A closeup of a little girl at The Oceanside, a Coast Hotel

Simple Tips to Help You Travel More in 2019

09/01/2019

The holiday season is behind us and it’s the start of a new year. Gifts have been unwrapped, leftovers are eaten, the decorations are in a box, and you've set some goals to look forward to in 2019. One of the most common resolutions on people’s list is to travel more. It’s no news that traveling can boost your health and wellbeing. Exploring a new place can do wonders and can enrich our lives by opening our eyes to new experiences and discoveries. Travel also helps us to appreciate what we have at home. If your New Year’s resolution is to travel more in 2019, then we have some tips on how you can reach that goal!

Do Your Homework

Ah yes, the work part of your trip. First, you need to know where you want to go. Go ahead and select a few locations that interest you. Next, find out what there is to do and see in each destination. Do you want to eat your way through the city? Shop ‘til you drop? Visit all the museums? Or try an exhilarating sport? Whatever is on your agenda, learning about the places you’re going is a great motivator for you to plan that trip. Then, after you’ve got an idea of how much your itinerary, travel, and accommodations will cost, see which of your choices fit into your budget.

someone with a pen over a map planning a vacation

The Weekender

We can't all pick up and jet set off to some exotic locale. In the meantime, you can still keep your promise to travel more by getting in the car and driving. Perhaps it’s the next town over or maybe a friend's cottage. Maximize your weekends by exploring nearby cities and planning several mini getawaysーyou’ll be amazed by the local gems you’ll discover. Wherever it is, a weekend getaway can be just as memorable and it’ll help you feel refreshed. Plus, you don’t have to worry about leaving the country or getting on a plane.

a couple in a car on vacation

The Staycation

There's no place like home, but don't think you need to stay indoors. A staycation is about rediscovering what's great in your own backyard. There must be something in your area that you never got around to trying. Think about those hiking spots, museums, or activities on your to-do list. Perhaps it's as simple as a night in the city and staying at a hotel or a self-guided photography tour of your favourite places. You may surprise yourself with just how fun a staycation can be. It can be spent with loved ones or a solo outing to recharge.

woman sitting in front of water

A Trip Down Memory Lane

Nostalgia is a twinge in your heart, a longing for what was, and it sparks a flurry of happy memories. Planning a trip to places of significance in your life can be very worthwhile. Visit the places where you were a child, like old schools, towns, and places where life-changing events happened. Going back to an old favourite can be so fulfilling whether it was a big or small life moment.

a parent holding their kids' hands at the beach during sunset

Exit Your Comfort Zone

It's fun to travel with friends and family. However, there are times when a vacation can lack spontaneity. So why not try breaking out on your own and shake up your travel style? A solo vacation can be even more rewarding. You may meet a new companion, find your passion completely by accident, and most importantly, learn something about yourself. Go where you want, when you want. Sounds good, doesn't it?

woman sitting on suitcase in the road

Money Matters

Whether you plan on crossing the globe or trotting about your hometown, you won't get very far without some cash. We all know about saving techniques, but for this special purpose, you may want to create a separate savings account just for travelling. Set aside an amount that gets transferred into it monthly, and with automatic deposits, you can just set it and forget it. Also, cut out that second latte and avoid eating out as often to save some money. When the time comes to go on a trip, you will feel like you've won the lottery!

Sweet Deals & Where to Stay

Lastly, be on the lookout for deals of any kind, and leave room for flexibility within your plans. Go off-season to take advantage of special deals offered by hotels and airlines, which also means there will be fewer tourists. It’s a win-win. For accommodations, look for promotional offers or added value. Coast Hotels, for example, offers bonus add-ons like pre-paid gas cards, free breakfasts, or gift vouchers to local shops and merchants when you book a stay.

Coast Hotels locations have great amenities and services to complement your travel plans, including free Wi-Fi, triple-sheet bedding, warm hospitality, and some incredible destinations. Book Your Stay at a Coast Hotels location, today!