In 2019, the columnist and his wife had the opportunity to witness the Great Migration of the wildebeests in the Serengeti, Tanzania. A trip like this would take months to plan. — FLORENCE TEH
It's strange to be providing an advisory to travellers when we’re only in the second week of the New Year, especially since many have likely just returned from a year-end holiday, but being prepared saves a variety of things.
Planning for travel seems to be a hit-and-miss concept with us Malaysians, but as a rule of thumb, it should be consolidated at least three months ahead.
For the more seasoned travellers, that duration could even stretch up to six months in advance.
There are many sound reasons for making prior arrangements, not the least the cost of flying, which while in 2022 was expensive, is only looking costlier this year.
Booking flights early amounts to getting better airfare. Don’t blame the airlines if you only buy your ticket a month before your trip, and the airfare costs double. Remember, unless you’re on a sponsored work trip, you must pay for your own ticket.
A direct route is always preferred to avoid the hassle of connecting flights and running from one end to another in a big airport. But if there’s lots of time to spare (like for this semi-retired traveller), one should thoroughly research for the best affordable options, especially if it’s a long-haul flight. This could easily be cheaper. It might involve two airlines, but why miss out on flying business class at a reasonable price? Three hours transit time is nothing really.
Regular travelling need not be an expensive affair if one has good information and a detailed itinerary.
Buying plane tickets during the annual travel fair is also wise, but just make sure you read the fine print.
Have a contingency plan for making changes to the travel date in case you have an emergency, or your boss decides to cancel your leave application!
But also remember to check out the weather – your chosen destination could be cheaper during a low season because of heavy rain, or the sun is unbearable, even for Malaysians like us who are used to the humidity.
Cherry blossom season in Japan is very popular with both local and international tourists, so naturally, flights and accommodation will be pricier during that time. — Pixabay
Be cautious and critical of websites and videos created by sponsored YouTubers and content creators – the information provided can often be distorted. With that said, readers’ comments may be exaggerated, too.
Companies often pay people to post disparaging comments to run down rivals. That’s what the real world is like now!
Consider logistics like city transportation, accommodation rates, entrance tickets and even tips, especially in the United States, where it’s engrained in the culture and obligatory.
Ultimately, everything comes down to your budget. Calculate your expenses – especially when the ringgit is still weak. Even a trip to nearby Bangkok is no longer cheap!
This year, factoring in China tourists is compulsory because they will surely be travelling in large numbers.
Many cities will soon be crowded with them and given the wealth and size of many of these China tourist groups, we literally do get squeezed sometimes.
Right now, I’m thinking of Japan, which is a favourite among the Chinese.
Between the end of March and mid-April, the sakura (cherry blossom) season will be in full swing. Many see this time as the peak of the Land Of The Rising Sun’s tourism, when holiday-goers converge in Japan to see this symbolic flower of spring.
It’s regarded as a time of renewal and the fleeting nature of life since the flowers only last for two weeks before they begin to fall.
A check of the hotel rates in Tokyo and Kyoto show that most are already fully booked, with rates increasing daily. Fortunately, Japanese hotels allow cancellation without charges.
It’s also advisable to book hotels close to rail stations, especially in Japan, where taxi fares are exorbitant. The small rooms necessitate light travel. Large travel bags will merely consume room space.
For those requiring wardrobe changes for every Instagram post, they’d better check into the more expensive hotels.
My requirement is simple – make sure there are good eateries around because I’m fine if the hotels don’t provide breakfast. The traditional Japanese inns with just tatami mats for sleeping are sufficient for me. The onsen or hot spring baths are more important!
Be patient. Anticipate flight delays, obstacles, hiccups or even your luggage not arriving. Relax, such things happen. Of course, they don’t fit your expectations, but such is life.
You’re on vacation, so don’t let these inconveniences ruin your holidays by getting upset. If you’re in Finland or Iceland and the northern lights fail to appear during the entire trip, just laugh it off.
Enjoy other attractions, return to these places and hope you will be luckier then.
On a trip to Tanzania or Kenya to watch the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeests travel en masse and even cross the Mara River, plenty of patience is needed. You can’t expect the animals to migrate at a ranger’s command.
Don’t let small things get in your way because communication and culture work differently in other parts of the world. Respect and learn the way of life of your host countries. This is what vacations should be about.
If your idea of a holiday is to merely patronise a factory outlet or a mall to buy a handbag, then it’s probably best you stay at home.
It’s now almost impossible to see a rhinoceros in the wild safari grasslands – not those in confined sanctuary – and even in the most remote islands, plastic waste gets washed up onto their pristine beaches.
At nearby Komodo Island in Indonesia, the giant dragons are slowly disappearing.
If there were news reports of heavy snow this winter, in 2021, many European countries had late snow falls. The seasons have become so unpredictable, what with global warming.
Our Earth is beautiful, but day by day, many of God’s creations are slowly disappearing.
And just remember, visiting Antarctica – the last frontier – is a two-year plan to secure a place. But keep saving during that time because the effort will be worth it.
Have a good 2023 and safe travels!
