Planning a trip can be stressful. Whether you are planning a weekend getaway or a once in a lifetime around the world trip, there are many things to keep in mind.
First, figure out what type of traveler you are. This will help narrow down your destination choices. You should also consider the time you want to spend on your trip.
1. Know Your Budget
The amount of money needed for a trip can depend on where you are headed, which means that budgeting is a must.
Consider all costs, including airfare, accommodation and food. Remember that you can sometimes save by flying to less-popular destinations (like Albania instead of Greece) or traveling at off-peak times (like avoiding the high season in popular European cities).
Budgeting can also include a contingency fund for those unexpected travel mishaps, like a lost suitcase or a bout of food poisoning.
2. Plan Your Itinerary
Once you have your budget in place it’s time to start planning your itinerary. Sightseeing can be exhausting and it’s important to leave enough time to rest during the afternoons.
Start by writing down your top destinations and putting them on a map to get a rough idea of their proximity. Don’t overstuff your itinerary though as it will be exhausting and stressful to follow.
Once you have your pared down list take a look at the map and try to sketch out some broad timescales for your trip. This will help you see if your plan is realistic and doable within the limits of your available time.
3. Book Your Flights
Depending on your schedule and destination, booking flights first can save you money. It’s also a good idea to try to fly direct if possible; layovers are a drain on your energy, and you may even miss your flight if you have to make it up for a delay.
Once you’ve figured out the best time to book your flight, it’s also a great idea to look for accommodations. Airbnb and VRBO are popular options that allow you to stay in local homes while saving money.
4. Book Your Accommodations
Depending on the time of year, it could be cheaper to book your accommodation well in advance. This is particularly true for hotels and Airbnbs during peak travel seasons when rates are typically higher.
Consider if your accommodations will be convenient to the things you plan on doing on your trip. Remember that restaurants and shops that are geared toward tourists often have inflated prices. Also, share your itinerary and accommodations with family and friends. This way, they’ll know where to find you in case of an emergency.
5. Book Your Tours
Whether it’s food tours, adventure sports, or theater shows, these are likely to need to be booked in advance. Popular ones can sell out!
Often, these kinds of bookings are made through travel aggregators that let you search and compare options. Try TourScanner for example. Another great option is Thirllophilia, which focuses on Asia-based activities.
6. Book Your Activities
Depending on where you are planning to travel, and how long your trip is going to be, it’s important to decide what kind of experiences you want to have. It’s also good to sit down with the other members of your travel group and get their ideas.
This is a great way to make sure that everyone has the chance to experience something they really want. It can also help to keep everyone on budget. Many attractions like theme parks and zoos book out ahead of time, so be sure to plan those experiences well in advance!
7. Book Your Restaurants
If you’re visiting a popular destination in peak travel season, things like restaurants and tours might be fully booked. This is why it’s important to book your experiences ahead of time!
It’s also a good idea to decide on what kind of trip you want. Do you want to tick off a bunch of destinations or do you prefer to travel slow and take it all in? The answer to this will determine how much you can pack in.
8. Book Your Tours
Tours and activities are one of the best ways to experience a destination. They provide a unique way to learn about a place from someone who knows it better than anyone else.
There are many websites that offer tours and travel activities online. Some of them offer free cancellation up to 24-hours before which is a great feature should your plans change. Other sites offer ratings and reviews from previous custome.plan your trip