The days of traveling have evolved from pages of directions printed out from Mapquest to get around. Or ordering traveler’s checks to spend instead of carrying cash. We can also add these travel trends to that list of things we no longer need. Though there are some old tips that are necessary today, a lot of them can just actually cause more stress than none. Here are some travel “hacks” that are outdated and 2020 alternatives for them

Travel agents

I have never used a travel agent.

These two word makes me cringe. Why? Mainly because they are not needed. You are spending extra money unnecessarily for someone to just book your flight.

The disparity with travel agents is that they do not always travel to a place they may be booking. for you. Instead of using a travel agent, do your own research. Instagram, Pinterest, and Bloggers give you full itineraries for FREE. If you’re not in the mood to research yourself, reach out to an avid traveler who has a concierge service. This is better because this person is giving you advice throughout the process from their personal experience. It will be a fully curated trip that will fulfill your needs.

Guidebooks

No shade, but who really uses those things? A heavy book full of words with very little substance to how the world operates today. We don’t have any extra space or weight in our luggage for a bunch of books filled with words. We need visuals!

Instead, use Instagram, Blogs, and Pinterest as your guide. These platforms show pictures and reviews so that there isn’t a biased viewpoint. Utilizing the good ole internet would help give you a better idea of what it would feel like to actually be there. If you aren’t in the mood to put in this work, this is where travel concierge comes into play.

booking too much in advance

Planning is s a great thing, but doing too much planning doesn’t always have the best results. Once upon a time, booking far in advance yielded the best deals. This isn’t necessarily true today. If you aren’t aware, I’m gonna put you onto a little secret, *whispers* things are actually cheaper when you get there. During my trip to Colombia, I purchased a tour that included the Volcano Mud bath for $80, mainly because I didn’t see much information online about it. When I got there I found a tour for $15. Now that’s $65 in savings.

In recent years there have been many last-minute deals on flights, hotels, you name it! Websites like hoteltonight.com give great last-minute deals so that hotels can generate some kind of income instead of rooms going unused. Don’t feel pressured into booking a year in advance unless you so have to.

Saving your vacation days

What are you really saving them for? Tomorrow isn’t promised, book that trip! One day you’ll be in your 40’s thinking of all the things you could’ve done in your younger years. The unfortunate part is that you can not get that time back.

Being loyal to a corporation that will have your position listed a day after you are gone is long over. Use up all of your vacation and sick days. I mean, you are given them for a reason, not for you to admire as if it is a trophy.

Winging It

Winging it can be good and bad. I believe it is necessary to allow yourself to get lost, however, if your trip is just a few days and not a month-long there should be some sort of agenda. Everything doesn’t have to be done perfectly, but there should be some kind of direction. Imagine traveling quite a distance and missing out on important gems all because you didn’t want to spend a few minutes to research.

Winging it is out, having a rough itinerary with things that interest you are in. This should also be shared with loved ones back home so that they are aware of the inevitable happens.

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