Going on a safari tour can be exciting, as experiencing the wildlife in its natural habitat is an experience of a lifetime. While all safaris are extremely well organized, thanks to the nature of the tour, it is important that you are also completely prepared for such tours to avoid some rookie mistakes. This can include trivial lapses like wearing the wrong outfit. Let’s look at some common mistakes to avoid when booking a safari:
Inadequate research
Not all lodges and reserves are the same; each lodge offers a different experience. You should book the most suitable package, depending on the kind of experience you want and the wildlife you want to experience, at a distance, of course. On some safaris, you can walk to reach different regions, but on other tours, you may not be allowed to step out of your jeep. So the package you book should offer the experience you are looking for while meeting your requirements and budget. Most of these tours get booked months or even years in advance, so thorough research and planning is definitely a key step. The packages can be expensive, so make sure you set aside a reasonable budget for the safari tour.
Packing the wrong colors
Yes, selecting the right colored clothes is important when booking a safari. It has nothing to do with fashion, as when in the wild, you should be able to blend into your surroundings rather than stand out in bright clothes. This can easily startle the animals. You will be asked not to wear blue or black on game drives, as the colors can attract tsetse flies and other insects. Neutral colors like beige or green and their different shades are considered the safest. White may seem like a neutral color in other settings, but not on a safari. So make sure to look up acceptable colors before you leave for the trip.
Not looking up the local culture
A lot of the reserves and lodges are built on land home to different tribes and other locals, and often you will get the chance to visit villages or interact with them. It is extremely important to be respectful toward not just the local community but even the staff serving you at the lodge. Being in a new place with new people can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with customs unique to you, but the key to an enjoyable trip is to stay open-minded, unbiased, and non-judgemental.
Choosing inappropriate clothing
When you think of safari, do you think of the hot, dry climate, driving around the reserve in an open jeep? Well, yes, that is true. But the warm day quickly turns into a cold, crisp evening on a safari. So, not packing the right clothes for safari tours can be a rookie mistake. Pack the right clothes for the game drives and social evenings that you may be spending with your tent neighbors or other guests. Take into account the weather and comfort while packing. Adapting to the weather at the destination becomes much easier with the right clothes and gear.
Having unrealistic expectations
This may be counterintuitive to how you plan your safari trip, but here’s the truth, you are entering a region that is unpredictable. So keeping low expectations when it comes to animal spotting can keep you grounded and avoid disappointment. This is the wild turf, and while expecting wild animals at every turn is natural, it is not guaranteed. Sure, there are some tours that align with the migration schedule of certain animals. You might be able to book lodges where elephants or giraffes can be spotted, but this is largely animal behavior, which can be unpredictable at the end of the day. There are some tricks to spotting the Big Five, so if you follow the tour guide’s instructions, you may be able to witness something magical.
Not listening to the guide
Guides know the lay of the land at the back of their hand and can easily spot if something is wrong. They have also been trained to conduct tours in the wild—a job carrying a certain amount of risk. Considering the training and experience the guides have, it is only right to listen carefully and follow their instructions on the safari. They have been trained to tackle unpredictable situations, so all you have to do is follow the instructions to a T. Paying attention to the guide can help you ensure you have fun without getting into trouble. Those who do not follow protocols in the wild are not only a threat to themselves but also to the rest of the group.
Forgetting sunscreen
Seems like a trivial issue, but considering you will be out in an open vehicle, under the scorching sun for a few hours of the day, you should protect your skin. So, apply a lot of sunscreen and also carry the tube with you for reapplication. A bug repellent can also come in handy on a safari tour.
You can always speak to the safari staff while booking the package to learn about other important information. Some research can also help you prepare well, remember the essentials, and avoid making mistakes.
Planning a vacation in a cozy cabin nestled in the midst of nature’s embrace is a dream for many people. However, with numerous options available, choosing the perfect rental cabin can take time and effort. Several factors must be considered, from location and amenities to size and budget. However, if you know what you are looking for, it will be easier to pick the best cabin rental that suits your needs and preferences.
When booking a cabin rental, one of the critical things to consider is the location. It will set the mood right for your complete vacation experience. When planning your vacation destination, consider the proximity of the rental cabin to the activities you plan to participate in or spots you plan to travel to. Look at the top spots for skiing, lakes, hiking trails, and cultural landmarks. Alternatively, if you prefer a secluded cabin, look for a location surrounded by wilderness and serenity. In addition to the basics, take into account the accessibility of the location and how it will fit into your itinerary.
The next thing you want to keep in mind is the size and capacity of the rental cabin. Ensure the options you are looking at can comfortably accommodate the travel party. Check the number of baths and beds offered and compare it to the available common areas. If you enjoy the great outdoors, consider the outdoor space that comes with the cabin. When traveling with a large group, opt for cabin rentals with spacious interiors and outdoor space. Alternatively, you can look for a range of cabins located together that will allow you all to spend time with other group members while also enjoying your privacy. Meanwhile, a smaller cabin with intimate settings may be more suitable if you want a cozy retreat for a romantic getaway.
Evaluate the amenities and facilities the cabin rental provides to enhance your vacation experience. Determine if necessary features such as a fully equipped kitchen, heating or air conditioning, Wi-Fi connectivity, and parking are available. Depending on your preferences, look for additional amenities like hot tubs, fireplaces, outdoor grills, game rooms, or access to community pools or recreational facilities. These amenities can add convenience, comfort, and entertainment to your stay.
Establishing a budget is crucial when choosing a cabin rental. Determine how much you can spend on accommodation, keeping in mind other expenses such as transportation, dining, and activities. Research various cabin rentals within your budget range and compare prices, considering seasonal variations and any additional fees or charges. Consider the value offered by each cabin rental, weighing the amenities, location, and overall experience against the cost.
Before finalizing your decision, read reviews and testimonials from previous guests. These insights provide valuable information about the cabin rental’s quality, cleanliness, the host’s or management’s responsiveness, and overall customer satisfaction. Certain platforms or dedicated cabin rental websites often have tabs for reviews and ratings to help you make an informed choice. Pay attention to positive and negative reviews and feedback to understand the cabin rental’s strengths and weaknesses.
If you travel with furry companions, ensure the cabin rental allows pets. Some cabin rentals may have specific pet policies, restrictions, or additional fees. Check if the surrounding area offers pet-friendly attractions, trails, or parks, and inquire about any pet amenities provided, such as pet beds, bowls, or fenced yards. Choosing a pet-friendly cabin rental ensures that your entire family, including your beloved pets, can enjoy a memorable vacation together.
Prioritize safety and accessibility when selecting a cabin rental. Consider factors such as smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and security measures. If you or any members of your travel party have mobility restrictions, look for cabins with wheelchair-accessible entrances, ground-floor bedrooms, and bathroom facilities designed for accessibility. Additionally, inquire about the proximity of healthcare facilities or emergency services in case of unforeseen circumstances.
Reliable customer support is invaluable when renting a cabin. Ensure the host or management company is responsive and readily available to address any issues or concerns during your stay. Prompt communication, clear instructions, and a helpful attitude provide a seamless and stress-free vacation experience. Check if the cabin rental provides a dedicated contact person or a 24/7 helpline to assist you throughout your stay.
One should never ignore the possibility of changes in travel plans. Review the cabin rental’s flexibility and cancellation policy before making a reservation. Understand the terms and conditions of reservation changes, cancellations, and associated fees. Opting for a cabin rental with a flexible policy gives you peace of mind, knowing that you can adjust your itinerary if needed.
Lastly, consider your preferences and vacation goals when choosing a cabin rental. Reflect on the ambiance, style, and surroundings that resonate with you. Whether you prefer a rustic log cabin, a modern mountain retreat, or a lakeside cottage, select a cabin rental that aligns with your ideal vacation concept. Remember, this is your getaway, and finding a cabin that captures your imagination and creates lasting memories is more important than anything else.
Planning a family vacation is quite challenging. You must consider every member’s travel and adventure expectations and try to accommodate as much as possible in a single trip. Whether for domestic travel or past international experiences, from flights to hotel booking and dining options, you must consider every alternative available. This is where you’ll benefit from booking an all-inclusive vacation package. Here are some valuable tips to secure the best family vacation packages worldwide.
Decide on the type of vacation
Before comparing and searching for deals, decide on the type of vacation you want. Does your itinerary involve a lot of driving or flying? If it’s both, will you be able to cover a lot of places considering layovers and on-road delays? How many hours can you drive without taking frequent breaks? Does your budget allow for multiple rentals in every new destination? Can you shift from one location to the other during check-in and check-out times? And does the plan involve a lot of resort and beach fun or inland adventures like amusement and water parks? All these are essential factors to consider before booking an ambitious travel itinerary.
Book well in advance
Cruises, expeditions, and exclusive tours are all popular family vacation packages that get picked up when booking partners update the details. You don’t want to wait till the last moment, especially when you’re planning a vacation for the entire family. Also, booking in the off-season is a good idea to avail better discounts and deals. Family vacation packages are generally booked to fill a specific volume for the travel partner. So peak season, the prices will be bumped up to accommodate guests. However, these deals will be cheaper in the off-season to encourage filling in the empty spots.
Book with specific partners
Planning a family vacation means you’ll have to consider every member’s wish and find a way to accommodate their plans in the single travel itinerary. This can be pretty challenging if you simply browse for deals and packages with limited travel options. Specific websites and booking partners guarantee all-inclusive vacation offers for a reasonable price. For example, Expedia offers a unique booking filter called ‘Traveler Experience’ where you can select vacations based on experiences at the location. CheapTickets is another alternative offering excellent budget packages with a comprehensive travel itinerary and all-inclusive price. You can filter our results further by using meta-search engines like Momondo to select property styles and locate kid-friendly vacation deals. Many airlines also offer family vacation packages as part of a booking deal with flights and hotels included. The devil is in the detail of booking when using these websites.
Compare all-inclusive family vacation packages
When you travel with the family, it’s better to consider all-inclusive packages. All-inclusive packages cover your hotel stay, food, and a preplanned itinerary with a flexible schedule you can confirm in advance. With an all-inclusive deal, you’ll know upfront how much money will be spent per person. So, managing both budget and expectations at the location becomes easier. Once you pick a comfortable plan, allocating extra funds for other trip expenses is easy. All-inclusive deals further allow you to plan multiple excursions and activities to enjoy at the location in advance. For example, if you are traveling to the beach, resorts offer various water sporting adventures as part of the package. If the purpose of the trip is to explore new places, book tour packages offered as add-ons. With an all-inclusive deal, you’ll also get a good sense of the amenities included and excluded from the price.
Make travel goals
Even if you have a fixed itinerary to follow, it never hurts to have some fun travel goals to make the vacation more memorable. For example, traveling to a new destination, you can plan to try one local delicacy every single day. Or try to learn some essential conversation starters in the local language to discover more you can explore. Plan to try a new activity that you might have a fear of and have been postponing for the right time to pick. Traveling with family members, you’ll have a lot of audiences to encourage and boost your morale by trying the new activity – like paragliding or snorkeling, depending on the location. Plan and agree to mutual travel goals that everybody can enjoy as part of the trip. Planning together allows you maximum room to decide on activities and excursions that nobody will resist or get bored of on the trip.
Have realistic expectations
Package deals, even the ones that mention all-inclusive, will limit a certain number of activities and experiences. But there is no sure way to tell if the booking will be worth the price. Some experiences will be memorable, but you and your family should also be prepared for the few dull moments that make up the day. Hiccups in transportation and amenities are all part and parcel of any well-planned vacation, as there are some factors that you just can’t control. So get ready for some spontaneous change in plans, and even if it costs a bit more, the memories you make with family and friends are worth the money spent well. So always have realistic expectations and keep an open mind to enjoy the most of your trip.