Travel Planning; How to Structure Your Trip and Leave Time for Exploring
Travel planning can be tricky.
You have read endless blogs and guides to your next destination, you may feel overwhelmed and don’t know where to start.
That is okay. No one, not even the most seasoned traveler, has it all figured out.
I want to share how I plan to give time for getting lost and wandering while also not missing out on some amazing experiences while also making memories of your own.
Read, Read, and Read some more
I begin by reading countless blogs and guides. As I read, I begin noting experiences or sites I am seeing over and over again, there is a reason these experiences are listed on multiple guides and articles, they are worth it. I also look for hidden gems that locals and travelers recommend and write these down. Sometimes these are places that are listed only once in one blog but spark my interest.
Make a Travel Planning “Date”
The best kind of date right? We love to go on travel dates– go to a coffee shop or get a cocktail or beer at your favorite place. Grab your computer and your travel buddy and start planning away. We always share a doc and add to it and start the planning! This is a blast and a great way to relieve any stress you may be feeling about your trip as well as a great way to start getting excited! And the countdown begins.
Record
As I begin to research for a trip, right from the start I begin writing down anything that sparks joy, I write down destinations, sites, food, drinks, whatever I read that I think, “I have to do that!”.
If you are going to multiple cities I write down the name of each city and below the city of write down any information about the city, I do bullet points, but do whatever works for you.
I make a google doc so I can easily share if with my family (who will worry endlessly no matter where I go. Helps put them at ease), and of course with any travel buddy you have!
Leave time for Exploring
I try to leave at least one day, usually a couple days or more where you have nothing to do or very little planned. Traveling never goes according to plan, so leave yourself room to be flexible. Leave yourself time to just wander and not feel stressed. Do not overplan. It will leave you feeling stressed and anxious if you do not get through your list.
I often pick 2-4 things I want to do each day and create a list at the bottom of extra time things so if I have time we can get to more and if not that is fine too! I am left having time to get lost and live in the moment.
Know your dates, now what?
You have bought your flights and hotel, now let’s make this real! I now list days I will be there are what day I want to go to each area of town. Keep in mind what days and times things are open.
For example, some how we always have a flea market or farmer’s market on our list and we can only do these on certain days due to when they are open. Pay mind to these details when picking days.
Last Minute Information
Did you book any tours or excursions? Include the specific info such as time, address, phone number on your itinerary document. This will allow for easy access to important info. Keep hotel information including numbers and addresses on your document too. This will be useful for you and any family or friends if you have any travel emergency or hiccup. I usually email or text this doc to my family and friends and have on my phone as well. I sometimes print it off as well, especially if traveling internationally.
Go On Another “Date”
A couple days before a trip we go on another travel date. What can I say we love travel and we love dates. Go over the trip and all the details and any last minute to do’s before your trip. This is especially important if one person is doing most of the planning, you want them to know what is the plan or lack of for the trip if you want to be more open! Are you travelling solo? Treat yourself to a drink or special treat and go over all the details and get excited!
Enjoy your travel planning and get excited! You are going on another adventure!