Travel Planning

11 Easy Steps for Planning Your Next Trip

Step 1: Decide Where You Want To Go

Establishing a clear destination gives you a specific goal to strive for. Many people speak in general terms about travel without specifying where they're headed; they merely say they are going somewhere. Choosing a particular location is crucial, as it provides a clear objective.

It's far more motivating to say, “I’m going to Paris this summer” rather than, “I’m going to Europe” or “I’m going somewhere.” Not only does this your trip feel more tangible and easier to commit to, but it also simplifies planning since you have a clear target in mind. Be specific and detailed in your plans; the more defined your goal, the more attainable it will be.

Step 2: Decide the Length of Your Trip

What is the cost of traveling? It varies!
Without knowing the duration of your trip, I can't provide a specific answer. Determining this is crucial for your planning process!
To estimate your savings, you must first establish how long you'll be traveling.
Will it be a week? A month? A year?
The duration of your journey significantly influences the amount of money you'll need. Take some time to think about this until you have a clear answer.
For instance, after stating, “I’m going to Paris this summer,” add “for X days.” This will help you figure out how much you need to save. Saying, “I am going to Paris for 10” gives you a concrete goal to work towards.

Step 3: Research Your Costs

So you know where you’re going and how long you’ll be there, but to really nail down how much money you need, your next task is to research the costs in your destination at the style of travel you want.

Do you want to backpack, or would you rather stay in luxury hotels?

How much are hostels, hotels, restaurants, and attractions?

Knowing will allow you to estimate how much money you’ll need for your trip.

Here is how to research costs:

Buy a guidebook.
Check out my travel guide section.
Google prices for specific things you want to do, such as scuba diving, bungy jumping, winery tours, etc. (Get Your Guide is a good place to start for that)

There’s so much information on the web that if you go down the rabbit hole of overplanning, you’ll get lost and confused by the firehose of information. Stick to those three things and you’ll be set!

In our example, if you are going to Paris for 10 days and need at least $75 USD a day (not including your flight), you know you need to save $750 USD (though round up to $800-900 USD since it’s good to have extra) for your trip.

If you were to travel around the world for a year, you’d need $50 USD a day.

Step 4: Start Saving Money

To begin saving money, it's essential to know your current financial situation spending habits. Start by tracking all your expenses to identify where your money is going and potential areas for reduction.

Many individuals unknowingly waste money on small daily purchases like coffee or snacks, which can accumulate significantly. Understanding your spending patterns is the first step toward making changes, and creating a list help clarify your financial priorities.

For instance, if you need $2,000 for a trip in eight months, you'll need to save $8.33 each day. Surely, you can find a way to save that amount daily—after all, your daily coffee could cover most of it!

Step 5: Check for Last-Minute Deals

You're motivated, ready, and set to save money for your trip. However, before you purchase that flight or book that hotel, be sure to look for deals you might have overlooked. While Paris may be your dream destination, there could be fantastic offers for Berlin at the moment. You might even find a seven-day cruise at 70% off, a package deal to Hawaii for the cost of your flight to Paris, or discounts of 50% on sailing trips in Greece.

Nowadays, there's always a deal waiting to be discovered, especially if you can be flexible with your travel dates and destinations.

Step 6: Book Your Flight

Once you've utilized your travel credit card and earned your sign-up bonus, redeem your miles to book your flight. Given the current limited availability of miles, it's wise to book early to secure your preferred flight.

Fortunately, there are still plenty of ways to avoid being the passenger with the highest ticket price. My top two favorite sites for affordable airfare are:

- **Skyscanner** – This site excels at searching multiple destinations simultaneously.
- **Google Flights** – to Skyscanner, it offers excellent options for open searches across various destinations.

For the best rates, aim to book your flight around two to three months in advance.

Step 7: Book Your Accommodation

If you're traveling for less than two weeks and have a fixed itinerary, it's perfectly fine to reserve accommodations for your entire trip, especially for peace of mind or during peak season.

For trips exceeding two weeks for long-term travel, it's advisable to only book initial few nights. This guarantees you a place upon arrival, and you can gather valuable insights from hotel or hostel staff and fellow travelers to help plan your next steps.

Although you can book more than just the first few nights, you may find yourself wanting to alter your plans once you arrive. I prefer to maintain flexibility, which is why I only book the first few nights and then decide from there.

Step 8: Plan Your Activities

To make sure you have budgeted properly, outline the major activities you want to enjoy during your trip and how much they cost. Make any last-minute adjustments to your savings so you can ensure you have enough money. This will also help you figure out if you need any reservations for your chosen tours or activities.

While some countries offer cheaper prices in person, others give discounts to those who book early/online. Research which is which for your itinerary so you can save money.

For shorter trips, you can also book your activities in advance to ensure you get tickets. For longer trips, book as you go.

Additionally, before you leave home, have a rough idea of what activities are priorities for you. That way, if you run out of time or money, you can focus on your top activities so you don’t miss out. Also, make sure to double-check that there are no holidays or other obstacles that will prevent you from certain activities as well.

Step 9: Pack!

Get ready to pack for your trip! It may be tempting to bring everything “just in case,” but when traveling, less is often more. Your packing list will vary based on your destination, but keep in mind that you don’t need to take everything you own. You can purchase items you need along the way and do laundry while abroad. Ultimately, you’ll have to carry all your belongings, so pack light!

Step 10: Buy Travel Insurance

Many people believe, "I'm healthy, so I don't need travel insurance; I won't get sick." However, travel insurance offers much more than just medical coverage. It protects you in situations like a broken camera, canceled flights, the need to return home due to a family emergency, or theftWhile it may seem like an extra cost, it's always wise to be prepared. I never travel without it I've experienced the unexpected on my journeys.

Also, be aware of your rights as an airline passenger. For instance, if your flight to or from is delayed, you may be eligible for compensation in addition to any insurance claims.

Step 11: Enjoy Your Trip

Now, everything is in place. It's time to embark on your journey and enjoy yourself! Make your way to the airport, board your flight (remember your passport!), and savor the rewards of your hard work. You deserve this!

If you're feeling a bit anxious, that's completely natural. You're about to start an incredible adventure, and it's only normal to feel a mix of emotions. Every traveler faces these feelings, but come this far. Trust your planning, listen to your instincts, and you're bound to have an unforgettable trip. I promise!