by Das Govind

Created on: November 09, 2010   Last Updated: November 13, 2010

Travel tips: Researching your destination

Researching a travel destination before embarking on the trip should be second nature to the '' seasoned traveller''.  Unfortunately not many of us are privileged to earn this title, but for the less experienced traveller here are some helpful tips on conducting travel research:

1. Speak to people who have visited your intended destination. Getting an insight by asking for the viewpoints of other travellers gives you the opportunity to gauge what you really want out of the trip, and what the destination may offer.

2. Visit any local bookstore and  the choice of maps, books or travel magazines can be bought. Bookstores do not only have Lonely Planet to offer the traveller but a variety of new publications that offer up to date travel information to the first time tourist.

3. The Internet has revolutionised the way people research and book their trips. It is not just valuable travel information that can be sold on line but many websites offer comparative deals. Bookings can also be made on line, and this saves the hassle of having to use the services of a travel agent. Fees are also saved.  Sites like Travelocity and Cheap flights can offer discounted and sometimes bargained rates. Many travellers rely on booking great deals on the Internet which saves time and money.

4. Check the  local travel section in the daily, or weekly newspaper. There are generally great get-away articles describing the sites, sounds and feeling of a particular destination. Many travel agencies advertise special offers in these newspapers, and people can compare different prices. Pictures and images of accommodations can be used to research destinations.

5. Go to the local library do some research about the local climate, food, people, languages, culture and dressing. This is important as every country is different and some countries have dress codes and behaviour which needs to be adhered to at all times. Westerners may need to familiarise themselves with these laws and codes as certain actions which are regarded as trivial may be a punishable offence in another country.

6.  Do thorough research on the towns and cities which you will be visiting. This may involve phoning and inquiring about certain aspects like the weather during the month that you will be visiting, and facilities offered by the hotel. Make sure that the water is drinkable, and find out about visa requirements for that country. Certain countries may be malaria areas so find out if any medication is required before embarking on the trip.

Once the research is over, the next stage is planning and organizing. It is important to use all information to make the trip more valuable and trouble free. The research should help when making decisions about luggage, nights out, tourist attractions and budgets.

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