Flatio Interview Series

In today’s post, we share an interview with Daniela Plecháčková, a Help Desk Manager from the Czech Republic. Daniela will talk about her feelings, expectations and experiences when planning a trip.

Flatio: Hi Daniela, do you have any travels coming up?

Daniela: I am going to Lisbon in Portugal for two weeks to work with my fantastic colleague on a project we lead together.

Flatio: How do you usually plan your trips? What’s the first thing you worry about when you have a journey that will be a bit longer than your usual short vacation?

Daniela: I am actually a big organiser, so first, I write down everything that needs to be done before going on a trip and then plan when I’m going to do all of them. I always start with booking flights and accommodation. During the coronavirus, I also looked up all the restrictions and rules I needed to follow to travel to the destination.

Flatio: What kind of service or information do you miss the most when preparing for a trip and why?

Daniela: In the case of accommodation, I usually miss the information if there are towels and bedsheets for me to use in the place I rent. This was the first time I booked an apartment through Flatio, and I was delighted that this was clearly stated in the advertisement.

Flatio: What are your guidelines for finding the perfect accommodation for your trip?

Daniela: I usually travel alone, so I’m searching for accommodation that suits me the best. The location is the most important to me. I prefer staying by the beach or near a park, and when I have just a few days to spend in the city, I always want to stay near the city centre, so I have excellent access everywhere and don’t miss out on the most exciting places. After choosing the location, I look for the most beautiful apartments in the area that suit my budget, and I always prefer the places with a washing machine so I wouldn’t need to bring so many clothes with me.

Flatio: Once flights and accommodation are sorted, what’s the next thing on your mind

Daniela: My biggest worry is always how much money I should bring with me, so I also research the standard rates for grocery shopping and eating in restaurants in the specific city, entrance fees for the places I would like to visit etc. That helps me estimate the amount, and I always bring a little extra just in case. After that, I exchange the currency and start packing!

Flatio: Once you arrive at your destination and check in on your accommodation, what are the things you appreciate the most about and what could upset you

Daniela: I always appreciate it when the accommodation is as described. It is very upsetting when some things are missing, i.e. some essential equipment or services that were supposed to be included, and I have to deal with this on my own.

Flatio: What is super important to you during your stay regarding activities, facilities, culture, etc.?

Daniela: I usually don’t have many requirements regarding this. However, it is always nice if there is an event I could join nearby. I especially enjoy farmer’s markets, fairs and concerts.

Flatio: Did COVID-19 change how you choose destinations and accommodation for your trips?

Daniela: Unfortunately, yes, covid did influence my preferences regarding the destinations. I am simply trying to avoid the countries with the most significant risk, so when I need to choose between 2 destinations, I always prefer the one in a better state. Also, during this time, I like to book a whole apartment rather than just one room to avoid any unnecessary contact with other people.

Flatio: Can you please share a positive and negative experience on a recent trip you did?

Daniela: What I find most positive about my last trip is that I had a fantastic time during my stay thanks to a local friend who showed me around - not just the usual tourist attractions, but the hidden beauty of the area. I also learned a lot about the culture and history of the country from his very own experience, which was truly interesting. There was just one negative aspect. I was accommodated in a shared apartment with about ten other people, and even though we got along extremely well and they were just great people, the nights were rough for me. Some of them stayed up very late, some of them woke up early, and unfortunately, I could hear every sound from the other rooms, so I didn’t get much sleep during my stay.

Flatio: Based on your experiences so far, what advice would you give for people planning a trip in conditions similar to yours?

Daniela: First of all, don’t hesitate to go. Even during the coronavirus era, it is not that difficult to travel, and it is also very safe if you take all precautions. Secondly, always get the plane/train/bus tickets beforehand and get to the airport/station. Also, don’t be afraid to talk to strangers to ask for directions or even for any recommendations. That’s how I ended up in the right places, and everybody was always very friendly to me and eager to help. And if you don’t know where to go yet, I thoroughly recommend Spain or Portugal - that’s where I met the sweetest people ever. :)