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Learn from a renowned travel blogger couple to master the art of creating a travel plan that's 'spot on' – saving you both money and time!
Let's assume you've already pinpointed your destination or have a better idea of where you want to go. Now, let's discuss how to devise a travel plan that suits your preferences!
I understand, planning a trip and scouring for deals can be a headache. It consumes a lot of time, and time is something most of us lack. You need ample time to figure out how to get there, what to pack, where to eat, where to stay, and what to explore upon arrival. However, this isn't necessarily a dreadful experience. It's the initial step towards turning your dreams into reality.
Planning for a trip is one of the vital steps to materialize your intentions in a way that suits you. We've been traveling for 15 years, and we never skip this process before a trip to ensure the best travel experiences.
I'm not suggesting you need to meticulously plan every detail from start to finish and bind yourself to it because part of why we travel is for FREEDOM, right? But if you want some level of organization in your trip before leaving home and don't want to spend time searching for places on Google while on the go, then this article is for you!
Furthermore, most of your savings will be tied to careful planning. We've wasted too much money on the road because we didn't plan carefully. We've learned many lessons, and we'll share them so you can avoid similar mistakes.
The perfect travel plan consists of 12 key points
1. Seek out sources of inspiration
Once you've decided on the country or region you want to visit, gather essential information, must-see lists, or anything you genuinely want to do there. Let ideas flow naturally. It could come from pictures, books, magazines, blog posts, websites, friends, or social media. Whatever inspires you, take note of it.
2. Use maps to plan your itinerary
It's challenging to plan a trip without having a bird's-eye view of the travel routes. We still prefer starting by using a large map spread out on the table or floor and marking it with a highlighter. You'll have an easier time envisioning it with a broader perspective and marking all points of interest.
We examined maps, marking our desired destinations. This basic framework helps determine the feasibility of our trip, allowing for strategic distance assessment and transportation decisions.
3. Work within your time and budget
The key question in trip planning: What's your time and budget?
Knowing your daily travel costs, divide your total budget by this average to calculate your stay duration. For instance, a $5,000 savings allows for a 20-day stay in France with an average daily cost of $250.
Understanding specific time frames for each destination aids in planning routes, internal flights, and stay durations efficiently.
A large map can significantly aid in route planning, revealing if chosen paths are geographically viable or too distant, allowing for practical adjustments.
4. Optimal time for your travel plan?
Short-term vacations (1-4 weeks)
For short-term vacations, proceed with any plan you're comfortable with. Ensure hotel bookings, transportation tickets, and any required tour reservations are made ahead. The rest of your schedule should be flexible for leisure and exploration.
For longer travels (4-6 weeks)
Book your flight, transportation, and accommodations for the first two nights, then play it by ear. Having a rough itinerary and must-visit spots allows for a more flexible schedule.
Regardless of what happens, always pre-book your accommodation for the first night at each new destination, especially for solo female travelers, those with children, or first-timers.
5. Seasonal Alignment in Travel Planning
Research the optimal times of year to visit your preferred destinations.
A mistake we made in Africa was visiting Etosha National Park in Namibia at the wrong time (it's best during the rainy season when waterholes aren't dried up), although there are other parks to explore in the area.
Exercise discretion in selecting experiences and consider associated costs.
6. Referencing Guidebooks
We utilize guidebooks for their intended purpose—a guide. While guidebooks may lack significant inspiration and narratives, we often seek information through blogs, books, and documents... Guidebooks are invaluable for providing a comprehensive overview and essential preparations.
Guidebooks help chart routes and provide a preliminary idea of our interests in each area and general expenses. This helps us determine if the trip is suitable and worth pursuing to the end.
7. Utilize the vast Internet resources
We've used offline methods to gain a general overview; now let's make it more detailed by using online tools. The internet world can be daunting and complex, especially when you don't know where to start your search. So, begin with trusted travel blogs for insightful advice.
8 . Harness social networks
Engage with social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter,... to receive advice or suggestions from family and friends; often one of your best, most reliable sources of information.
9. Make a list – but you can't do everything
Currently, with your map laid out and a good idea of where you want to go and what you want to do, summarize a list of the most important experiences, tailored to your tastes, passions, and budget. There are many tours, destinations, dining experiences, accommodations, or festivals you could list. But remember, you can't do and see everything and feel fulfilled. If you try to see everything, your experiences won't be complete, not to mention your budget will be somewhat affected.
10. Explore typical travel itineraries
Need help planning a model itinerary? Don't want to miss out on highlights? Then gather ideas by looking into major travel companies and examining the itineraries they use for each region, country. Your job is to adjust the pace and duration of their trips to fit your style and budget.
11. Search for accommodations, flights, attractions, and transportation systems
Anywhere you go on your trip, primary concerns will be accommodations, flights, attractions, and exploring the area. So, research the areas you're visiting, select accommodations, and start looking for relevant deals.
12. Make reservations
If you like everything organized, you may need to book everything in advance. Otherwise, you'll need a certain level of flexibility, but consider booking hotel rooms for the first 2 nights in popular places. You may need to do the same for your tours. Making reservations is a must if you don't want to miss out on important things.
Now you can indulge in building yourself an exciting trip and relieve all the stress.
According to Ytravelblog
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Reference: Travel Guide from Mytour
MytourJune 24, 2014
