How to Plan the Perfect Day Abroad

Anybody can pay money to join a guided tour, but nothing beats the freedom and satisfaction of planning your own day abroad. Just say no to fixed schedules, bickering couples and tedious group dynamics, and hello to unfettered delight as you reap the rewards of a day designed expressly for you and yours.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Research, research, research. Long before you leave, scour your guidebooks and travel Web sites to find activities, dining destinations and places of exploration that interest you. Online travel community groups such as Frommers.com, Fodors.com and LonelyPlanet.com are excellent sources of "been there, done that" information on thousands of destinations. Check your newspaper's travel section for reader's suggestions; or read online newspapers in your destination country for insider tips.
2. Make a wish list that includes everything you'd like to see and do on your trip. Plot your ideas on a good map, and then break them down into day trips. Keep your group's stamina and style in mind (love to wander through local markets, hate the train, must be able to shop). See 427 Plan a Trip With Aging Parents.
3. Hire a driver for the entire day if the places you want to visit are more than walking distance apart, or you're traveling with people for whom getting around is difficult. In Bangkok, for example, hire your own private tuk-tuk (a sort of oversize three-wheeled golf cart); the driver often doubles as a guide.
4. Stop by the tourist office or ask the hotel concierge for additional maps, guides and advice. Ask about current or ongoing festivals and fairs, art exhibits, cultural performances and special events. They may also offer discounts and tips on getting around.
5. Always ask the locals for travel advice whenever an opportunity presents itself and discover hidden gems you might never have known about. Sometimes the best question to ask is "What's your favorite thing to do?"

Tips & Warnings

• See 422 Pack a Day Bag, 431 Travel Abroad, 418 Prepare an Itinerary and 405 Plan a Trip.
• If your hotel doesn't offer concierge services, pop into one that does for a little advice on the sly.
• Check with professional organizations for tips on your destination. They can help you plan a day if your passion is architecture, local flora, antiquarian books and so on. See 432 Plan a Vacation for Wildly Different People.
• The biggest mistake travelers make is cramming too much into a single day. Allow yourself enough time to explore without rushing.
• One small blister can ruin your entire vacation, so break in your walking shoes well in advance for a more enjoyable adventure.