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. Also, consider the length of your vacation and your budget.

What type of experience do you want to have? 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.

Additionally, please consider your budget for the hotel, activities, and meals. I wanted to give you a heads-up that answering these questions will help you plan and budget for your trip.

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

I’m hoping you’ll enjoy your trip with joy. Planning a trip weeks in advance allows for the thrill of changing your mind a few times, adding to the excitement of the upcoming adventure.

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.

It is incredibly helpful to use a Planner that I designed with all the information I will need for budgeting. It helps me keep track of my expenses, plan my itinerary, and ensure I don’t miss out on any crucial details. This way, I can focus on enjoying my trip without worrying about the logistics.

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

*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, consider factors like the distance, cost, and time required for each destination. This will help you prioritize your list and make it more manageable.

Once you have chosen your destination, consider the time of year you plan to travel. The high season is a good choice if you prefer to travel with a larger group. Please note that this period will be more expensive and crowded. 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

You can just get out your map and plan the most efficient route. I printed a Google Map of the places I wanted to visit and highlighted everything I could see around the hotel, as well as areas where I could walk. I also mapped out a day trip by train.

4-TIMING IS EVERYTHING

Remember to check the weather report and select your travel dates accordingly. Pay attention to factors such as monsoon seasons and cold winters, and remember that warm summer weather often means increased 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

You can get all your shots before your trip. Depending on the location of your trip, a travel doctor or Pharmacist will tell you what you need.

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, or any other places, we found it helpful to show the taxi driver the hotel address through pictures on our phones.

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, including flights, car rentals, taxis, accommodations, activities, transportation, entertainment, food, travel insurance, gratuities, and any other relevant expenses.

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

Therefore, it’s essential to verify your numbers before making any bookings.

8-A CRUISE.

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

Accommodation and meals are included, allowing you to save money. 

Sometimes, you may need to pay gratuities, which are typically automatically added to your account 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 to cover additional expenses, such as coffee, pastries, or souvenirs, when stopping at different ports.

9-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 to find the best deals.

10-BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATIONS

When booking accommodations, it’s essential to know what type of environment you prefer. Do you like high-end, moderate, or private apartments or 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.

11-BUY TRAVEL INSURANCE

I recommend purchasing travel insurance for all 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. Informing your insurance company about all changes to your medication is essential, regardless of the type. 

12-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. Please note that the activities and excursions will vary depending on the type of vacation you select.

Regardless, it’s essential to allocate time to plan your trip as part of the planning process to make the most of your experience.

13-YES, WHAT TO PACK

First, you can check the weather online for your destination. It will help you decide what to pack.

Are you going to the beach, hiking, or walking all day?

For some cruises, you may need to wear formal attire.

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

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