in my opinion).
Another way, if you're not really sure where you'd like to go, is to think of an area in the country (if in UK), go to a travel website, search that area by searching stays using a map- it shows you a variety of accommodation and the price. Choose your budget and book? I prefer to book accommodation where I can either pay on arrival or where the cancellation is up until the day of arrival or just before, as anything can happen.
One more option - choose a budget hotel like Travelodge as you get the same standard everywhere. The main issue for me there is paying straight away, but they offer pull out beds option which is great for me and my partner. |
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"Do you ever take ages trying to figure out the perfect place to stay? What the essentials and for the love of God, how do I just bite the bullet and book somewhere? 🙈😂
Where are you thinking of going? And what dates…? Asking for a friend 👀😂"
Travelling in my own is pretty intimidating so could definitely use a buddy 😉😂 |
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"Oh yeah, just book it. It's a holiday, what's the worst that could happen?
The room might not have a coffee maker 😱
Well that would be a disaster but you can buy travel ones now, just sayin'  "
I thought we were being serious here... 🤢 |
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"I booked a 3 nights trip to Brussels in June, for me and my partner, a week ago. He wanted to go abroad, but flights were quite expensive so I checked Eurostar. £39 per person going there, on a Tuesday, £63 per person, coming back on Friday. The hotel is very near the city centre, and has good public transport so no need for a car there. So yes, you can find places that are really good value for money (in my opinion).
Another way, if you're not really sure where you'd like to go, is to think of an area in the country (if in UK), go to a travel website, search that area by searching stays using a map- it shows you a variety of accommodation and the price. Choose your budget and book? I prefer to book accommodation where I can either pay on arrival or where the cancellation is up until the day of arrival or just before, as anything can happen.
One more option - choose a budget hotel like Travelodge as you get the same standard everywhere. The main issue for me there is paying straight away, but they offer pull out beds option which is great for me and my partner. "
Oh that sounds like pretty good advice! I'm heading a little further afield and went for the package as it just seemed more convenient which I suppose does come at a cost. |
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"Solo travel?
When one travels by themselves, I believe 😁"
Forgive me, I didn’t read it all properly it’s late in my day 
Well in that case I always plan where I’m staying, looking for somewhere safe for me (safe for you will probably be a different set of criteria depending on what makes you feel comfortable) and fairly central to most activities I plan on doing. This is to keep costs down and avoid having to take taxis alone (it’s a safety thing for me even over here). Getting to my holiday destination? I’m more flexible about that as I’d more than likely be taking transport where there’s lots of other people and I’d always plan times based on the destination arrival time and getting the most time out of my stay.
Hope you enjoy your travels  |
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By *nnCeeWoman 3 weeks ago
East of Eden, West of Hell |
"Where do you want to go to Joe?
I'm looking at Krakow in June. I think my post was a bit vague, I meant once the destination was already decided and more along the lines of picking a hotel 😅"
Krakow is a great city!
The main square is beautiful, make sure you go to the museum in the centre of the square. Be careful if you take the little tourist trains that they don't rip you off, but useful, cos you get to see everything!
As others have said, use the various hotel sites, have a price in mind, put the filters on, and just bite the bullet and do it!! Use TripAdvisor to look at reviews, but take them all with a bit of a pinch of salt, lol.
If it's your thing, (and you've not already been) Auschwitz is a very very humbling day trip. Also the Salt Mines, if you're ok with stairs and fairly enclosed spaces.
Pod Aniolami is an amazing restaurant (probably need to book) and does some amazing Polish food - recommended to me by one of my old colleagues.
I've started doing arranged trips, but have flown out alone a couple of days prior to the actual trip to have some time/extra time to myself in the base city (as you don't always get a huge amount of time) and if I'm flying 10 hours+ to get somewhere, I want to see as much as possible! Done Thailand trip, Marrakech/Sahara trip, next up is Chile and Easter Island!
Good luck and happy travels xx |
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"Solo travel?
When one travels by themselves, I believe 😁
Forgive me, I didn’t read it all properly it’s late in my day
Well in that case I always plan where I’m staying, looking for somewhere safe for me (safe for you will probably be a different set of criteria depending on what makes you feel comfortable) and fairly central to most activities I plan on doing. This is to keep costs down and avoid having to take taxis alone (it’s a safety thing for me even over here). Getting to my holiday destination? I’m more flexible about that as I’d more than likely be taking transport where there’s lots of other people and I’d always plan times based on the destination arrival time and getting the most time out of my stay.
Hope you enjoy your travels "
I get what you mean, I'm hoping to stay somewhere quite central and touristy in case it is a bit safer and can just walk short distances to where I need to be. Thank you! ☺️ |
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"Where do you want to go to Joe?
I'm looking at Krakow in June. I think my post was a bit vague, I meant once the destination was already decided and more along the lines of picking a hotel 😅
Krakow is a great city!
The main square is beautiful, make sure you go to the museum in the centre of the square. Be careful if you take the little tourist trains that they don't rip you off, but useful, cos you get to see everything!
As others have said, use the various hotel sites, have a price in mind, put the filters on, and just bite the bullet and do it!! Use TripAdvisor to look at reviews, but take them all with a bit of a pinch of salt, lol.
If it's your thing, (and you've not already been) Auschwitz is a very very humbling day trip. Also the Salt Mines, if you're ok with stairs and fairly enclosed spaces.
Pod Aniolami is an amazing restaurant (probably need to book) and does some amazing Polish food - recommended to me by one of my old colleagues.
I've started doing arranged trips, but have flown out alone a couple of days prior to the actual trip to have some time/extra time to myself in the base city (as you don't always get a huge amount of time) and if I'm flying 10 hours+ to get somewhere, I want to see as much as possible! Done Thailand trip, Marrakech/Sahara trip, next up is Chile and Easter Island!
Good luck and happy travels xx"
The Auschwitz tour is the main reason I'm going. I have a tour I've looked at so essentially looking for place in Old Town to get to the meet up point quickly as well as just walk around and browse locally too! |
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"Solo travel?
When one travels by themselves, I believe 😁
Forgive me, I didn’t read it all properly it’s late in my day
Well in that case I always plan where I’m staying, looking for somewhere safe for me (safe for you will probably be a different set of criteria depending on what makes you feel comfortable) and fairly central to most activities I plan on doing. This is to keep costs down and avoid having to take taxis alone (it’s a safety thing for me even over here). Getting to my holiday destination? I’m more flexible about that as I’d more than likely be taking transport where there’s lots of other people and I’d always plan times based on the destination arrival time and getting the most time out of my stay.
Hope you enjoy your travels
I get what you mean, I'm hoping to stay somewhere quite central and touristy in case it is a bit safer and can just walk short distances to where I need to be. Thank you! ☺️"
No problem! p.s. don’t forget to send me a postcard 😘 |
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"Solo travel?
When one travels by themselves, I believe 😁
Forgive me, I didn’t read it all properly it’s late in my day
Well in that case I always plan where I’m staying, looking for somewhere safe for me (safe for you will probably be a different set of criteria depending on what makes you feel comfortable) and fairly central to most activities I plan on doing. This is to keep costs down and avoid having to take taxis alone (it’s a safety thing for me even over here). Getting to my holiday destination? I’m more flexible about that as I’d more than likely be taking transport where there’s lots of other people and I’d always plan times based on the destination arrival time and getting the most time out of my stay.
Hope you enjoy your travels
I get what you mean, I'm hoping to stay somewhere quite central and touristy in case it is a bit safer and can just walk short distances to where I need to be. Thank you! ☺️
No problem! p.s. don’t forget to send me a postcard 😘"
I'll get a dick pic one made specially 😘 |
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Hey op,
Would you consider doing a bit of a lucky dip holiday?
Just go to an airport, walk up to a travel counter and ask them to send you on the next flight to somewhere hot, somewhere blue?
I asked that very same question to someone at Gatwick airport back in the early naughties and ended up having the time of my life over on Santorini and Ios in the Greek islands.
You could sit there for ages over thinking where to go or you could just pack a bag, get yourself to the airport and sort the details out when you land at your destination.
I've done it many times and haven't had a bad experience yet,😁
Have a blast, where ever you end up,👍 |
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We did the Greek thing every year and mostly enjoyed ourselves. But after a million recommendations we decided to listen. We’re so glad we listened. PDI for us was the turning point in our holiday destination. Two weeks staying at Gold PDI, was by far the best holiday we have ever. The fun we have together is always awesome. But, this resort has everything for the lgtb community that we enjoy. So listen to your friends recommendations. We’ve already booked our second trip and scant wait.  |
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"Do you ever take ages trying to figure out the perfect place to stay? What the essentials and for the love of God, how do I just bite the bullet and book somewhere? 🙈😂"
No the filters and reviews on booking for come make it dead easy - price, distance , rating , add the top 3 to favourites then read a few reviews , tales 5-10mins to book |
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"Hey op,
Would you consider doing a bit of a lucky dip holiday?
Just go to an airport, walk up to a travel counter and ask them to send you on the next flight to somewhere hot, somewhere blue?
I asked that very same question to someone at Gatwick airport back in the early naughties and ended up having the time of my life over on Santorini and Ios in the Greek islands.
You could sit there for ages over thinking where to go or you could just pack a bag, get yourself to the airport and sort the details out when you land at your destination.
I've done it many times and haven't had a bad experience yet,😁
Have a blast, where ever you end up,👍"
I would find it a hassle trying to book accommodation on arrival. |
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I have an app, I put on my budget I can afford to put away each month, it works out what the ideal holiday I like would come to. It then finds the accommodation & the flight for me and then advises me I can afford to stay at home for another year.  |
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"Yep I'm a nightmare for it. I currently have 32 tabs open for one location. I track the hotel prices, look for German reviews (if that's a filter option), compare on various third party sites... I could go on. I won't.
If it's somewhere to just lay my head I'm far quicker at making a decision. If it's somewhere I really want to make the most of, I like certain things. Quality. Price isn't always the best sign of quality, more oft it's demand. Which can be a sign of quality. Or proximity. See Joe? I think too much on it. I don't mind though. "
German reviews??!!! This is now my new thing!
Have a great time Joe, nothing I can offer that hasn't already been said above. Definitely consider the location based on itinerary not transfer. Auschwitz will be humbling, take your time there.
As for what/how I plan holidays, depends on the place, duration and what's there when I get there; sometimes can be planned with military precision, other times I can grab the keys set off and not even worry about the sat-nav till I'm halfway somewhere! |
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"Do you ever take ages trying to figure out the perfect place to stay? What the essentials and for the love of God, how do I just bite the bullet and book somewhere? 🙈😂"
I just tell Mr where I'd like us to go,,, he does the rest,,, it's almost like magic |
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When I'm looking for me and my other half, I do some research on the area first, when I've seen somewhere that looks good.
My partner has mobility issues, due to ms, so needs somewhere that's fairly flat and the hotel needs to be accessible too.
I do as kat said ^use trip adviser to read reviews others have left too.
I tend to start with a date in mind and search to see what comes up.
For example this year we are going to Majorca, it's not somewhere I would have thought to have looked tbh. Our last few hols have been in the Greek islands.
But, we got good flights and the area is nice and flat, all for a decent price.
I guess it depends what is going to be most important to you, ie cost or location. Do your own reseesrch and just go for it Joe. |
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"Do you ever take ages trying to figure out the perfect place to stay? What the essentials and for the love of God, how do I just bite the bullet and book somewhere? 🙈😂
No the filters and reviews on booking for come make it dead easy - price, distance , rating , add the top 3 to favourites then read a few reviews , tales 5-10mins to book"
I was intending to do something like that! But then I guess I started overthinking and wondering if I'm missing a diamond in the rough that gets me everything I want at a cheap price 😂 |
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"Ok, I've bitten the bullet and booked it! Jeez, it's actually real now 🙈😅😂
Thanks for your help and advice everyone! ♥️
Gratulacje Joe 🇵🇱"
Ahhh there's another thing... Learn a bit of the language of the country I'm going to 😅 |
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"Ok, I've bitten the bullet and booked it! Jeez, it's actually real now 🙈😅😂
Thanks for your help and advice everyone! ♥️
Gratulacje Joe 🇵🇱
Ahhh there's another thing... Learn a bit of the language of the country I'm going to 😅"
Well, I'm sure you already know at least one word lol. Or probably even two! Kurwa and vodka (though it's spelled "wodka" |
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