How Big Guy Big World Plans for Activities
May 31, 2021
The biggest, most stressful part of planning a trip is researching the activities, tours, and excursions. Other than booking flights and hotels, activity planning can be a very time-consuming part of travel planning. Not only do you have to research each location, but you also have to read reviews, book tickets, and map out directions.
Although in the end, it’s all worth it, in the moment it can be super overwhelming. I usually follow a three-step process to booking and planning activities. Research, reviews, and book. However, you may be wondering how I find the activities first. Well, let me break it down for you on how I find the best activities in each location.
Locals
One of the best ways to find unique activities and excursions is actually through speaking with the locals. Who better to ask than the people who live there every day? They usually have a lot of great suggestions of places that maybe not a lot of tourists know about. They give us all the ins and outs of the city, and all the best places to see at the best times. I know you’re not able to plan ahead of time because you’re not able to talk to locals until you’re actually there, but once you get there, I would highly recommend reaching out. They will most likely give you recommendations that you aren’t able to find on Google. This is actually one of my favorite ways to explore each city.
Research
Of course, the most popular way to find activities in each location is through a quick, easy Google search. I feel like Google knows all, which is helpful when travel planning. Simply typing in “what are the best places to visit in (fill in the blank),” is the most efficient way to see the most popular attractions and activities in the city or country. In addition, Google will give you addresses, phone numbers, and the direct websites of the attractions you’d like to visit. This is super helpful as you plan your vacation because you’re just a click away from being able to book your tickets online. I really like Google because you can get feedback from the actual website, other travel bloggers, and other sources. That’s how I found this amazing hotel we stayed at in Dubai called The Underwater Suite in Atlantis, which was amazing.
Online Reviews
Online reviews can be super helpful because they are non-bias, and sometimes, brutally honest. However, that’s what you want when you’re researching for your vacation. Before you spend a lot of money on tickets, it’s important to skim through reviews to see how others felt about the experience. Usually, the most popular attractions have 4 to five stars, but be on the lookout for bad reviews, as this might lead to a hiccup in your trip. Although other’s reviews are completely subjective, keep in mind you should go off of the majority. Don’t let just a couple of bad reviews stray you from the attraction.
As I travel the world, I have gotten into a routine when it comes to planning for activities. These three tips and tricks above have helped me find the most amazing, fun locations to visit within each city. Travel planning can be time-consuming and overwhelming, but it’s all worth it in the end when you’re enjoying a relaxing, fun vacation with your loved ones. Thank you for following along with me at Big Guy Big World. I hope this post was helpful for you as you map out and plan for your next dream vacation.
More from
Big Guy Big World: Bahamas Adventure
April 18, 2025
Welcome to paradise! Our Big Guy Big World Bahamas Adventure began in Nassau, the vibrant capital city. Pastel-colored colonial buildings in Parliament Square set the scene for a day full of island charm. From there, we wandered through Bay Street, buzzing with duty-free shops, street vendors, and the lively rhythm of Bahamian life. Eventually, we…
Colombia Caribbean Travel Guide: Mud, Magic, and Coastal Vibes
April 12, 2025
This Colombia Caribbean travel guide is packed with adventure, culture, and tropical magic. During our Big Guy Big World journey along Colombia’s northern coast, we floated in volcanic mud, sailed the Caribbean Sea, and explored Cartagena’s rich history. Every moment reminded us why Colombia belongs on every traveler’s bucket list. Luxury in Cartagena: Art, Elegance,…
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Feel the Rhythm of the City
March 2, 2025
There’s a pulse to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil that you feel the moment you arrive. It vibrates through the echo of drums from a nearby samba school, drifts in the scent of grilled cheese from beach carts, and rolls through the hills stretching between forest and sea. Rather than observing from the outside, we were…
Dubai: Exploring the Beauty and Luxe of the City
February 25, 2025
Our latest journey took us to the City of Dubai, a metropolis where futuristic skylines meet desert blooms, and luxury lives around every corner. From iconic resorts and underwater suites to sky-high landmarks and floral wonderlands, Dubai is a destination that constantly surprises, delights, and redefines what travel can be. A Stay Like No Other:…
An Epic Trip to Egypt
February 21, 2025
Standing in the Shadow of the Pyramids No photo or textbook can prepare you for the moment you stand before the Great Pyramid of Khufu. Towering above the golden desert, it’s a surreal reminder of the ingenuity of ancient Egypt. We explored the Giza Plateau, where the three main pyramids—Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure—stand proudly as…
Big Guy Big World Explores Peru: A Journey Through Incan History
January 31, 2025
Peru, a country rich in history, beautiful landscapes, and rich culture. It is home to one of the world’s greatest wonders—Machu Picchu. This ancient Incan city, perched high in the Andes Mountains, has long captivated travelers, historians, and adventurers alike. For me, this journey was all about stepping into the past, exploring Cusco, and meeting…
Chile: From the Colorful Streets of Valparaíso to the Rapids of Maipo
January 15, 2025
Our journey through Chile was an unforgettable blend of culture, history, fine wine, and high-adrenaline adventure. Few countries offer such diversity in experience, and in just a few days, we explored its coastal cities, tasted world-class wine in the Casablanca Valley, and rode the roaring waters of the Maipo River in the Andes foothills. Here’s…
Touching Down on the White Continent: Antarctica
January 11, 2025
Our adventure to the bottom of the world began in Chile. After landing in the southern city of Punta Arenas, we got our first taste of life near the edge of the Earth. Known as the gateway to Antarctica, Punta Arenas is perched on the Strait of Magellan and serves as a launch point for…
Inside Sydney’s Crown Jewel
December 22, 2024
Sydney is a city filled with iconic landmarks, stunning harbors, and top-tier luxury, but nothing caught my eye quite like the Crown Sydney—an enormous, gleaming glass skyscraper that stands out against the skyline. It looks like something straight out of a sci-fi movie… or, let’s be honest, a giant, sparkly dildo in the middle of…
Sydney, Australia: A City That Feels Like a Giant Postcard
Sydney, Australia, is not just beautiful—it’s a whole vibe. The city is packed with great landmarks, stunning landscapes, and a buzzing atmosphere. If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into a real-life postcard, this is it. Iconic Places You Can’t Miss Sydney is full of must-see spots. Here are some of the top places we explored:…
Landing in Sydney and Wildlife Encounters
December 21, 2024
From Time Zones to Travel Goals When we landed in Sydney, Australia, we had already crossed three different time zones in less than a week. Sleep? Who needs it when you can travel the world like a jet-setting pro? Our journey had taken us from the US to South Korea, then to Indonesia, and now,…
A Wild Adventure in Jakarta, Indonesia
December 19, 2024
Jakarta is a city of nonstop energy, towering skyscrapers, and vibrant street life, yet just outside its bustling core lies an entirely different world—one filled with roaring lions, towering giraffes, and massive elephants. Our trip to Taman Safari Indonesia was a thrill ride from start to finish, complete with a police escort, a touching roadside…
Jakarta: Our Stay at the Grand Hyatt Presidential Suite
During our Big Guy Big World adventures, we’ve had the opportunity to stay in some of the world’s most incredible hotels. But our experience at the Grand Hyatt Jakarta was on a whole new level. From the stunning Presidential Suite to the unparalleled service, this stay in the heart of Indonesia’s bustling capital was truly…
Share This Post
Big Guy Big World is a travel blog, following Mark Jacoby’s journey as a big guy on a bigger journey, exploring the world during a global pandemic. Follow along as we experience some of the world’s most beautiful and exotic places.