How to Plan a Trip: 

Has anyone ever said to you, “Just book the ticket!” Well, when it comes to taking a trip it’s not that easy for everyone. If you’re thinking about taking your next big adventure, but aren’t as spontaneous or free-spirited as others, or maybe you’re stuck in the planning phase or just don’t know where to start, then this guide is for you. Follow these steps to ensure your next vacation is stress-free! 

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Choose a Destination

What’s your vibe? So much of your journey will be impacted by your personality traits. If you’re not sure where you want to go you can start by asking yourself these questions:

  1. Are you an adventurer? Do you see yourself snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef, Running with the Bulls in Pamplona, or sleeping under the Northern Lights in Sweden? Activities may drive your destination selection. You’re not afraid to challenge yourself and step outside of your comfort zone in new and foreign landscapes. Adventurers like you thrive on adrenaline-pumping activities and seeking out unique experiences which are sure to create unforgettable memories.

  2. Do you find yourself more of the relaxation type of person? Is your dream vacation to have your toes in the sand and splash around in crystal clear waters? If you are typically drawn to vacations where you can unwind and recharge in a calm and scenic setting, Fiji or Turks and Caicos might be your dream haven.

  3. Are you a sightseer that wants to immerse in local culture? If you are a history buff or just excited to learn more about other cultures you might be interested in checking out Greece, Peru, or China.

  4. Do you find yourself more of a foodie whose mouth is watering just thinking of your next bite? Taste testing local cuisines is a highlight for many! If food is your thing you can and should definitely plan a trip around eating. Italy, India, or Paris might be destinations at the top of your list. 

  5. Are you an energizer bunny, wanting to cram as much and as many things into one trip as possible? This is definitely our style and places like Europe make it possible thanks to user-friendly transportation to conveniently travel from country to country in short time frames. Generally this kind of travel is best done when you have multiple weeks to explore.  

Maybe selecting a location isn’t your issue at all. You might already have a bucket list location in mind. If that is the case skip ahead to learn more about planning and budgeting.

Plan and Budget

Flights, tours, and things like local transportation all add up. So to plan for your trip it is so important to set a budget and stick to it. Budgeting for vacation can require some background research to help you efficiently make the most of your time and funds. 

The time of year (peak season or offseason) can impact the cost of your holiday destination, as well as the weather. For example, if you want to visit the Amalfi Coast, but have a budget that is on a lower end you may consider planning a trip in September or October, when the tourist season is coming to an end. Though the weather might not be as warm as it is in July, the sights and the culinary cuisine are incredible all the same. 

Here is what we recommend when it comes to budgets:

  1. Save money ahead of time. Start setting aside money from each pay that is meant to specifically be used for your trip.

  2. Estimate expenses and document them using a spreadsheet or app. Factor in local transportation like buses, trains, and taxis, accommodations, tours and day trips, meals, and shopping. 

  3. Account for currency exchange rates. If you are traveling to a foreign country with an exchange rate, consider adding in a buffer for the fluctuation of currency rates. 

  4. Plan for contingencies. As much as we all hate to think of this one, flight delays or cancellations, lost luggage, and medical emergencies can occur. 

Passport Partners Pro Tip! List all the items that you want to see. Which are your non-negotiable items? When we travel, we each select one non-negotiable that we plan to do together. If you’re having trouble narrowing tours and attractions down, try putting together a spreadsheet. Identify what fits into your budget and what makes the most sense in your calendar of events. Don’t go crazy with planning though you want some free days to explore. (And we know this from experience!)

Research and Book a Flight or Train

At this point, you’ve done a lot of leg work and now it’s time to make things official. It’s time to book your transportation! If you are looking to save some money on airfare, having flexible dates for your trip could make a big difference. When beginning your search try using search engines like Skyscanner or Google Flights to search for affordable flights.

Passport Partners Pro Tip! Compare flights found using outside search engines with direct airlines. You never know when an airline is running a promotion and you might be able to benefit from it more.

Finalize Your Itinerary

History, culture, cuisine, and landscape are just a few of the many things that drive tourist destinations. Before booking accommodations determine what tours and attractions you plan to see. That will help you decide the best possible location for your stay.

Once you’ve narrowed down your activities and found a place to rest your head, start to consider what form of local transportation you will use. Think ahead, mapping out if public transportation is available or if you will use rideshare like Uber or FreeNow, or take a taxi.

Pre-Departure Preparations

Complete any necessary paperwork to secure a visa (if needed) and ensure your passport is valid, and meeting the destination requirements of the visiting country. 

  • Consider purchasing travel insurance. You put so much time, effort, and capital into your vacation. Protect your investment by purchasing protection and peace of mind. Travel insurance allows you to travel with confidence and security no matter where you’re going. 

  • Take health precautions by ensuring your vaccines are up to date. Stay informed and consult your healthcare professionals. You can minimize health risks by taking appropriate preventive measures which allows for stress-free travel. 

  • Notify your local bank of travel plans and consider what form of payment you’ll want to use on your journey. There are a number of credit cards that do not have foreign transaction fees associated with them. 

  • Pack smart and leave room for souvenirs. Remember essentials like clothes, medicine, toiletries, and important travel documents.

Passport Partners Pro Tip! Don’t check a bag when flying if you don’t have to. This will save you money on baggage fees and you’ll save time waiting for your luggage when you reach your destination. Funny but true story, Nick learned this the hard way! He made the mistake of bringing multiple suitcases with him to Europe and his back, along with his wallet paid the price for his choice.

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