People often ask me for opinions or recommendations when it comes to travelling. This can sometimes be the most difficult question to answer, because it will always depend on what you like and what you would want to do.

I’m not really one for hiking for example. When people ask me what to do in certain places, I can mention hiking trails if I’m aware of them but I’ve no idea if they’re good. Having said this, there are five pieces of advice that I can share which will help make your trip a magical one, whatever type of trip:

• Plan, plan, plan but don’t overdo it. If I’m going to spend money on a trip and explore a destination, I want to make the most of it. I don’t want to come back  and have someone ask me if I saw that magnificent site/ate at that incredible restaurant/did that awesome thing and admit I had no idea it existed.
  But at the same time, I do allow myself to just wander around and see what happens. Serendipity can be a wonderful thing.

• Research – but don’t trust everything you read online. Sometimes you just can’t  tell if people gush about a destination because they’re paid to or because they genuinely like it. I am very picky when it comes to what other people recommend but when I find a good suggestion, I use Evernote to store clippings from web sites and articles. I then have an electronic notebook full of suggestions I can rely on when I travel.

I’ve also outlined tips on how to book cheap flights.

• Be realistic. When you’re still at home, it’s easy to think you will be the ultimate cultured person and visit all the museums and galleries in a city. When you’re there, with the sea air in your nostrils and the colours around you, museums will be the last thing on your mind. Plan to visit one or two but plan to tackle other activities as well.

• Keep an eye on frequent flyer miles and their opportunities. I have bought award tickets on British Airways, American Airlines, Lufthansa, Delta and AirMalta but sometimes your miles can go further. AirMalta recently had a sale offering award tickets for half the usual amount of miles you’d need. Lufthansa sometimes offer short-haul tickets at half-price if you book precisely two weeks before your trip.
• Don’t forget the little details. Sure, the hotel with a beach front property looks like a steal at that price but when you have to pay extra for basic amenities like towels, wi-fi and breakfast the price won’t be so good. And pre-booking a taxi can be cheaper than hitting the ranks outside the airport.

Keep these little tips in mind and whatever happens, make the most of your trip!