Planning a trip from start to finish can be an ordeal and overwhelming, especially when you are doing it alone. you have to put into consideration a whole lot ranging from; how many people will be making that trip; specific city (destination), accommodation, what and where to eat, places to visit, what to do, and the estimated budget for the trip.
So in order to make your travel plans easy and not overwhelming like we picture it to be, here are some tips/steps on how to plan your trip.
- Decide where you are going: before this decision is made you need to ask yourself the simple question of what’s the reason am traveling, is it a business trip, visiting someone, going for a vacation/holiday, family occasions such as wedding ceremonies or thanksgiving, or you just want to change your environment and explore new places, cultural diversities, type of food,etc as a tourist. What you intend to achieve on the trip would also help you decide where to go.
- Check for travel advice and advisories: visit government sites to read and get first hand information on health conditions, learning about the mandatory and recommended vaccinations, entry and exit requirements, security, climate,culture and local laws. Checking travel advice and advisories should be done immediately after you’ve decided where you’re going.
- Make your flight booking: research and ask questions about the various airlines and how they operate, how good is their aircraft, are they time conscious, how is the customer service, are they nice and friendly towards their clients. All this information can be gotten by researching online or better still use a travel agent to book your flight and ask questions, trust me you will not be disappointed. Also read about luggage included in the price so you know the amount of luggage allowed per person.
- Pack your luggage: what items/stuff will you be needing for the trip. This is where you consider the things you want to pack, ranging from toiletries, to clothes, shoes, etc. you have to pack only the essentials that you will be needing for the duration you will be gone. This will help in reducing the stress of dragging excess luggage at the airport.
- Research about your destination: it is important that you find out about your destination before your departure date. You can read about it on pinterest and travel blogs, if you are going on a tour, you can make a list of places you would like to visit, see and explore. Using a travel guidebook is another option in trying to research and find out more about your destination.
- Take care of your health: it is very necessary that you visit a travel clinic to get your vaccines and general antibiotics, and anti-malaria if needed. Spending money on hospital bills during a trip can cost a lot, so it is advisable that you get travel insurance, and make absolutely sure that you are in perfect health before you travel.
- Book your accommodation: this can be done before departure date or even after you have landed your destination. If for some reason you did not make reservations ahead of time, be sure to check if there is any special event going on in the city you are going to. It is important to search for which accommodation and how much it will cost before deciding on the very accommodation you would like to book that’s conducive, comfortable and affordable.
- Make your to do list: what activities would you like to engage in while on your trip. Get a list of things that make you excited, things that arouse your curiosity, and enthusiasm. Make sure to choose places that when you visit make you feel alive, it not not necessarily be the most attractive sight to behold for others but leave a lasting impression on you.
- Plan your transportation (itinerary): when planning to travel one of the few important tips to not overlook is your itinerary(transportation). How do you intend to get to your final destination, when moving around for activities, how long do you need, how much time will you be spending when you go out, would you want to travel by car, bus, or train. Don’t plan too many things so as to create time for creative and unplanned situations. And always remember to refer back to your list, add some more activities while you streamline some as well.