Once you have settled on your destination, your next step is to plan when to visit. This is where you need to consider the best season to travel in carefully.

First, consider the influence of climate and weather. Are you thinking of skiing in Whistler? Then going at the end or the start of the year is the best choice. Dreaming of sipping on a glass of wine or two at the vineyards in Perth? The best time to visit is between September and November. 

Next, consider the local vacation periods and whether you’d like to mingle with the locals or avoid the crowd. If you wish to explore multicultural Singapore in peace and quiet, it is best to avoid the June and December school holidays. Check out the peak periods to avoid and zoom in on the best period for your trip.

Now that you have picked your destination and settled the travel period and duration of your trip, it is time to move on to accommodations. Booking accommodations early may be cheaper; be prepared for a surge in prices closer to your travel dates. The few questions you need to ask yourself are:

Do you prefer to stay in a hotel where daily amenities are provided daily, or prefer a serviced apartment where you can have your own kitchen to cook in?

• Is a good location near the main attractions the top priority, or would you rather stay somewhere quiet?

• If public transport networks (trains and buses) are important, consider picking a location that is easily accessible.

• Think about how much time you plan to spend outside or inside your accommodation during the trip. Do you simply need a room to sleep and shower in? Or would you like to be pampered with the full works?

• Consider if your fellow traveller’s needs are taken care of. If you are travelling with pets, think about booking pet-friendly accommodation. 

Once you know what you want, it is easier than to search for overseas accommodation that fits your criteria. Shortlist a few places and read their reviews before you decide.

Pan Pacific’s lineup of luxury hotels and service apartments worldwide is conveniently located near main attractions and transportation hubs. Well appointed with amenities that bring you comfort, our properties pay special attention to health and hygiene considerations in a post-Covid age. Our cleaning and disinfecting protocols for guest rooms and dining establishments are strict, ensuring a clean and safe environment for all guests. 

While some airports offer a robust public transportation system, others do not. It is crucial to find out how to get to your accommodation from the airport; the last thing you want is to wander around with your luggage to figure out how to get there. 

Ask the hotel before your visit if they offer airport transfers. If they do not, check Google Maps on the different ways to get there from the airport. It may seem like a small thing now, but knowing how to travel to your accommodation starts your trip on a stress-free note.

How will you get around your destination city on your trip? Research all the available options before you arrive. In particular, check on the following:

• Public Transportation Networks: Are there good public transportation options like buses and trains at your destination? What are they, and how do they work? If you are staying for more than one week, is it worth it to get a concession pass? 

• Getting Around On Foot or Wheels: Is it possible to visit all the different places you wish to visit by walking? Or maybe you can rent a bicycle? Many cities offer bike share systems, and this may be a welcoming option to get around. 

• Distance From Accommodation: Are the attractions you intend to visit close to or far from your accommodation? Is renting a car a better way to get around in cities that are sprawled out?

• Taxis and Cabs: Are the local taxis reliable and trustworthy? How much should you expect to pay? It is useful to check online for rates if they are available. 

• Ride Hailing Services: What are the ride-hailing services available at the destination you are visiting? For instance, in Singapore, Grab and Gojek are popular, while in the US, Uber and Lyft are the most common. Download these apps before your visit. 

Google Maps is an excellent tool for finding out what is available at your chosen destination. In addition, doing a Google Search for “how to get around in [insert your destination]” should get you the answers. 

Make a list of all the places that you would like to visit. Then search online for opening times and days, and find the peak periods to avoid. Once these are done, put them into your holiday itinerary.

Do also find out if there is a need for any booking of popular places. Once that is sorted, plan around these “booked” activities, but leave some time for spontaneous exploration. 

One of the joys of visiting new places is trying local food or hanging out at popular cafes. Great dining experiences can elevate the overall enjoyment of your holiday. 

Read up on food blogs on where to go. Reviews on Google Maps are also helpful in recommending great places to eat. Research a handful of great restaurants to visit, and leave room to get recommendations from locals. 

Do you need a visa to travel to your destination? Some countries may not require a visa but not all, and it is prudent to double-check. If you are unsure, check directly with the embassy in your country. For certain destinations like the US and Korea, you may need to get approval on their Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) prior to getting onboard your plane.

Covid travel restrictions may have eased, but to err on the side of caution, check out our Essential Post-Covid Travel Checklist to help in your planning. 

Before you do the actual packing, make a list of items to pack, so you will know what you need to prepare. If you are going to Whistler in December, ask yourself if you need to get new winter wear or appropriate shoes. If you are going on a beach holiday, pack sunscreen and beachwear. If it is a major shopping holiday, consider if your travel luggage can accommodate your new purchases. 

Do also consider if the destinations require mask wearing in select places. If they do, make sure you have all this on a list to prepare when you do the packing. 

Once you have all these points down, you will find your trip planning a breeze. Happy travels!