Scheduling a trip can often be daunting since you don’t know where to start or how to execute it. For your peace of mind, these 6 tips for planning a trip will help you organize yourself.
When planning a trip, we can find ourselves with some questions and it can even be tedious. Do not despair, everything has a solution if we anticipate it properly.
Traveling is fantastic and, without a doubt, one of the best things you can enjoy. It is well said that we should treasure our memories, and what better memory than knowing new places, new cultures, and living new experiences?
Tips for planning a trip
Next, we bring you 6 tips to plan a trip that will help you to be more organized and safe. Keep them in mind for your next vacation!
1. Determine the goal
First thing’s first. What is your goal? Or in other words, where do you want to travel? You must visualize the place you want to go to or, at least, what kind of environment you would like to be in. Beach, mountain, city, snow, field…? You must be clear about this, otherwise, you cannot start planning a trip.
You may also want to travel to see a specific attraction, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Egyptian pyramids, or Machu Picchu. In that case, there is not much to think about, since you know exactly where you want to go and what you want to know!
However, many times we cannot go to the place we want, mainly due to economic limitations. For this reason, we advise you that if, for example, you want to go to a beach, start by seeing which are the closest beaches. On the contrary, if you have good savings to travel, start expanding your options and distances, if you wish.
2. Research the destination and start planning
Once you decide where you want to go, you must relieve the destination; I mean, you have to investigate the area. In addition, also analyze its accessibility if you travel in your own vehicle: road conditions, tolls, inns, accesses, travel times, etc.
In this same instance, you must investigate the transport, the accommodation, the date on which you want to travel and its duration. Also, observe the attractions of interest and the activities that you are going to do so that you do not regret having chosen a place that was not of interest to you.
3. Quote your trip
As a third tip, we recommend that you look at options and prices to see if it fits your budget. The last thing you want is that you’ve made a few reservations only to find later that you can’t afford everything.
To do this, take into account the costs of transportation, accommodation, excursions, and meals. If you take out insurance —which is what we recommend—, you should also add it to the quote.
Also, do not forget that you must carry extra money in case an excursion arises at the moment, for the purchase of souvenirs, outings to restaurants, various purchases or for anything else you need. You can have money on a debit or credit card, although we recommend that you always carry some cash.
In the event that doing the accounts you see that the budget is not enough, we recommend that you reduce the expenses. For example, you could look for cheaper accommodation, take out some excursions, or cut your stay short. If it still gets difficult anyway, you’ll have to change your destination.
4. Make the most important reservations
Once you have the trip well planned, the first thing you should do is reserve the transport, if you are not traveling on your own. Plane, train, bus, boat or whatever, we advise you to book it in advance.
It is true that you can buy tickets until the last minute, but if what you want is to be calm and get better prices, we advise you that this should be the first thing you book. In addition, no transport is exempt from running out of seats. It is useless to have everything planned and reserved if you have nothing to go for!
What follows is accommodation, and the same goes for excursions. If you can book from home the accommodation and those excursions that interest you the most, even better. Keep in mind that there are many places that are in high demand and require reservations well in advance.
5. Make an itinerary when planning a trip
Making an itinerary of activities is especially important if you plan a trip on your own. It doesn’t have to be in great detail, just add the places you want to visit on your list and on what day and approximate time you can do each activity, that’s enough.
It is also true that many times the attraction of traveling is to do it aimlessly, without knowing where or what you will do, but this depends a lot on the type of trip and your preferences and personality. If you are looking for something safe, it is best to plan it, especially if you are going to travel as a family.
6. Prepare important documentation
Travel to the place you travel to, you cannot do it without documentation. The minimum and essential is the national identity document or certificate and the driver’s license if you or a companion drives.
Other essential documents are the passport and the visa if you travel abroad and require it. For that, you must previously consult what will be required of you. Also, do not forget to check if you need vaccines and which ones. As we already mentioned, it is best to have travel insurance, so do not forget it.
Remember to bring receipts or vouchers for transport, accommodation, and excursions, among others, that are already reserved. If you have any inconvenience, that will be your claim form. Whether you need it for some unforeseen event or because you know you will use it, add the debit or credit card to the list of important things.
Extra tips for planning a trip!
Check frequently what happens at the destination to which you are going. It may be that last-minute changes take you by surprise. Better to be informed and prevented.
Take advantage of discounts or promotions on flights, accommodation, and excursions, among others. If you are retired, pensioner, student, have a disability, or travel with children or with a large group, you could get interesting discounts or even free passes.
If even with these tips you feel disoriented or do not dare to plan a trip, it is best to leave it in the hands of experts. You could approach or call a travel agency so that the professionals can guide you and do most of the work for you. Do not leave your trip relegated for not encouraging yourself!
Once you have followed these tips on how to plan a trip and have everything ready, there is nothing left but to look forward to the long-awaited day. And the best recommendation is that you enjoy the trip to the fullest!