1*BEFORE PLANNING YOUR TRIP.

First and foremost, the destination you choose will set the tone for your entire trip. Please list the places you want to visit and prioritize them. Consider the length of your vacation and your budget.

Consider the type of experience you want. Do you prefer cruising, all-inclusive resorts, or flying to new destinations? If you decide on a cruise, choose a destination that aligns with your interests. Decide if you want a relaxing resort vacation or an adventurous trip exploring new places.

Also, consider your budget for your hotel, activities, and meals. Answering these questions will help you plan and budget for your trip.

2*TAKE TIME TO PLAN YOUR NEXT TRIP- MAKE A LIST.

Anticipate your trip with joy. If you plan a trip too many weeks in advance, you’ll find yourself eagerly changing your mind a few times, adding to the upcoming adventure’s excitement.

Empower yourself by ensuring your travel plans are within your budget range. This sense of control will give you the confidence to enjoy your trip thoroughly.

*I use a Planner that I design with all the information I will need for budgeting.

*I write in my travel planner every place I want to visit; the list is growing constantly.

*Revisit your favourite destinations.

*Spur-of-the-moment trip to take advantage of good deals.

**Planning doesn’t have to be complicated. 

**PICK YOUR DESTINATION

Look at your bucket list and decide which destination you want to visit first. Begin by writing down all the places you would love to visit. If your list needs to be shorter, prioritize them.

Once you have chosen your destination, consider the time of year you plan to travel. High season is a good choice if you prefer to travel with more people. Just remember that it will be more expensive and crowded during this time. Flights and hotels will be pricier and may be less available.

On the other hand, if you prefer to travel with fewer people and lower prices, travelling during the off-season might be a better option. The flights and hotels will be more affordable and less crowded, providing a more relaxing and enjoyable travel experience.

3*MAP YOUR ROUTE

Get out your map and make sure you plan the most efficient route. I printed a Google Map of the places I wanted to go and highlighted everything I could see around the hotel and where I could walk. Map out also a day trip by train.

4*TIMING IS EVERYTHING

Remember to look up the weather report and pick your travel dates accordingly. Pay attention to things like monsoon season and cold winters, and remember that warm summer weather means lots of crowds.

Some places in Europe are closed on Sundays, except restaurants and churches. I found out the last time we went on vacation.

5*GET YOUR SHOTS

Get all your shots before your trip. A travel doctor or Pharmacist will tell you what you need depending on the location of your trip.

6*GET ORGANIZED. 

Before leaving, take pictures of all your important documents, such as your passport, visa, credit card, hotel booking, flight details, and car rental information.

On our previous trip to China, we found showing the taxi driver the hotel address through pictures on our phones helpful.

7*YOUR BUDGET

Setting a budget for your trip becomes much easier once you have decided on the details of your journey, including the destination and activities you plan to undertake.

Remember to account for all aspects of your trip, such as flights, car rentals, taxis, accommodation, activities, transportation and entertainment, food, travel insurance, and gratuities, as well as any other expenses.

Remember that the price difference between first-class and economy flights can significantly affect your budget. Therefore, it is essential to consider your finances before making such a decision.

Therefore, it is crucial to check your numbers before making any bookings.

A CRUISE.

Almost everything is free if you plan a cruise or an all-inclusive trip. You may only incur additional expenses, such as offshore purchases of souvenirs or tips for the bartender.

Accommodation and meals are included so that you can save money. Sometimes, you may have to pay gratuities, which are typically automatically charged on the first day of your cruise. The set rate varies depending on the cruise line and the recommended tipping value for staff.

We recommend setting a daily budget of $35.00 for additional expenses such as coffee, pastries, or souvenirs while stopping at different ports.

8*BOOK YOUR FLIGHT

Once I’ve determined my destination, I look for the prices of my flight, car rental, and hotel. Airline tickets are usually cheaper in the middle of the week, so I check pricing on multiple airline websites.

9*BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATIONS

When booking accommodations, it’s essential to consider the type of environment you prefer. Do you like high-end, moderate, or private apartments/condos? It’s also worth researching, as hotels can be cheaper during the week. 

(We’ve had all types of accommodations. Our private apartment was very nice, but cooking and cleaning were inconveniences. Additionally, we had to leave money for the cleaning crew.

As for the expensive hotel, we could have been more impressed. There was no WiFi in the room, only in the lobby. Plus, there was no complimentary breakfast.)

Cost is one of the most important factors when choosing where to stay. Staying within a budget is crucial for travelling more in the future. I always find a comfortable and budget-friendly option in every destination. It may not be a five-star hotel, but I’m happy as long as it’s clean and has a complimentary breakfast.

10*BUY TRAVEL INSURANCE

I recommend that you purchase travel insurance for any of your trips. It will protect you against illness, accidents, emergencies, and even death. Depending on your age, most insurance carriers will include a pre-existing condition clause in the coverage.

INSURANCE WILL NOT PAY IF YOU CHANGE YOUR MEDICATIONS BEFORE LEAVING ON YOUR TRIP. 

Any change in medication can be considered a change in treatment. Notifying your insurance of all medication changes is essential, no matter what kind. 

11*PLAN YOUR DAY/ACTIVITIES

Once you have booked your destination, flights, accommodations, and cruise, it’s time to plan your activities and sightseeing. Review and create an itinerary.

While exploring, I enjoy shopping in exciting areas. 

When planning excursions on a cruise, I consider all the ports we’ll be at and choose where to go and what to do. Remember that the activities and excursions will vary depending on the type of vacation you’re choosing.

Regardless, it’s critical to spend time figuring out your plans as part of the planning process to make the most of your trip.

12*YES, WHAT TO PACK

First, look online at the weather where you are going. It will help you decide what to pack.

Are you going to the beach, hiking, or walking the whole day!!

For some cruises, you might need formal wear!!

If my trip is longer than usual, I always pack a small amount of laundry detergent.

Remember, good walking shoes.