A travel plan lays out all aspects of your trip from hotel rooms to concert tickets. It can be a total lifesaver when you are in a new environment whether you are planning a short local trip or an exotic two-month vacation. But don’t fret! It is easier to create a travel plan, or as professionals like to refer to them, an itinerary, than you think. As long as you remember to cover the following basics.
Do Your Research
Open up a Word document or Excel spreadsheet or go old-school with a manila folder. Start writing down and collecting everything you discover about or want to do on your vacation. Write down any recommendations you receive. Pull out a map of your destination. If you need to figure out which cities you want to go to, do some research on the best spots for your interests by looking at travel websites or by talking to travelers and locals on TriplnR. Once you have narrowed down where you want to go, write the locations down in your special spot. Next, decide how long you want to spend in each location. Now you are ready to start booking the basics of your trip.
Book Your Trip Basics
Pull up a map of your destination. Make sure to prioritize choosing your destinations and your transportation. If flying, organize your airport pick-up. First book your flights, train transportation or car to ensure you make it to your destination. Once you book your tickets, put them in your online or physical travel folder and/ or copy your confirmation number on your PLAN (your spreadsheet/ word doc or handwritten plan.) Next, figure out your transportation from one location to the next and pre-book if you can. Once your transportation is done, you can book your lodging in each place. After booking your hotels, store your confirmation codes and information in your folder and on your PLAN.
Special Activities
Now that you have booked your basics, it’s time to add-on all the activities that will make your vacation special. Look into special restaurants, must-see attractions, museums & arts, historical buildings, spas & wellness, outdoor activities, special tours, local culture, shopping, performances, shows and adventure sports. Do research on the internet, talk to friends who have been, chat with people on TriplnR, look at travel guides or contact your hotel concierge for worthwhile ideas and recommendations. Pull up some local tours and see where they go for creative ideas. Decide if you want to book any guided tours. If so, book a local tour guide. Once you have begun booking these your vacation will be custom-designed for your unique preferences. After all, no one knows you better than you!
Stay Safe & Informed
Remember to check all the necessary safety precautions including weather conditions, medical requirements, necessary visas, political information or religious customs. Talk to travelers & locals familiar with the area to find out if there are any other precautions you should be taking like avoiding certain areas, carrying cash because there are no ATMs, or setting up an Uber account because there are no local taxis and more.
Ultimately, a well-planned vacation shows you new facades of yourself and life. With your organized travel itinerary in hand, you can fun without the worry. Have an awesome trip!
