Anyone else live for planning a trip?
Sep 14th, 2006, 12:31 PM
#1
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Anyone else live for planning a trip?
I can't help but love to do the research. Some of my friends hate it. Personally I get excited about it.
If travel agents still were as popular as they were in the 80s I'd want to be one myself.
We grew up having a travel agent. My parents raised us during the time that everyone had a minister, insurance agent, accountant and a travel agent.
You knew them by name and knew their families. They were a part of your family.
Now we are do the internet for everything....but the upside is having a forum like this to share recent information!
If travel agents still were as popular as they were in the 80s I'd want to be one myself.
We grew up having a travel agent. My parents raised us during the time that everyone had a minister, insurance agent, accountant and a travel agent.
You knew them by name and knew their families. They were a part of your family. Now we are do the internet for everything....but the upside is having a forum like this to share recent information!
Sep 14th, 2006, 01:41 PM
#2
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My family says I get more fun from the actual planning than the trip....
Long ago, my parents had a travel agent plan a trip into Boston..
The ended up in a nice hotel abut it was on the edge of what they then called the "combat zone" They decided not to go out at night except by taxi..one guest had car vandalized!!
They had asked the travel agent about "safety issues" and her only response was to call police dept to inquire about these issues...
Now we just post a question on Fodor's.....
Keep up the good work Fodor posters..and I thank you all for the good info...
Long ago, my parents had a travel agent plan a trip into Boston..
The ended up in a nice hotel abut it was on the edge of what they then called the "combat zone" They decided not to go out at night except by taxi..one guest had car vandalized!!
They had asked the travel agent about "safety issues" and her only response was to call police dept to inquire about these issues...
Now we just post a question on Fodor's.....
Keep up the good work Fodor posters..and I thank you all for the good info...
Sep 14th, 2006, 01:55 PM
#3
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I love planning my trips. I research online, with books, etc. I make lists and schedules, etc. I change these as I find new sights. I study maps so I know where I need to be and how to get there. I even check out the online gift shops at museums, etc. for gift ideas before I go.
I have my next trip pretty much planned - just a few small details to work out. I know what I still need to get for the trip. I know what I will be packing (including clothing). I know how much money I need. I have hotel reservations made (except one - waiting for a better price). I'm watching for the best airline and car rental rate.
When is my trip... well according to my countdown on my office door, I have 335 days until I leave for vacation.
I have my next trip pretty much planned - just a few small details to work out. I know what I still need to get for the trip. I know what I will be packing (including clothing). I know how much money I need. I have hotel reservations made (except one - waiting for a better price). I'm watching for the best airline and car rental rate.
When is my trip... well according to my countdown on my office door, I have 335 days until I leave for vacation.
Sep 14th, 2006, 02:09 PM
#4
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I have to admit I am terrible with the schedule part. I can plan a schedule of "Today we'll hit the musuem then do a walking tour." After that I do not like being too much of a "Scheduler."
I find if I am only in a spot for a few days I keep the days open more so than when there for a week. Anyone else?
I find if I am only in a spot for a few days I keep the days open more so than when there for a week. Anyone else?
Sep 14th, 2006, 02:15 PM
#5
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I love doing research for trips that we will be taking, and trips that we may take in the near future. It is so easy to get information on the internet. I am frequently the source of ideas, websites for others. I enjoy the pursuit of good deals. The only downside, if it is a downside, is that I spend a lot of time on line, at the cost of some of my other hobbies, i.e reading, watching tv, etc. But I am hooked!
Sep 14th, 2006, 02:27 PM
#6
I love to travel but only "plan" the basics. I get my plane reservations, and a hotel reservation ahead and make sure my paperwork and finances are in order.
Everything else I wait and figure out after I arrive (Europe, Mexico, Hawaii...)
Everything else I wait and figure out after I arrive (Europe, Mexico, Hawaii...)
Sep 14th, 2006, 02:57 PM
#7
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I also love planning trips. In fact I've also planned trips for friends based on places I've been. For me, trip planning is enjoyable because it's a natural extension of curiosity about other places and people. I spend some time researching hotels and the necessities but much more time learning about the place.
Sep 14th, 2006, 04:23 PM
#10
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One place I researched that I need to still go is Tuscany. I thought we were going. Bought books. Found villas. On and on. Then we didn't go with the group we were suppose to. Grrrrrrr
Sep 14th, 2006, 08:47 PM
#11
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Yeah, I like planning. For me it is a way of extending the actual trip...like you are already enjoying the city before you leave and I think it enriches the experience. I can think of so many times that if I had not checked things out beforehand, we would have missed some of the most memorable parts! Sometimes I worry that I am setting myself up to be disappointed when we get there because I have built it up so much, but it never happens.
Sep 15th, 2006, 12:37 AM
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"obsessed" (above) a good way of putting it! In the thick throes of planning for major trips (i.e., paris/amsterdam/brugges), I've been known to spend as much as 11-12 hours straight with my tush planted right here, investigating/learning/planning!
every so often, i get resentful that i do all the planning and the spouse...none. then, i realize how much it is part of my control freak nature (and that's why no TA ever), and just learn to accept it.
one of the best words in the language....getawaaaaaaaaaay!!
every so often, i get resentful that i do all the planning and the spouse...none. then, i realize how much it is part of my control freak nature (and that's why no TA ever), and just learn to accept it.
one of the best words in the language....getawaaaaaaaaaay!!
