TIP OF THE WEEK "RESEARCH"

Part one of three

Everything can be said about "research and preparation" for a good safe and fun adventure. Of course there are the basics. Why are you going, where to go and when to go? As simple as these basics seem I can tell you tons of stories about those who didn't lift a finger to learn anything about the place they were going both domestically and internationally. WHY ARE YOU GOING seems simple enough but a lot deeper than most think. Consider these options: is the trip a weekend getaway, business, vacation, escape from trouble, get my fuck on or my friends said I should check it out.

Why these all seem the same to the novice, the savvy traveler understands how a successful trip is impacted differently by these circumstances. On weekends I sneak away for a "get my fuck on" that is just what it is, I am not focused on seeing a lot of friends and hanging out. I am concentrated on getting in the city solo, finding the right one and getting my swerve on -strictly. No Souvenirs, one lightly packed bag, no explanations and the cheapest ticket as possible.

When I go "on vacation" I lay out at the beach, party and the bars and sip on beer at the local people watching spots. I may or may not get my swerve on and I bring souvenirs back. The cost of the ticket can range from low to moderate because I have certain dates and times in mind.

THE POINT! Be clear and honest about "What Success will look like at the end of the trip for you?" If you want to have a successful "get your fuck on" and you like it dark or toasted why the hell would you got to Moscow. The Snow capital of the world. Ask around , use the web, checkout the travel sites and research if the destination is going to offer what you are looking for.

Successful trips require thoughtful consideration on budget and local currency. I once met a brother in Santo Domingo who was the biggest pain in the ass and wanted to know why people didn't want to be around him. "Simply" he was on a trip he could not afford. The one time we went out to eat as a group, he complained about where we ate because of the prices, he ordered the cheapest & smallest dish on the menu and then ate off of everyone else's plate. He had the audacity to pull out coins to pay his bill and complained after we expected him to contribute to the tip. Everyone knows how much money they have before they buy their ticket so why go someplace that you can not have a comfortable & affordable time. Plan your activities accordingly. If you go with friends it is a fact that you will be in a situation to be offered a drink or meal and you should plan on being able to offer one in turn. Food cost are relative to the food experience if you plan on eating deli meat, bread and water you entire trip do not put yourself in situations with people who have budgeted for restaurants and 1 or 2 fine dinning events. There are numerous blogs that give real time updates and budgeting tips on every thing from the cost of hookers to the price of a local brew. Do your research.

Recently two young brothers (want to be high rollers) raised all hell with a friend (a hotel manager) because they thought they were getting a five star palatial hotel suite for $70.00 USD a night. "It is not what I expected" well asshole just what were you expecting because you made your reservation online where there are numerous pictures showing exactly what the rooms look like and all of the pertinent information. $70.00 USD is what it is and what it is not is a suite at the Waldorf.

THE POINT! Do your research, look at the pictures on the websites, check with other people or friends who have stayed there. Be sure you understand what lodging means in other cultures. Most of the Caribbean, Europe and Africa have a concept known as apart-hotels that are basically small efficiency apartments that are rented out as budget to moderate level hotel options. There are the traditional hotels that Americans are accustomed to but you need to realize you are looking for this option when booking your selection. Each has its advantages but most notably are the cost, amenities and status is more important than budget and cultural experience then choose the hotel option. If you want to experience living in a local neighborhood, preparing some of your own meals and you don't need 24 hour room service then consider apart-hotels they are safe, clean and very economical. It is also important for the novice to check on different websites several times beginning 2 weeks before leaving on your trip to get an impression of how the exchange rate is trending so you will have an idea how far your money may go. Pay for as many things before hand as possible. It is much easier to make claims or get credits for services that you paid for from the states than it is actually in a foreign country if a problems should arise. Want to practice, select a place you have never been but would like to go and try to answer these basic questions: Why do you want to go there? When are the high and low seasons? Which airline is the main service provider for the destination? What is the currency and how does it compare to USD (united states dollars).