Step by Step

Do you want to plan a trip but don’t know where to start?

It can be overwhelming if it’s your first time, but don’t worry; I’m here to help you and guide you step by step.

Index

Why Organise Your Own Trip?

Why do it yourself instead of going to a travel agency?

Allow me to elaborate on why it’s worth trying at least once. After experiencing it once, I’m confident you’ll be eager to do it again 😉.

These are my REASONS:

1️⃣. I prefer to refrain from joining group tours because they include places to visit that I’m not interested in. Like those stops in places to buy things you don’t want just because they get a commission if you do it.

2️⃣. When you organise it independently, you can plan your time as you want without constantly checking the time. Sometimes, guided tours provide you with too much spare time, and other times, not enough.

3️⃣. If you choose to get a customised travel itinerary from a travel agent, be ready to spend significant money.

4️⃣. In my experience, getting trustworthy travel recommendations from agents can be challenging when deciding on the best places to visit. Frequently, they only offer limited advice from their brochures. If you still need to do some research, why not skip the intermediary altogether?

5️⃣. Your trip will be tailored to your preferences without breaking the bank!

If you’re still reading, it’s likely because you believe there must be a more cost-effective and efficient way to travel.

Steps to Follow

Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or planning your first trip, there are specific steps you can take to make sure you have an unforgettable holiday.

Step 1 – Pick the Right Destination FOR YOU

Selecting the perfect destination for your upcoming adventure is vital. Although it may seem apparent, picking a location that meets your travel expectations is crucial.

Since individuals have varying preferences and circumstances, there is no “perfect destination” that suits everyone.

When deciding on a holiday destination, it’s essential to consider your group’s specific needs. The ideal location for a family with young children may differ from that of a single person travelling with friends searching for a lively party scene.

With countless travel options worldwide, it’s impossible to know them all beforehand.

Picking the perfect destination for YOU can be challenging, but rest assured that I’m here to help.

If you are still unsure about where to go, have a look at my post titled Where to Go, which offers helpful guidance for selecting the ideal location.

Step 2 – Check the Requirements

Before planning your trip, it’s essential to carefully examine the requirements for travelling to your chosen destination. This will help ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey. It’s better to be safe than sorry!

This is a serious issue. I know individuals who have missed significant events because they overlooked these details.

When referring to requirements, I mean visas, passports, health travel documents, customs regulations, and country-specific recommendations.

I cover everything in detail in my post, Logistics. However, I recommend checking the IATA Travel Centre website for a comprehensive overview of each country’s entry requirements. It offers all the necessary information on passports, visas, and health.

Step 3 – Think about your Desired Travel Plan

It’s time to begin considering the itinerary, even if it’s just a rough idea. It doesn’t have to be flawless, but having some direction can be helpful.

At this stage, deciding whether you want to stay in one place or visit various locations is crucial. This will help with booking transportation and accommodations.

When selecting multiple locations, it’s necessary to determine the number of days you plan to stay at each place.

How to Determine the Number of Days at Each Place

Here is my method:

1️⃣. Create a list with all the main attractions available at the destination. You can find them listed in my post titled Top Tourist Attractions.

2️⃣. Organise them based on importance, starting with the “must-see” ones and ending with those you wouldn’t mind missing if you run out of time.

3️⃣. Locate all the places on the map and determine the distances between them.

4️⃣. To optimise your daily schedule, consider arranging your destinations close to one another to minimise commuting time.

There are several factors to consider when deciding how many days to spend visiting a place, including:

Arrival and departure times. If you arrive at your destination late or depart early in the morning, you may need an extra night to have more time for sightseeing.
The duration of travelling between two places is a significant factor to consider. If your commute is lengthy, you may have less time to engage in other activities.
Your travel experience can be tailored to your desired intensity. If you prefer a leisurely pace with opportunities for relaxation, shopping, or simply doing nothing, you should plan for more time to explore the main attractions fully.

I understand this can take some time, but if you want to save it, check my posts: How Many Days I Need to Visit Each Country and How Many Days I Need to Visit Each City.

You can also check my itineraries in Itineraries. Here, you’ll find them classified in City Guides and Country Guides.

📌 If you prefer to see them separated by continents, check them in Portfolios.

Step 4 – Book of the Transportation

Now that you have a better idea of the tour you want (visiting one place or more) and how many days you’ll spend at each location, you are ready to book the transportation (flights, trains, buses, boats, rental cars).

I advise you to book first those to go and return from your country of origin to the destination.
If you have decided to visit more than one city and have already completed Step 3, so you know how many days you will spend in each place, you can also book transportation to move from one place to another.

If you have your own means of transportation, such as a car or motorbike, then you won’t need to worry about this. However, I strongly suggest performing an interim check to prevent any unexpected issues.

Tips:

*️⃣. When planning your trip, it’s important to consider your itinerary (step 3) before booking transportation. This is especially true if you intend to visit multiple cities. You may be able to save time (sometimes even money) by taking the return flight from the last city on your tour instead of the one you initially flew into from your home country.

*️⃣. Always compare different means of transport available. Don’t assume one is better than the other until you’ve compared the prices, times, and durations. You may be surprised!

For example, moving around China, despite the distances, in most cases, it’s cheaper and more reliable to travel by bullet train than by plane.

*️⃣. Use and compare search engines to find the best rates. There are some excellent ones out there.

*️⃣. If you can choose, always pay with a credit card because most of them automatically come with some consumer protections, such as travel insurance and product warranties that cover you if the company goes bust.

Step 5 – Book of the Accommodation

You have secured your tickets to your destination, so it’s time to make your accommodation arrangements.

I will never recommend visiting places without making any prior bookings. This is because you might end up paying more than planned or even failing to find accommodation.

Some places, like Croatia, are famous for providing non-bookable lodging options. These are private homes with signs that say “sobe” (which means “rooms”), where you can stay for a fair fee and even get breakfast. You don’t need to reserve in advance, but in the busy season (summer), it might be challenging to find an available room, and you may have to resort to sleeping in your vehicle. I know this from my own experience 🙁

Before starting your research, ask yourself the initial question of what type of accommodation you are seeking.

You are probably familiar with the different types, but if you have any doubts, look at my post, Types of Accommodation and get clarity on the subject.

Tips:

*️⃣. It’s crucial to consider the location because that can add extra time and money to get to the places if you need to rely on public transport.

The most affordable accommodations are often far from the city centres and may not always be the best option. When making your decision, it’s essential to consider the time and cost of commuting.

*️⃣. It’s always a good idea to consider opting for ‘free cancellation‘ whenever possible. This can be useful in case your plans change or if you come across a better option later on.

*️⃣. Like with transportation, I recommend using search engines to compare the prices before you book to get the best price.

*️⃣. See my publication, Travel Cheap, to find out how to save on accommodation.

Step 6 – Complete the Itinerary

You already know where you are going and how long you will spend in each place, and we have already booked transportation and accommodation. So, you’re almost ready to go.

Still, if you want to improve your experience, you can finesse it with the following sub-steps.

Sub-steps to Refine your Itinerary

1️⃣. Opening Times

In step 3, you created and prioritised a list of the attractions you don’t want to miss. So now, you should check the opening times to avoid going on the day or time they are closed.

Moreover, certain attractions offer a day of free admission that you can make use of 😉

Always refer to the official website, as other sources may not be current. I made that mistake in the past.

2️⃣. Free Tour

Book a free walking tour for the first day. There are different options in different languages in each city. It’s not totally free because it’s tip-based, but you pay based on how satisfied you are at the end of the tour. They are local guides passionate about their city who tell many stories and share curiosities about the area.

It will help you to comprehend the city you are exploring and gain a wider perspective.

3️⃣. Book the Tickets

Book the tickets, if necessary. Some attractions have limited availability, and you can only get in during the high season if you book in advance. It is crucial for those places that you don’t want to miss under any circumstances.

4️⃣. How to Move Around the City

Check what is the best way to move around the city:

Is it a small city that you can walk around?
How far are the places you want to visit from each other?
What are the available options?
- Bus
- Tram
- Train
- Underground
- Taxi
- Car rental
Do they have transport passes?

Unfortunately, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to the best way to move, as every city is unique. I understand this may not be your hoped-for answer, but it is true.

However, you’ll find that information in my itineraries in Itineraries. Here, you’ll find them classified in City Guides and Country Guides.

If you prefer to see them separated by continents, check them in Portfolios.

5️⃣. Where to Eat and Drink

Search for highly rated eating and drinking venues near your hotspots. Getting to know the destination also means tasting the local cuisine and drinks 😋