Be Realistic

I get many requests for travel through my website which is absolutely great. I appreciate every request that comes in. Every request for travel is always answered, but some cannot come to fruition. Here's the problem...are you being realistic with your travel request?

When considering your travel planning, think about where you live and where you want to go. How far is the destination? Are you crossing time zones and will jet lag also factor into your choice? How many days do you want to actually travel? Yes, so many questions...see my blog about me being a nosy travel planner!

First, let's talk about the distance of the destination from where you live. I recently got a request for 3 -5 day honeymoon in Tahiti. I guess 5 days if you live in California is not bad, but if you live on the east coast or mid west, you need to rethink the decision. Unfortunately this couple lives near the east coast. If they were to choose a four night honeymoon in Tahiti, they would spend about 2 of those days in the air! Really flying all that way for 2 days plus outrageous jet lag?

Let me give you an example of an actual poorly considered vacation request:

• 2 Adults
• Living in the mid-west (sorry, I cannot reveal the actual state)
• Destination: Egypt
• Trip duration: 3 -5 days
• Budget - $3000.00 total

First problem is the travel time. From their city there are no nonstop flights to Cairo or any other airport in Egypt. So, the flights will be overnight flights at least to Egypt...there goes one day.

The next day, after perhaps 11 - 12 hours including layovers, the arrival to Egypt. Sight seeing can begin immediately in Cairo and maybe get an overview of the country. Next morning, a transfer by plane to Luxor for one night to get to the pyramids (you cannot go all that way and not see them), and back to Cairo. One day more to squeeze in a little bit more of Cairo. Next day, back to the airport and on the way home!

Now that you are like a zombie because you have to contend with a 7 hour time difference hopefully you will sleep on your first leg of your fight home. Unfortunately this hurried visit has cost you sights and true understanding of one of the most interesting countries in the world, historically and culturally.

Okay, so here were are at the budget portion. Are you serious...$3000.00? That is barely enough to get to the Caribbean or Mexico for a week at a 4 star all-inclusive resort. Just the airfare will be over $1,100.00 per person. Unfortunately, after airfare is paid, there is simply not enough money left for a decent hotel (there you really do not want a cheap one or two star mostly for reasons of safety) and the touring.

Does it break my heart to tell someone their dream is not realistic? Absolutely! Part of my joy is planning a great vacation for my clients...the other part is to hear from happy clients when they return from their vacation. My success is their happiness.

My suggestion for the novice travel is two fold. First, take a look at a map. See how far your destination is from your area of the country. How long might the flight be and are there any time zone differences? Second, ask a travel professional for suggestions. Don't be embarrassed to discuss your budget, but be reasonable especially when it comes to the airfare. It is one of the most important factors of the travel planning. Talk about your travel interests and what you would like to experience. Let the travel professional make suggestions that will meet your budget and expectations.

Happy Travels!