We all have that friend(s) or family member(s) who is constantly posting about their trips, and you’re wondering, “How do they go on so many trips?” “what’s their secret?” from the looks of it, they have travel planning down to a T, and you want to know how they’re doing it.

Maybe this is your first time planning a trip, and you feel overwhelmed about the whole process. Perhaps you have gone on many trips and want to find a way to make planning easier.

(The mention of websites are my personal recommendation and ones that I’m familiar with. In no way am I promoting them)

            This blog is the ultimate guide that will give you step by step on planning a trip. Whether it’s a leisure trip, a work trip, or a family trip following this guide will make planning any trip very easy.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Decide Your Destination

  Maybe it’s a destination that has been on your bucket list or maybe it’s a place that you have heard about or seen on Instagram and want to explore.

Know why you want to go; is it a place that is known for its attractions or culture? Do you want to go because it’s family-friendly? Research your destination and find out about the culture, the food and places to see. Some places have different customs than what you might be used to and it’s always a good idea to know what to expect beforehand. 

2. Decide on a Budget

Do you want to save on hotels, but spend on activities and food? Do you want to splurge a bit and go on a luxury trip? Perhaps you want to relax and having a good hotel is very important for you.

For me, a good hotel with a nice room and a comfortable bed is a must. Especially the bathroom, it’s very important that the bathroom is a decent size and well lit. Knowing what matters to you will help budgeting for the trip easier.

3. Decide the Duration of Your Trip

 Is it going to be a day trip? Will you be gone for the weekend? Maybe you want to enjoy your vacation for an extended period.

4. Pick Your Means of Transportation

You could drive to your destination and enjoy the views along the way. Train rides are another option, the great thing about trains is that you can either book just a seat or upgrade to a roomette or even a bedroom suite. 

For many trips, you would need to book a flight (www.kayak.com and www.hopper.com are excellent websites because they show you how much you will be spending on any given month.)

5. Book a Hotel

There are many ways of doing this: You can book directly from the hotel’s website or websites such as www.hotel.com or www.travelocity.com (these websites are great because they always have discounts). You can also book hotels using major credit cards, giving you points you can use in the future.

6. Plan Your Activities

 I love Google Things to Do because it gives you so many choices for any specific destination, and most activities are free. Another great option is www.viator.com, which offers different tours for a price. www.tripadvisor.com is also good because it gives you the most popular attractions and activities to do.

When planning activities, embrace the ones that bring you joy and select at least one that you’ve always dreamed of trying. If you’re traveling with a group, choose at least one activity that resonates with everyone can create shared memories.

I find great fulfillment in visiting museums, so I make it a priority to explore one on each journey I take. This year, I took a trip to Lake Arrowhead, visited the local museum, and went skiing. Although I didn’t ski down any slopes, and it was a very brief experience, it’s something I have always wanted to do.

7.  Start Packing

The rule of thumb when it comes to packing is always to pack a jacket and an extra pair of shoes.  Packing cubes are great because they help you pack and still have room in your luggage.  If I know I will be gone for at least a week, I will pack clothes for 4 days because I often wear the same outfit twice or won’t wear everything I pack. 

Always pack light! Remember to pack your chargers and essential documents such as your passport, proof of vaccination (if required), and any other documents required by your chosen destination, and keep some cash in hand.

If you’re going on an international trip, try to get local currency from your local bank before your trip (find out from your bank what their policy is for currency exchange).

The last step is to enjoy your trip and make everlasting memories!

  Following these steps ensures smooth planning for any trip.  Remember things can go wrong from time to time. There can be changes to the weather, or flights can get delayed. In times like these don’t get discouraged; you’ll just have to make accommodations to your plans such as calling your hotel and letting them know you will be late because of a flight delay or because of the weather or timing you have to cut down on some activities, pick the one that you want to do the most. 

What are some ways you plan for a trip?

Happy Journey!