Buzz
Before you set off, ensure your passport is up to date. Consider purchasing traveler's checks and keep the receipt in a secure place in case of loss or theft. Whether your journey is for business or leisure, be sure to make time for some fun. All travels are meant to be filled with discovery, rest, and joy. With careful planning, you can ensure that you and your companions experience a smooth trip, with only pleasant surprises in store.
Steps to Follow
Planning Assistance
Sample Itinerary
Essential Packing List for a Short Trip
Sample Expense Plan for a Short Getaway
Sample Itinerary for an Extended Trip
Packing Essentials for a Longer Journey
Sample Expense Plan for an Extended TripDeciding on When, Where, and How
Select your destination. When most people think, "I want to go on a trip," they usually have a specific place in mind. What's yours? Try to narrow it down as much as possible. For instance, "London" is easier to plan for than "England."
- Do some online research and have conversations with your travel companions. Websites are an excellent resource for exploring travel photos, blogs, and videos from real travelers sharing their insights. Before traveling to Japan, for example, a quick search will provide you with countless personal stories and recommendations from recent visitors. Each journey offers you valuable perspectives from others to help you get a clearer image of your destination.
- Consider the weather and climate, pros and cons of the place, recreational activities (beaches, culture, shopping), and available facilities (transportation, dining, etc.). What kind of clothing will you need? How isolated will you be? What does your destination require of you?
Decide when to go. This decision will largely depend on your schedule. How much time can you realistically take off from work? Beyond personal constraints, consider global factors:
- Do you prefer traveling during the off-season or when tourism is at its peak? While off-season travel offers discounts, it often means fewer services and closures.
- In terms of weather, do you want to experience winter or the rainy season? Or perhaps you'd prefer the heat and humidity?
- Also, keep in mind airfare costs – when is the cheapest time to fly? If you're planning a long weekend trip, it's wise to book tickets in advance to secure the best deals.
Create a flexible itinerary. Over-planning can backfire since vacations rarely unfold exactly as planned. Build some flexibility into your schedule, but take inspiration from travel guides. Mark your must-see destinations and activities. How many days will you have? Keep your overall schedule in mind – you don't want to be overwhelmed (or bored).
- Make a list. Jot down the places you want to visit, from restaurants and museums to malls and other attractions. This will help you avoid feeling lost once you arrive and will ensure you always know what to do next.
- Plan your transportation. Will you be taking taxis, subways, or walking everywhere? If you'll rely on public transport, make sure you're familiar with the local systems before you go.
Be cautious about using a travel agent. One of the easiest ways to save money when planning your trip is to use an online travel site rather than a local travel agent. Travel agents need to charge booking fees to stay in business. Travel websites, on the other hand, pass on savings to you thanks to their lower overheads and their ability to quickly compare hundreds of options.
- Companies that assist you during the planning stage of your trip include Gap Travel Adventures, Get A Trip.com, the Automobile Club of Southern California's Travel Division (and similar organizations in each state), and American Express, whereas major travel portals like Expedia, Travelocity, Orbitz, and Priceline focus more on the final booking process.
- Here are five things you can do on your own to help your budget (without a travel agent): 1) Book your flight and hotel together 2) Be flexible with your travel dates and times 3) Consider flying into a nearby airport within 30 miles (48 km) 4) Choose all-inclusive deals where possible, covering meals and gratuities 5) The season you travel in can change your rates by 30-40%.
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Start QuizExplore More QuizzesUnderstanding the Practical Details
Evaluate your expenses. Are you envisioning yourself indulging in luxury at a five-star hotel, or will you be surviving on budget-friendly hostels with just a slice of bread in your pocket? A significant portion of your vacation's cost depends on the choices you make. Take an hour or two to calculate how much your trip will cost for you and your travel companions, including airfare or gas expenses.
- Always add some cushion to your budget, overestimating rather than underestimating. There will always be unforeseen expenses or additional activities you decide to pursue.
- If the trip ends up costing more than you're comfortable with, adjust your plans. If it means shortening the trip, so be it.
Create a financial plan. Let's assume your trip is going to cost $1,500, including airfare, and it's six months away. That means you'll need to save $250 a month for the next six months to meet the expenses of your trip. Here are a few tips to help you save:
- Say goodbye to your daily latte habit. If you buy a $4 coffee three times a week, that adds up to $12 a week, or roughly $50 a month. That's $300 saved over six months.
- Cook more at home. Dining out can be expensive. By preparing meals at home, you'll not only save money but also enjoy leftovers that last for days.
- Cut back on small luxuries for a while. That extra drink on Saturday night? Skip it. A movie next week? Not this time. Cable TV? You’ve got Netflix. Identify little indulgences you could forgo.
While you're saving, do your research. The earlier you plan, the better deals you can find on flights and accommodation. Research things to do and travel tips for your destination. By learning about your destination, you'll know exactly what to look for when hunting for deals – whether it's museum passes, hotel discounts, or transportation offers. And when you spot a deal, grab it.
- It's recommended to book your flight about two months in advance for the best prices. This is when airlines start offering discounts but haven't yet raised prices due to last-minute bookings.
- If you're heading to a place where a different language is spoken, take some time to learn basic phrases. You'll appreciate it, and so will the locals you interact with.
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Consider getting a "travel" credit card, if possible. Many credit cards today are linked with top airlines. These cards offer bonus miles when you sign up and additional miles for every dollar spent (with most requiring a minimum spend per month). Use it for everything to accumulate miles effortlessly. Just ensure you're able to pay off the balance.
- Additionally, many airlines collaborate with big retailers like Target, Amazon, and Apple. Purchases from these stores earn you miles. You're already shopping there – why not get a free flight out of it?
Finalizing Your Travel Plans
Book your flights and accommodations. Once you’ve determined your destination, travel dates, accommodation, and transportation options, make your reservations. For flights, it’s best to book around two months in advance. Don’t wait until the last minute for hotels either—rooms may be sold out or prices may surge.
- And don’t forget other bookings, such as attraction tickets. Many venues offer online ticket sales that allow you to skip the lines and get straight to the fun. Sure, standing in line might seem okay now, but spend a few minutes planning ahead and save hours of your vacation standing with a crowd of strangers.
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Reader Poll: We asked 254 Mytour readers how early they arrive at the airport. 46% of them said 2 hours. [Take Poll]
- Consider this when choosing flight times and booking your tickets.
Think about travel insurance. While paying premiums for something that might never happen isn’t ideal, having protection in case you can’t travel as planned is wise. For a one-week vacation, travel insurance typically costs around $75, which is a small price to pay for the peace of mind it provides.
- Only you can decide if you're the type who frequently changes plans or needs to reschedule—if that’s you, insurance can be a lifesaver. But if you’re the kind of person who will fly out in a hurricane, no matter what, you may not need it!
If you're traveling abroad, ensure your documents are in order. Some countries require a visa for entry and exit. Does your destination require one? If it does, take care of this as early as possible. If you arrive without the proper visa, don’t expect to go any further—unless you’re willing to bribe your way through. Countries without such loopholes will make you fly back home.
- Store your passport, travel documents, visas, and related items in a secure pouch. It’s also wise to make photocopies and keep them in a safe location. That way, if you lose something, you’ll have a much easier time replacing it.
Inform the right people that you're leaving. Start by letting a friend or family member know about your trip. If possible, share a contact number or address. If anything goes wrong, you'll be able to stay informed. And in case of an emergency on your end, they can help handle things at home.
- If necessary, activate vacation notices on your email and update your voicemail. Those messages can wait until you return.
Finalizing the Details
Buy everything you’ll need for the trip. Stock up on film or ensure your digital camera batteries are charged. Do you have the correct plug adapter for your destination? What about weather-appropriate gear? A guidebook or a language book? What will help make your trip smooth?
- Road trip? Stock up on food, water, and entertainment. A road trip CD or something related to your destination will get you in the travel spirit. Consider classics like "On the Road," "Lost in My Own Backyard," "A Walk Through the Woods," or "Washington Schlepped Here." And don't forget your playlist for great tunes.
Pack light. No one has ever said on vacation, "I’m so glad I packed everything from my closet." Leave room for shopping and souvenirs. Plus, hauling a lot of luggage restricts your movement and causes discomfort – you’ll be on the move often, and extra baggage will only slow you down. Pack only the essentials.
- Stick to basic items and a couple of pairs of shoes – this is all you really need for any length of trip. A few shirts, pants, shorts, or a skirt will cover your bases. You can mix and match as needed.
- Roll your clothes to save space. This will free up room for the souvenirs you’re sure to pick up along the way.
- Create a packing checklist to help you remember the little things. You don’t want to arrive at the airport and realize you forgot something important at home.
It’s time to go! Itinerary? Check. Passport and documents? Check. Reservations for nearly everything? Check. Now, all that’s left is to set off and enjoy yourself. This is the fun part. Time to relax!
- Don’t let work or personal problems travel with you—otherwise, all this planning will be wasted, and it will feel like you’re still mentally stuck at home. Leave your laptop and phone off – it’s time to explore and have an adventure.
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If sticking to a tight budget is your top priority, there are countless tips available that can save you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars on your daily travel expenses.
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If you prioritize peer reviews over price comparisons, websites like TripAdvisor.com and well-known travel blogs such as Budget Travel and TravelZoo.com are highly regarded for offering honest, unbiased reviews. In Europe, a similar option would be AutoEurope.com, a comprehensive travel provider (not just cars). The Asian markets likely offer the greatest range of travel services. The reason these names are worth mentioning is that, according to Forbes Research, smaller affiliate travel companies sometimes remove the bottom 25% of negative reviews from their databases, skewing the overall review analysis. This doesn't mean you shouldn't consider these smaller travel affiliates, but it’s important to research and assess the company's reputation. Many of them provide value-added services that larger companies may not offer.
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If you're traveling abroad, start learning the language of your destination country.
Important Warnings
- Avoid packing sharp objects in your luggage. Security measures have been significantly increased, and your bags may be subjected to additional checks.
- Traveling can be stressful, especially in unfamiliar places. Be sure to keep your medications (especially for children) and important documents safe. Theft and muggings are unfortunately common, so always be vigilant with your valuables.
