Travel Tips For Families, Couples and Solo Travellers

With reading week and March Break approaching, not to mention a universal desire to escape the cold, many Canadians will be travelling in the coming months. And the dynamics of these travellers will vary. From families to couples to solo travellers, all kinds of people at different stages of their lives will be hitting the roads, seas and skies.

Here's how to make your trip the best it can be no matter how—or with whom—you travel.

Tips for solo travellers

• Pack an open mind. You never know who you'll meet on your travels and your plans may change as a result
• Bring a journal. Solo travel is one of the best ways to discover your self and your passions. Record your thoughts so you can reflect later
• We aware of the "single supplement" fees some tour operators, resorts and cruise lines charge to make up for the fact there isn't a second guest. These fees range from 10 to 100 per cent of the total trip cost. Sometimes this is waived if you agree to be matched with a partner
• Aggregator sites can help lower costs when booking hotels and flights together
• Look into group travel organizations to meet up with like-minded independent travellers
• Book last minute to receive substantial discounts
• If you're on a budget, consider hostels, which charge by the bed instead of the room. Or, check out neighbouring university campuses to see if you can stay in a single dormitory for less than the cost of a hotel or hostel.
• Always do your due diligence to ensure your amenities are safe and secure
• Related Read: Top 10 Travel Safety Tips For Women (applies to all solo travellers)

Tips for couples

• Travelling in twos is typically cheaper per person than travelling solo
• If you're looking to travel on the cheap, last minute deals can be the way to go as long as you're flexible and willing to compromise on a destination
• Communicate and plan your trip together
• If you're going on a trip with your significant other, make time for romance, enjoy your surroundings and do something fun together
• At the same time, spending that much time together can be daunting on couples, friends and family alike, so take some time apart to enjoy activities independently
• Sometimes things don't go according to plan. Maintain a sense of humour and have a backup plan just in case, or go with the flow and appreciate the unexpected. This is where some of the best stories are made
• Try something new. Nothing says bonding like new experiences together
• Related Read: 10 Vacation Activities That Will Void Your Travel Insurance

Tips for families

• Find something the whole family can enjoy—from walking tours to resort activities, a well-rounded trip should have something for everyone. Let each member of the family choose one activity, thus ensuring each person has something to look forward to

• Have the entire family weigh in on a destination. Where does everyone want to go and why? This will make it feel more like a group effort
• Encourage everyone to take pictures—either with a disposable camera or a family one. It's a neat way to snapshot everyone's unique perspectives on the journey, not to mention a great souvenir
• Be easy-going. When you're travelling with a family, it's hard to stick to an itinerary, especially when there are other factors at stake such as weather and fussy children. Flexibility is the key to eliminating frustration
• Budget extra money for surprises. You don't always know what a destination has to offer until you get there
• Related Read: Are We There Yet? Tips When Travelling With Children

No matter if you're travelling solo, with a partner, or with your family, always remember to purchase travel insurance anytime you're leaving the country.  Depending on your coverage, this will protect you in the event of a medical emergency, a trip cancellation, or lost luggage.