Ready for your next trip but have no idea where to start?
Let me help you by breaking it down into super simple steps for you.
Part 1 – Vision Mapping
Step 1: Define Your Purpose
- Are you looking for relaxation, adventure, cultural experiences, or nature?
- Think about what excites you – beaches, mountains, cities, wildlife, or history.
- How would you like to travel – Group tour (such as G Adventures), slow paced, local style, active.
Budget Considerations:
- How much money can you spend on this trip? Your budget will shape your destination and travel style.
This will help shape your travels and give you a direction. Some examples would be
- Relaxation by the beach – Bali or Thailand
- Adventure and mountains – Everest Base Camp or Mount Kilimanjaro
- Cultural experiences in a local style – Home stay in Japan
- Fast paced city hopping around Europe – A group tour
Tip! – If you are very unsure, you can always speak to a travel agent who is able to help you every step of the way and make it as easy as possible. If you are looking to do a group tour you can give the tour company a call for advice too.
Step 2: Choose Your Destination And Time Frame
Narrow Down Your Options:
- Research destinations based on your interests, weather preferences, and budget.
- Think about how far you’re willing to travel and whether you want to stay domestic or go international.
Check Visa and Entry Requirements:
- Some countries require visas or vaccinations, so research what’s needed for your passport. A great way to check this is at https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/
Tip! – If you are still unsure of your destination, try this prompt in Chat GPT.
“I am looking for a travel destination, the main purpose of my travels is _____(relaxation and nature). I love ______(beaches) and would like to spend most of my time _____ (at a beach bar). I am taking this trip ____(solo/with friends). My budget is _____(2,000AUD), including flights from ___(Melbourne) and I would like to go for ____ (9 days)”
Step 3: Decide When to Go
Seasonal Factors:
- Look up the best time to visit your destination. Avoid peak tourist seasons if you want lower prices and fewer crowds.
- Check for festivals, weather conditions (like hurricane seasons), or public holidays that might affect travel.
Tip! – Keep in mind, the rainy season is not always the worst. A lot of the time this is when things are green and waterfalls are pumping, so take into consideration the destination and what you are doing there. Also have a look if any of the activities you plan on doing while you are over there are shut at any particular time. For example, if going to Peru specifically for the Inca Trail in Feb, you will be very disappointed!
Step 4: Create a Budget
List Major Expenses:
- Flights or other transportation.
- Accommodation (hotels, hostels, Airbnb, etc.).
- Food and drinks.
- Activities and tours.
- Travel insurance.
- Local transportation (buses, trains, taxis, car rentals).
- Shopping, souvenirs, and tips.
If you are unsure about what to budget for each item, below I go over how to book each item. Using this you can check to see pricing to get an idea if this destination is possible for you.
Step 5: Plan Your Itinerary
Outline What You Want to Do:
- Research popular attractions, activities, and must-see spots at your destination. – Trip Advisor is the OG for this, but I find other sites better, such as timeout.com, and even activity booking site, such as Get Your Guide and Klook.
- Group activities by location to save time and money, maybe book a day trip in that location. (We will go over this later)
- Allow time for rest and flexibility—don’t overschedule yourself.
Tip! – If you find good places to go or great restaurants, make a list or pin it in your google maps as you go so you can come back to them later!
Part 2 – The Lock-It-In Phase
Step 6: Book Flights
Search for Flights:
- Use flight comparison websites like Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Kayak.
- Be flexible with dates if possible to find cheaper fares.
- Look into budget airlines or alternative transportation like trains or buses.
Best time to book?
There is no definite rule to this, as there are a lot of contributing factors. But generally speaking.
Domestic Flights: 1 to 3 months before departure. (Book earlier (3-6 months in advance) for holidays like Christmas, school vacations, or public holidays.)
International Flights: 3 to 6 months before departure. (For high-demand locations, booking as early as 6-12 months in advance can secure the best deals.)
- Best Days to Book: Tuesdays and Wednesdays often have lower prices.
- Best Time to Fly: Midweek flights and red-eye flights (late night or early morning) tend to be cheaper.
Tip! – Airlines, particularly budget airlines, tend to have good sales. Especially for off peak season, so watch for Sales!
My favourite sites to use:
- FlightConnections.com – See where you can go from any airport and how many stops in between others.
- Google flights – This is my favourite comparison site. Though, I tend to look at all of them to get an understanding of what is best as each website does not have all airlines.
- Rome2Rio.com – This is the best site for any help getting from A to B. Example, maybe you will be going in-between cities in Europe, this site will give you all your options and a link to book.
Things to look out for
- Is luggage included?
- Are meals and entertainment included?
The first lowest price you see may not be the best one after you add extras.
Tip! – Make sure you book flights to the correct airport! You would be surprised how often there are two airports in the one city or country and people book one that is too far away. I always put the 3-letter airport code into google maps to double check.
Step 7: Book Accommodation
Types of Places to Stay:
- Hotels: Comfortable but pricier.
- Hostels: Budget-friendly and social.
- Airbnb/Short-Term Rentals: Great for groups or extended stays.
- Guesthouses: Affordable, often family-run.
- Coach Surfing: Usually free, stay with host.
Tips for Booking:
- Compare prices on platforms like Booking.com or Hotels direct website.
- Read reviews and look at photos to ensure quality.
- Filter based on ratings.
- Look at the location, are you near the activities you are doing? restaurants? It may end up costing you more if you are too far away.
My favourite sites to use:
Step 8: Arrange Local Transportation
Getting to your accomodation from the airport
- Does your accommodation offer transport?
- Use rome2rio.com and Google Maps to understand the best way to get from the airport to your hotel
Getting Around Your Destination:
- Research public transport options like buses, subways, and trains. For this I use both Rome2Rio and Google maps.
- Look into ride-sharing apps like Uber or Bolt, different countries may have their own apps – download before you travel.
- Consider renting a car if public transport is limited.
Step 9: Organise activities
Booking activities in advance:
- Some activities will need to be booked in advance to avoid missing out, so it is best to book the activities you want to do prior to travel.
- Day trips are great in most destinations. They will pick you up from the hotel show you the best spots, and drop you back again.
- If you have booked with a tour company, they may have some activities you can book prior to travel, and then some you can book in destination.
My favourite sites to use:
Tip! – My favourite thing to do in a new city is a walking tour. It sets me up for the rest of my trip! You can find great free walking tours on google, one site I use a lot for this is Guru Walk.
Step 10: Buy Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is a MUST!
Make sure you read the policy and purchase one that is right for you and meets your needs.
Ones I have used in the past are World Nomads, CoverMore, and some credit cards have travel insurance included.
Sometimes if you are doing a group tour or specific activity they may have an insurance minimum requirement. So make sure you check the information you are given.
Part 3 – The Travel Prep
Step 11: Organise Travel Documents
What You’ll Need:
- Passport: Ensure it’s valid for at least six months beyond your return date.
- Visas: Apply for required visas in advance.
- Vaccinations: Check if you need specific vaccines (e.g. yellow fever).
- Travel Insurance: Protect yourself from medical emergencies, cancellations, and lost luggage.
Step 12: Pack Strategically
What to Pack:
- Essentials: Passport, wallet (including multiple cards), tickets, and phone.
- Clothing: Pack for the weather and activities. Use layers for flexibility.
- Toiletries: Stick to smaller items where possible.
- Medications: Bring any prescriptions, painkillers, or travel sickness medications.
- Electronics: Chargers, power adapters, and portable battery.
Packing Tips:
- Make a checklist to avoid forgetting anything.
- Use packing cubes to save space and keep organised.
- Pack light—bring versatile clothing you can mix and match.
For more packing tips – See Packing.
Step 13: Prepare Your Finances
Money Tips:
- Notify your bank of your travel plans to avoid card blocks.
- Research currency exchange rates and carry some local cash (but not too much). You can also get cash out at an ATM, research prior to travel.
- Bring multiple payment options, like credit and debit cards.
Step 14: Research Local Customs
Learn About the Culture:
- Research local etiquette, language basics, and customs to avoid offending anyone.
- Understand tipping practices and how to greet people.
Step 15: Stay Connected
Communication Options:
- Get an international SIM card or eSIM for your phone.
- Download offline maps and translation apps (e.g., Google Maps, Google Translate).
- Most places will have wifi.
Part 4 – The Journey
Step 16: Enjoy Your Trip
Stay Flexible:
- Things may not always go as planned—embrace surprises and stay adaptable.
Be Present:
- Take time to enjoy the experience.
Part 5 – Post-Trip Reflection
Step 17: Post-Trip Tasks
Wrap Things Up:
- Share your experiences with friends and family.
- Reflect on what you enjoyed and what you’d do differently next time.
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