But…there are 195 countries…how do I choose? You can go the spontaneous route and use my previous post as inspiration or simply think about which country or countries you have always dreamed of visiting and start there. Keep your budget and time limits in mind as well when choosing a destination.

Pick Your Travel Destination

But…there are 195 countries…how do I choose? You can go the spontaneous route and use my previous post as inspiration or simply think about which country or countries you have always dreamed of visiting and start there. Keep your budget and time limits in mind as well when choosing a destination.

Choose the Length of Your Trip

How much time can you get off of work or school? Planning a trip also means considering time limits. Some cities are filled to the brim with a wide variety of things to do; some aren’t. Ask yourself if you will get bored sitting on a beach for three weeks or if you would rather see multiple places in your time period and plan from there.

Research Costs

I wish it weren’t important, but money is a factor. Looking for something on the high end of the cost spectrum? There’s plenty of fancy resorts and first class tickets available. However, if you’re like me and budgeting is a staple in your trip planning, then choosing a country where your currency is strong is a good decision.

Begin to Budget

Planning a budget can be hard, but use the 50/30/20 rule when planning a trip to make sure you have enough. My pro tip is to save up enough money to go on your vacation twice. Unexpected costs and expenses often occur, and it’s better to have a nest egg to fall back on.

I also love using my credit card for points. I take a lot of surveys to rack up hotel points for free or discounted nights. My credit card gives me 2 miles for every dollar I spend and eventually adds up to a free flight, hotel, etc.

Find the Best Deals

Use every resource available to you. Google the mess out of flights. Skyscanner is a great app but doesn’t always have the cheapest flights. My go-to website is cheapoair.com (no this isn’t sponsored). Don’t be afraid to search around. Airbnb often has popular hotels list their rooms for much cheaper than on their own websites to fill rooms.

Book Your Flight

Now that you’ve researched where you’re going, how much money you need, and found the best deals on flights, hotels, and activities it is time to book your trip! I like to buy my flight first when it’s the cheapest, and everything else follows. Make sure to double check dates that hotels may be fully booked, so you don’t end up stranded.

Book Your Accommodation

Time to book where you’re sleeping. Make sure it matches not only your budget but the style of travel you are looking for. If you only want to sleep in your room and spend your entire trip exploring a luxury hotel might not be the best option. Also, keep in mind where your hotel is located in regards to the activities you have planned and the sites you want to see. Budget that transportation as well.

Plan Your Activities

You don’t have to etch your plans in stone. You can be as spontaneous as you would like. It is your vacation after all! If there is something, you absolutely MUST see book that in advance so you don’t miss it.

Automate Your Bills

Know your billing cycle. This is especially important when planning a longer trip. If you won’t have internet access for parts of your trip make sure you put your bills on auto payment cycles to avoid late fees. Nothing says welcome home quite like overdue bills…not.

Alert Credit Card Companies

You can’t buy that amazing souvenir if you have no money. Credit cards lock out suspicious activity, especially in a foreign country. Let your bank know the dates and locations you are planning on going to make sure your funds won’t be frozen.

Pack

Get everything ready! Make a list and stick to it. Overpacking is just as frustrating as under packing, but chances are you can buy something you left behind which is much more enjoyable than lugging around too many suitcases because you had to have six pairs of shoes. (Pro tip: Bring no more than three pairs… you won’t NEED them).

Enjoy Your Trip

Now that your planning is done to forget about it! Everything is already covered and ready to go. Have some fun and leave the stress at home.