Planning a trip can feel overwhelming. Figuring out flights, where to stay, what to do, when to go – it can seem like an impossible task to get to a place you’ve never been. Especially if you’re not used to traveling! That’s why I created this travel planning guide, broken down into sections to help you plan the vacation of your dreams.
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Keep in mind as you go through the sections that it’s all connected, and it’s all relative. For example, there is a huge difference when we go away as a couple as opposed to when we bring the kids.
Our couple’s trips are much shorter, and typically more adventurous by design. Our family trips are longer, and more geared towards activities the kids will enjoy.
So, some of the following sections of our travel planning guide will be decided almost simultaneously, as you begin to narrow down your options.
Easy Travel Planning Guide Step 1 – Start With The Basics
Who Is Going?
First and foremost you have to figure out who is going on this trip. Is it just you? How about you and your significant other? A big group of friends? A couples only getaway? A family vacation? The people that are going will strongly impact the rest of the details of the trip.
You wouldn’t bother looking into romantic adults only resorts if it’s a big group of friends looking for a party, or looking into a party city known for its extreme activities for a family vacation with young kids.
If the people going on the trip are beach bodies, you wouldn’t necessarily start looking into the South Coast of Iceland, but if you are we have your guide to planning that trip too!. Knowing your audience is the most important part of any travel planning!
Pros of Traveling Solo
- Total Freedom – The primary allure of solo travel is the absolute freedom to go wherever you want, whenever you want. Your itinerary is entirely your own.
- Self Discovery – Solo travel is an unparalleled opportunity for self-discovery. You learn more about your preferences, strengths, and resilience when navigating a foreign land alone.
- Tailored Experiences – Your trip, your rules. Craft a vacation that perfectly aligns with your interests and passions without having to consider others’ preferences.
- Budget Control – Managing expenses is more straightforward when you’re the sole decision-maker. You have full control over your budget and spending.
- Flexible Decision Making – No compromises! You have the liberty to make spontaneous decisions without considering the preferences of travel companions.
Cons of Traveling Solo
- Safety Concerns – There’s safety in numbers. Safety becomes a more prominent concern when you’re alone. Staying vigilant and taking extra precautions is crucial, especially in unfamiliar territories.
- Loneliness – One of the most significant challenges of solo travel is the potential for loneliness. Dining alone, exploring sights without shared laughter – it can get emotionally challenging.
- Higher Cost – Accommodations and some activities may be more expensive for solo travelers as many prices are based on double occupancy.
- Handling Challenges Alone – From missed flights to unexpected health issues, facing challenges solo can be more daunting. There’s no one to share the load or brainstorm solutions.
- Decision Fatigue – Being the sole decision-maker can lead to decision fatigue. From choosing restaurants to mapping out daily itineraries, every decision rests on your shoulders and that can be exhausting.
Pros of Traveling With Others
- Shared Experiences – Traveling with companions allows for shared experiences, creating lasting memories that you can reminisce about together. Whether it’s friends, family, kids, or your significant other, traveling together is a great way to build deeper bonds.
- Safety In Numbers – Group travel often provides a sense of security, particularly in unfamiliar or potentially risky situations.
- Cost Savings – Sharing accommodations, transportation, and group discounts can lead to significant cost savings for everyone involved.
- Division of Responsibilities – Tasks like navigation, itinerary planning, and decision-making can be shared among group members, reducing individual stress.
- Built In Support – When challenges arise, having a support system is invaluable. Whether it’s dealing with travel hiccups or offering emotional support, companions can be a source of strength.
Cons of Traveling With Others
- Compromising is Required – Group travel involves compromises, and not everyone may have the same interests or preferences. Consensus is key.
- Less Flexibility – The more people in a group, the more challenging it can be to make impromptu decisions. Flexibility in the itinerary may be limited.
- Potential for Conflict – Spending extended periods with others may lead to conflicts, whether it’s over decision-making, personal space, or differing expectations.
- Less Personal Space – Sharing accommodations means less personal space. Privacy may become a luxury, especially in confined spaces.
- Varying Travel Styles – Individuals may have varying travel styles – some prefer relaxation, while others seek adventure. Aligning everyone’s preferences can be challenging.
What Type Of Trip Is Best?
Now that you know who’s coming on your vacation you can start thinking of what you want the trip to look like in terms of activity level.
Begin thinking about the general feel of the trip, and what the expectations for it are going to be. Ask yourself, “What is the main focus of my trip going to be?” This part of the travel planning guide needs you to figure out your “why”.
Holidays
Are you looking to experience holidays abroad? Or maybe experience the celebration of a holiday you don’t typically get to participate in at home? There are tons of celebrations all over the world, all the time.
If holidays are your thing, you may want to check out Europe in December for the magical Christmas markets. Or you could join in the celebrations of Carnival in Brazil.
Maybe check out Oktoberfest in Germany, or Romania for spooky Halloween celebrations. You even could celebrate the blooming of the beautiful cherry blossoms in Japan during Hanami season.
Educational
I’m a huge fan of educational trips. Before I lose you completely, let me explain. Imagine taking an authentic Mayan cooking class in Mexico. Or the skills you can gain during a pasta making class in Italy. You could learn how to make beautiful festive lanterns in Vietnam, or try your hand at calligraphy in Hong Kong.
Learning doesn’t have to be work. Instead it can wind up being the highlight of your trip, and the key to making memories to last a lifetime.
Imagine the stories you’ll tell your friends about that time in Rwanda when you took that Imigongo painting class. Better yet, imagine the looks on their faces when they find out it’s a traditional art that originally used cow dung!
Adventure
My husband and I are very adventurous, and our trips always tend to have some sort of wild adventure involved.
Your adventure could be taking a helicopter ride into the Grand Canyon, or even taking an active volcano tour in Hawaii. Maybe your adventure is white water rafting in Bali, or experiencing the wonder of the Yukon in winter.
Adventures are found all over the world, from driving exotic race cars in Las Vegas, to hiking glaciers in Iceland, and everything in between. If adventure is what you’re looking for in your next trip, start by figuring out exactly what type of adventure you’re trying to have.
Culture
For culture enthusiasts like us, museums are time machines, festivals are windows into community souls, and every bite of local cuisine is a culinary history lesson.
The feeling you get when you actually immerse yourself in another culture is indescribable. If experiencing different cultures is the type of trip you’re looking for, then start your planning by choosing which culture you want to explore.
Do you want to witness an incredible Maori performance in New Zealand? Or learn the secrets of Sumo culture in Japan? There are so many incredible cultural experiences to be had around the globe!
Relaxing
Picture sinking your toes into the sandy beaches of the Caribbean or sitting along the tranquil countryside of England. A relaxing trip is like hitting life’s pause button, and man do we all need that sometimes.
Whether it’s a spa retreat in California, a yoga escape in India, or a cozy cottage in the mountains, these trips are all about recharging. Watching the gentle sway of palm trees or hearing the quiet hum of nature – that’s the soundtrack of a relaxing getaway.
It’s about finding your zen, embracing calm, and saying, “Hey, let’s slow down for a bit.”
Volunteering
Did you know that there are entire trips you can take while helping out a great cause? It’s true! Not only do you get to experience the wonder of a new place, but you also have the opportunity to make a significant difference in people’s lives.
Got construction skills? Land a hand in building schools. Love kids? Volunteer at a childcare facility. Is conservation your thing? Protect wildlife and help marine life.
There are TONS of volunteer opportunities all around the world. My favorite resources for volunteering abroad are Volunteer HQ, and Go Abroad.
How Long Of A Trip?
Depending on your personal situation, the length of vacation you can take may be determined for you by factors outside of your immediate control. Work schedules, school schedules, important dates or meetings, etc, may all play a part in how long of a trip you can take.
The length of your trip is closely related to the location you choose as well. If you’re looking for a weekend getaway, I highly doubt you’re going to fly all the way around the world to Asia, as the flights alone would eat up all your time.
Conversely, if you have 2 weeks, you very well may want to stray further from your home, or maybe even take the kids on a road trip across the country.
Where Do You Want To Go?
Now that you know who is going, what activity level to plan for, and how long of a trip you can take, you can start narrowing down your location.
Maybe you have a week and would love to see the Caribbean. You can go for a wonderful all-inclusive trip on an island, or perhaps you’d rather take a cruise and visit a bunch of different places.
Are you looking to plan a trip to Europe, and see the Eiffel Tower, Big Ben, and the Leaning Tower of Pisa? Maybe Australia is your goal, for all the surfing, shopping, and dining opportunities there.
Begin to look into various locations and see what catches your eye. Think about your bucket list, and try to match one of the items on that list to a location that lines up with your possible length of stay and activity level.
Every destination has its own vibe – bustling metropolis, serene countryside, or coastal tranquility. Reflect on your preferred atmosphere; it’s the backdrop to your entire journey.
Friendly Advice: Keep in mind that there are also other things you need to do before an international trip. Stopping your mail and exchanging currency are two big things to remember.
What Is Your Budget?
Now obviously budget is going to be a huge factor in your trip. It impacts every aspect from the location, to length of stay, to even who can come on the trip.
You can tweak your vacation details to work for your budget by using our tricks for finding cheap hotels, or driving instead of flying if your schedule allows for it.
If your schedule is flexible, you may even be able to find cheap flights in your location of choice’s off-season. Some locations are significantly cheaper than others, like Thailand for example, and others are much more expensive, like Switzerland. To plan a trip, you must figure out what your budget is, and what exactly will work for you.
Budgeting Wisdom: I learned that setting a daily spending limit helps control expenses. Allocate more budget to experiences that matter most to you, whether it’s a gourmet food tour or a hot air balloon ride.
Easy Travel Planning Guide Step 2 – Dig Deeper
The next section of our travel planning guide is going to encourage you to delve a bit deeper into your desires for your trip. You need to ask yourself quite a few questions before you can really make travel plans.
- What travel documents do I need for vacation?
- What time of year is best for traveling?
- What are the best things to see on this vacation?
- What type of traveler am I?
Travel Documentation
Next in my easy travel planning guide is documentation. Now that you know where you want to go, you need to look into any required documentation for that location.
If you are planning on going anywhere internationally you will need to have a US passport. Many countries require your passport to be valid for 6 months after your trip, so make sure yours isn’t expiring soon.
If you are applying for a new passport or renewing one, keep in mind that you should submit all paperwork at least 3-6 months before your trip to make sure you get your passport back in time.
Some countries also require a visa in order for you to visit. There may be particular vaccines you are required to get, or health documentation you need to provide.
The US Department of State will help you assess exactly what you will need for your destination.
Be fully aware of all required documentation to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
Been There, Done That: Trust me, a thorough check of your travel documents well in advance saves you from last-minute panic and ensures smooth border crossings. Check, and then double-check that you have everything in order. Then, take pictures of all your documents and save them to your phone.
When Do You Want To Go?
Now that you know where you want to go, you need to figure out when you want to go. Different locations have different busy seasons, and of course you can’t forget to take weather into consideration.
Traveling in the off-season may be cheaper than busy season, but the weather may not be ideal. However, if smaller crowds are more important to you than perfect weather, the off-season may be exactly what you want.
Look into holidays and local traditions – those will impact crowds, activities, and even hotel availability. Holiday travel in the States can either be frustrating, or it can wind up being the perfect time to get away.
Seasoned Traveler Advice: Planning my trip to Iceland on the cusp between summer and Northern Lights season was a game-changer. Research the peak times for your destination; it might align with a breathtaking natural spectacle.
What Do You Want To See?
So you know where you want to go, great! Now start compiling a list of the things you would like to see while you are there.
Are you going to Mexico and can’t wait to see Chichén Itzá? Is Canada your destination of choice and you’re dying to see Niagara Falls?
Maybe you’re going to St. Lucia and can’t wait to see the world famous Pitons, the colorful Diamond Falls, or take a luxurious mud bath at Sulphur Springs.
When planning a trip, research all the famous and not-so-well-known sights where you’re going and start ordering them by priority.
It’s extremely helpful to pin all of the various locations into google maps to get a visual of the distance between all the places you want to go. Some may be within walking distance of each other and you can see multiple things within one day. Other things maybe are a day trip.
Or perhaps you’re going to multiple cities or countries on one vacation and need to take travel days into consideration. No matter your situation, figuring out your own must-see list is an essential task in order to plan a trip.
Pro Tip: Don’t try to jam every single thing on your list into one vacation. That will be sure to cause undue stress, as you never know what may come up. Instead, once you’ve made your list, choose only as many items as your schedule will loosely allow, leaving plenty of buffer time and room for flexibility.
Personal Touch: My dream destination? Iceland, inspired by mesmerizing photos and tales of other travelers. Researching and curating a list of must-visit places made the decision-making process exciting. The final result was perfection, due to diligent planning and researching, and to this day is one of my favorite vacations ever.
Easy Travel Planning Guide Step 3 – Start Building Your Itinerary
We’ve reached the part of my travel planning guide where you start to lay out the specifics.
Where will you be staying? How will you get there? What transportation will you use once you’re there? These details and more are what you need to work on next.
Travel Planning Guide – How To Plan Your Lodging
Are you looking for an all-inclusive resort? A hotel in the city? Do you need one place for the whole trip, or are you staying in multiple spots throughout the course of your vacation?
Begin looking into your options by reading reviews and comparing locations. We have some great hacks for finding cheap hotels that will be sure to help you in your search.
Our most commonly used website to book lodging is definitely Booking. They make it easy to find the cheapest and best options, for tons of destinations.
Travel Planning Guide – How To Plan Your Flights
If your intended vacation isn’t within driving distance, or you’re opting to fly instead, you’re going to want to book your flights as soon as possible.
The sweet spot for prices seems to be about 3-6 months in advance, but prices do fluctuate frequently so we suggest booking flights as soon as you find ones that work for you and your unique situation.
Read our guide on how to book cheap flights, and be sure to avoid common flight booking myths.
Keep in mind all the added fees such as baggage, seat selection, and upgraded seats when comparing flights. Another thing to keep in mind when you plan a trip is the timing of the flights.
If your flight arrives late at night, you may not be able to find places open to grab food, or last minute items. So be cognizant of arrival and departure times!
The red eye might get you there early, but if hotel check-in isn’t until the afternoon, you’ll have to figure out where to keep your bags.
Expert tip: You can always check with the hotel to see if they can store your bags for you before check-in – most places will.
Travel Planning Guide – How To Plan Your Transportation
Depending on your vacation type, you may need to figure out transportation. Perhaps you only need to get from the airport to your resort. In that case, you can check with your resort to see if they offer transportation, or take a taxi or ride-share to your resort.
If you’re planning on doing a lot of driving on your trip you may need to rent a car. That should be booked in advance, preferably with your flights to save money. Always make sure to confirm details before you leave home!
If you’re staying in a city, you may just want to take public transportation, so look into bus and train schedules.
No matter your situation, make sure you have whatever transportation will be required for your trip.
Travel Planning Guide – How To Plan Your Activities
Remember that list you made of things you want to see? Now it’s time to figure out any additional things you want to do. Are you staying on a resort and want to try out some of the excursions? Check in with the hotel to see what they offer.
Expert Tip: Go online and join Facebook groups for your location of choice and see what other people suggest. Real life reviews and suggestions are always best!
Activities and tours are the parts of your trip that make it pop. My not-so-secret weapon is Viator. It’s packed with handpicked tours and activities, with enough diversity to keep anyone interested.
Maybe you just HAVE to try the local cuisine. Maybe there’s some adventurous activity, like a helicopter ride into the Grand Canyon, that you want to check off your bucket list. If so, I compiled a list of the best helicopter tours to take from Las Vegas, if that happens to be your destination of choice.
Tips for Optimal Experience:
- Read Reviews: Viator’s platform is rich with reviews from fellow travelers. Take a moment to read about others’ experiences to ensure the activity aligns with your expectations.
- Book in Advance: Popular activities can fill up quickly, so secure your spot in advance. It’s super easy to book what you want online, which gives you peace of mind for your upcoming adventures.
- Flexible Options: Plans can change, we all know this. Look for activities with flexible cancellation policies, that way you can adapt to unexpected shifts in your itinerary.
Easy Travel Planning Guide – How To Minimize Risks When Traveling
Before you set foot in a new destination, do some pre-trip detective work. Reliable travel resources, government websites, and travel forums can be gold mines of information.
Look into general customs, behavior expectations, and any unique laws that might catch you by surprise.
Know The Local Laws
While it might not be as thrilling as a hidden gem or a breathtaking vista, understanding and respecting the laws of the land can be your ticket to a smooth, hiccup-free journey.
You could find yourself in a new city, exploring and wandering, and having the time of your life. Then, all of a sudden, a rule you weren’t aware of turns your adventure into a misadventure. Nobody wants that.
For example, did you know that in quite a few places it’s illegal to wear anything camouflage? (Many Caribbean islands, for example.)
In certain countries something as simple as jaywalking can cause you hefty fines. Even your own prescription medications can cause you a lot of trouble, even jail time, if they are substances that aren’t legal where you’re going.
Understand Local Manners
Knowing the manners and etiquette of your destination before you go is essential. It not only enhances your travel experience but also ensures you leave a positive mark on the communities you visit.
For example, in many places in Asia it is customary to remove your shoes before entering a home. To not do so would be an egregious sign of disrespect.
Depending on the culture, even a handshake or greeting is not so simple. Some places expect you to bow, or use both hands, or place a hand over your heart.
In many places it is customary to negotiate the price of everything. The initial cost given will be extraordinarily high, because it is expected that you will bargain them down to a reasonable price. In other places, people might be offended if you try to bargain for a lower price on their goods.
It’s important to know the customs and manners of the places you are visiting, so as not to offend or disrespect anybody, and also so you don’t wind up being taken advantage of yourself.
Check Vaccine Requirements
In many countries around the world there are certain vaccines that you are required to have. If you come from the US, it’s extremely unlikely that you have ever been exposed to some of the diseases that are prevalent elsewhere.
If you’re heading to somewhere exotic you may need vaccines for any number of diseases. This may include Rabies, Yellow Fever, Typhoid, Hepatitis, and others.
Some of these vaccines may take multiple shots, or need a certain amount of time to work. Check the CDC’s website for the most up to date information regarding vaccine requirements for various destinations around the world.
Check If Tap Water Is Safe
The age-old dilemma: to sip or not to sip the local tap water. We’ve all heard horror stories about the dreaded traveler’s diarrhea, AKA Montezuma’s Revenge, the Nile Runs, or Delhi Belly.
This unwelcome visitor makes an appearance on many globetrotting adventures, and often makes its entrance through contaminated water. To dodge this gut-churning menace, researching the safety of tap water at your destination is your first line of defense.
If tap water is a dicey choice, embrace bottled water like it’s your best friend. Ensure the seal is intact before sipping. For brushing those pearly whites, use bottled water too.
Remember, ice can be a sneaky culprit, so when ordering that tropical beverage, check if it’s ice-free or made from purified water.
Another common way folks get contaminated is by eating fresh foods that have been washed in the local tap water – salads, berries, etc. Always stay aware of what you’re putting in your mouth!
Keep Family & Friends Updated
One of the simplest ways to stay safer while traveling is by keeping your loved ones aware of your location. Give a copy of your itinerary to someone. I always turn on my location in my phone so family and friends can see where I am in real time too.
It gives the people you love peace of mind that they can find you in an emergency, and it also gives you the same. God forbid you have an emergency, there’ll always be someone who knows where you are staying, where you were going, etc.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Planning a vacation without travel insurance is like tightrope walking without a net. There are any number of scenarios that might arise where you would wish you had insurance.
What if an emergency arises before your trip and you need to cancel? Or worse, what if an emergency medical situation arises while you’re out of the country? You need to have travel insurance to protect against the unknown.
Some health insurances, like my own for example, provide worldwide coverage. Others cover nothing if you’re out of network.
You don’t want to find yourself in a situation where you could potentially be out thousands of dollars if something goes wrong. Or even in the awful scenario where you can’t even get medical treatment without paying out of pocket first. Do yourself a favor and get travel insurance.
Document Safety & Backups
Your travel documents are the golden ticket to a seamless journey, and protecting them is non-negotiable. Start by protecting your passport with an RFID passport holder. You also want to get an RFID blocking wallet for all your credit cards as well.
These nifty accessories prevent sneaky electronic pickpockets from skimming your credit card or passport information. It’s like giving your documents their own personal bodyguard – a must, especially in bustling tourist spots.
You definitely should also turn your smartphone into a digital vault. Before you leave for your trip, take photos of crucial documents – your passport, driver’s license, health insurance, any confirmation numbers or tour receipts, and any other must-haves.
Secure these images in a password-protected folder or a trusted cloud service. This savvy move means you’ll have a virtual backup if the physical ones get lost, misplaced, or damaged.
Remember, in the world of travel, preparedness is the secret to a successful trip.
With this travel planning guide, you should be feeling much more confident in your ability to plan a trip. Take it easy, and enjoy the journey!
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