The Best Tips to Plan a Trip
Personally, I love daydreaming about my trip around the world. Visiting new places (or familiar ones) is something I would love to do most of the time. However, planning a trip can be extremely stressful – even if you are used to planning trips, it sometimes is quite tiring to do so. Here are my 10 tips on how to plan a trip and have a great vacation without all the hustle.
1) Decide on your Budget
Most of us have to budget when traveling. So, unless you don’t, be aware of your budget. The reason why I mention it first is that the budget is important when it comes to planning a trip.
If you live in the US and have about $800, a trip to Switzerland would not be the best choice. So, knowing your budget and sticking to it, is important. It doesn’t help to find a destination that is totally expensive and you get overly excited…and later notice that your budget isn’t high enough.
2) When to Travel and Picking a Destination
If you are flexible and don’t have to stick to schedules or holidays (as a teacher, I am and it can be frustrating) then you should pick a time that isn’t the most expensive to travel to.
For example, around Christmas and New Year´s Eve tends to be expensive – regardless of the destination. July and August are more expensive and busy in many European destinations e.g. – so if you are flexible try to book your trip in May or September instead (so definitely check out if there are big events at the time).
Check if there are any events that you are NOT interested in. Those events (fashion weeks, or music events) make the destinations even busier and more expensive. So, this way you can also find places you can cross off your list.
How to find a great destination? If you have been dreaming about certain places to visit – visit them. If you aren’t sure, then stroll the Instagram feed, or check Pinterest and Google and list all possible ideas. Check out the pros and cons for the time of your visit and reduce the options until you have found one.
If you have a tight budget make sure to also check prices for food and tours (and not only flights and hotels) to see if it is worth the money.
Also, read about basic do´s and don´ts – so don’t experience any negative surprises when you arrive at the destination. Basic research should be done before booking and taking the next steps.
3) Book Flights / Train etc.
If you go overseas, book the flights first. Once you have the exact times and flight dates confirmed, you can start with the next steps of travel planning.
4) Book Accommodation
Booking hotels is the next step. Now, that you have your exact dates and are well aware of your budget you can check what kind of accommodation you can afford.
But it is not only about the category of the hotel. Also check the location of it, services, etc.
5) Plan Itinerary / Do More Intense Research
If you go on a weekend trip, I recommend making an itinerary and booking trips in advance. Find out about the places that you want to visit very badly and the activities you want to do the most. What restaurants do you want to visit?
If you go on a trip for more than five or six tips, my tip is to make an itinerary but give yourself some time for spontaneous activities or time to relax.
Okay, if you plan to just spend your time at the beach, you will have enough relaxation time, but if you do a city trip, then don’t underestimate how tiring it can be. Weather can be bad and you can´t do a picnic in the park as planned – if you have some free time you can always plan a bit around and are eventually less stressed.
So be realistic and don’t be too ambitious.
6) Pack Smart
Make sure to pack smart – pack what you need and leave at home what you don’t need. Click here to find my perfect carry-on packing list.
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I hope this post helps you to plan your next trip! Safe travels.