HOW TO PLAN YOUR TRIP

Hey there fellow wanderers! So, you’ve got that itch for adventure, huh? Well, buckle up because we’re about to embark on a journey to plan the trip of a lifetime!

I’ve had my fair share of adventures, so let me share my insider tips on how to plan the perfect trip. Grab a coffee, and let me walk you through these essential steps!

1 - List your dream locations

Alright, first things first, let’s indulge in a little daydreaming, shall we? Grab a pen and paper, or fire up your trusty notes app, and start jotting down those dream destinations. Whether it’s sipping espresso in a quaint café in Paris, exploring the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu, or soaking up the sun on the beaches of Bali, let your imagination run wild.

Now, don’t hold back! Write down every destination that sets your heart aflutter, even if it seems a bit out of reach at the moment. Remember, the world is your oyster, and with a bit of planning and determination, anything is possible.

Personally, my list reads like a love letter to the planet. From the vibrant streets of Tokyo to the serene landscapes of New Zealand, each destination holds a special place in my heart. And hey, who says you have to pick just one? Feel free to dream big and aim high—you never know where your wanderlust will take you!

2 - Resarch Flight Options & Book Your Flight

Alright, folks, it’s time to get down to business! Once you’ve got your dream destinations locked and loaded, it’s time to turn those dreams into reality. And what better way to start than by finding the perfect flight?

But before you start frantically clicking ‘book now’ on every flight deal that pops up (trust me, I’ve been there), let’s take a deep breath and strategize like the travel pros we are.

Now, I’m all about being a savvy traveler, which means I like to do my homework before whipping out my credit card. Enter my trusty sidekick in the world of flight hunting: Skyscanner.com. Seriously, if you haven’t heard of this gem of a website, you’re missing out! Skyscanner is like the fairy godmother of flight deals, magically scouring the internet to find you the best prices on airfare.

Take your time scrolling through the results, paying close attention to things like price, layovers, and airline preferences. Pro tip: if you’re flexible with your travel dates, toggle that handy-dandy ‘flexible dates’ option for even more savings. Trust me, your wallet will thank you later.

As you sift through the flights, start jotting down notes on potential departure dates and prices that catch your eye. Remember, we’re not committing to anything just yet; this is all about gathering intel and finding the best bang for your buck. Oh, and don’t forget to factor in any frequent flyer miles or rewards points you might have squirreled away. Free flights, anyone?

Once you’ve found ‘the one’ (cue romantic music), it’s time to pull the trigger and book that bad boy! Congratulations, my friend, you’ve just taken the first step toward your epic adventure! Cue the confetti and start practicing your happy dance because you, my fellow traveler, are officially on your way to making memories that will last a lifetime.

But wait, before you get too caught up in the celebratory dance party, there’s one last step to check off your list: confirming your booking details and securing your seat on that bird in the sky. Double-check those flight times, passenger details, and any additional add-ons like seat upgrades or in-flight meals (hello, extra legroom and complimentary snacks!).

With your flight booked and your excitement levels soaring higher than the friendly skies, it’s time to sit back, relax, and start counting down the days until takeoff.

3 - Book Your Hotel

Now that you’ve got your flight all squared away, it’s time to shift our focus to everyone’s favorite part of trip planning: finding the perfect place to rest your weary head after a day of adventures. That’s right, it’s hotel booking time!

But fret not, my friends, because I’m about to let you in on a little secret weapon in the world of accommodation hunting: Booking.com. If you haven’t already discovered the wonders of this website, consider today your lucky day. Booking.com is like the Disneyland of hotel booking platforms—except instead of roller coasters, you get access to an endless array of accommodation options at your fingertips. Talk about a win-win!

So, grab your device of choice (seriously, where would we be without our trusty gadgets?) and head over to Booking.com to start your search for the perfect place to call home during your travels. Whether you’re dreaming of a chic boutique hotel in the heart of the city or a cozy beachfront bungalow with ocean views for days, Booking.com has got you covered.

Once you’re on the Booking.com homepage, it’s time to get down to business. Enter your destination, travel dates, and the number of guests (including any furry friends if you’re traveling with pets—because let’s face it, they deserve a vacation too!) and hit that search button. Now sit back and watch as a smorgasbord of accommodation options unfolds before your very eyes. It’s like being a kid in a candy store, except instead of candy, you’re surrounded by plush pillows and fluffy duvets.

As you peruse the options, keep an eye out for those little icons that indicate things like free cancellation, breakfast included, and my personal favorite, the all-important Wi-Fi symbol (because let’s face it, we live in a digital age and Instagram doesn’t update itself, am I right?).

Once you’ve found the hotel of your dreams (pun intended), it’s time to lock in your reservation and secure your spot in paradise. But before you hit that ‘book now’ button, take a moment to read through the reviews from fellow travelers who have stayed at the property. After all, there’s no better way to get the inside scoop on a hotel than from those who have been there, done that.

With your hotel booked and your excitement levels reaching peak levels, it’s time to start counting down the days until check-in.

4 - Book Your Activities

Now that we’ve got our flights and accommodations sorted, it’s time to sprinkle a little bit of magic onto our itinerary by booking some epic activities. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker in search of adrenaline-pumping adventures or a culture vulture craving a taste of local life, there’s something for everyone out there. And guess what? I’ve got just the trick for finding the best activities to make your trip truly unforgettable: Viator.com.

If you haven’t already heard of Viator, consider this your official invitation to the party. Viator is like the fairy godmother of activity booking websites, granting all your travel wishes with just a few clicks. From guided tours and skip-the-line tickets to once-in-a-lifetime experiences you’ll be bragging about for years to come, Viator has it all.

So, grab your device (seriously, I feel like a broken record here, but technology is our best friend when it comes to travel planning) and head over to Viator.com to start browsing through their extensive list of activities in your destination. Whether you’re dreaming of soaring over the Grand Canyon in a helicopter, diving with sharks in the Great Barrier Reef, or sampling street food delights on a midnight food tour of Tokyo, Viator has got you covered.

Once you’ve landed on Viator’s homepage, simply enter your destination and travel dates, and prepare to be blown away by the plethora of options at your fingertips. From guided sightseeing tours to cooking classes with local chefs, the world is your oyster and Viator is here to help you shuck it.

As you peruse the activities, keep an eye out for those little gems that catch your eye. Maybe it’s a sunset cruise along the Seine in Paris or a hot air balloon ride over the Serengeti at dawn—whatever it is, trust your gut and go for it! After all, the best memories are made when we step out of our comfort zones and embrace new experiences with open arms.

Once you’ve found the activities that speak to your soul (and your sense of adventure), go ahead and book them with confidence. Viator partners with reputable tour operators around the world, so you can rest assured knowing that you’re in good hands every step of the way.

With your activities booked and your excitement levels reaching fever pitch, it’s time to start counting down the days until you’re living your best life on vacation.

5 - Book Your Rental Car / Van

Now that we’ve got our flights, accommodations and activites taken care of, it’s time to rev up the engines and hit the open road, let’s take a quick pit stop to talk about rental cars and vans. Now, I know what you’re thinking: “But wait, my trip doesn’t require a rental car or van!” And you know what? That’s totally okay! If your adventure doesn’t call for wheels of your own, feel free to skip this step and jump straight to the next one. But if you’re like me and crave the freedom of the open road, then buckle up because we’re about to dive into the thrilling world of rental vehicles.

First things first, let me introduce you to two of my go-to websites for booking rental cars and vans: DiscoverCars.com and Outdoorsy.com. Whether you’re cruising through the countryside in a classic convertible or embarking on a cross-country road trip in a decked-out camper van, these websites have got you covered.

DiscoverCars.com is like the Swiss Army knife of rental car websites, offering a wide range of vehicles from trusted rental companies around the world. With a user-friendly interface and transparent pricing, booking your rental car has never been easier. Plus, with options for insurance coverage and flexible cancellation policies, you can hit the road with peace of mind knowing you’re covered every step of the way.

Now, if you’re looking to take your road trip to the next level, look no further than Outdoorsy.com. Dubbed the Airbnb of RV rentals, Outdoorsy connects travelers with unique and adventurous rental options like camper vans, RVs, and even vintage Airstream trailers. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a months-long expedition, Outdoorsy has the perfect vehicle to fuel your wanderlust.

So, whether you’re embarking on a scenic drive along the Pacific Coast Highway or navigating the winding roads of the Scottish Highlands, having your own set of wheels opens up a world of possibilities. Just remember to buckle up, obey the rules of the road, and most importantly, enjoy the journey!

6 - Get Your Travel Insurance

Congratulations, fellow travelers! You’ve made it to the final stretch of trip planning, and boy, do we have a crucial task ahead of us: booking travel insurance. Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Insurance? Do I really need it?” And the answer is a resounding yes! … And no. It’s up to you! You manage your own risk, which will of course be different wheather you spend a weekend in Paris, or a month trekking in New Zealand. But trust me, when it comes to travel, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Now, let me introduce you to my favorite website for all things travel insurance: WorldNomads.com. Think of World Nomads as your guardian angel in the world of travel, offering comprehensive coverage for everything from medical emergencies to trip cancellations and lost luggage. With flexible policies designed for adventurers like you and me, World Nomads has your back no matter where your travels take you.

So, why is travel insurance so important, you ask? Well, picture this: you’re halfway around the world, exploring the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu when suddenly, you come down with a case of Montezuma’s revenge. Without travel insurance, a simple trip to the doctor could end up costing you an arm and a leg (figuratively speaking, of course). But with the right coverage from World Nomads, you can rest easy knowing that you’re protected in case of any unexpected mishaps along the way.

But travel insurance isn’t just about medical emergencies—it’s also about peace of mind. Whether your flight gets canceled due to inclement weather or your luggage decides to take an impromptu vacation of its own, having travel insurance means you’re covered for those unforeseen curveballs that life likes to throw our way.

So, before you embark on your next adventure, take a moment to visit WorldNomads.com and explore their range of travel insurance options. Trust me, it’s a small price to pay for the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re covered every step of the way.

Well, fellow adventurers, we’ve reached the end of our journey together, but fear not, for the real adventure is just beginning! From dreaming up your dream destinations to booking your flights, accommodations, activities, rental vehicles, and travel insurance, we’ve covered all the bases to help you plan the trip of a lifetime.

But remember, trip planning isn’t just about checking items off a to-do list—it’s about embracing the excitement of the unknown, the thrill of exploration, and the joy of creating memories that will last a lifetime. So, whether you’re jetting off to far-flung corners of the globe or embarking on a road trip through your own backyard, embrace every moment, soak in every experience, and cherish every memory.

And hey, if you ever find yourself feeling overwhelmed or lost along the way, just remember: you’ve got a whole community of fellow travelers cheering you on every step of the way. So don’t be afraid to reach out, ask for help, or share your own tips and tricks for making the most of your adventures.

Now go forth, my fellow wanderers, and let the world be your playground! Whether you’re scaling mountains, lounging on beaches, or getting lost in bustling city streets, may your travels be filled with laughter, discovery, and plenty of unforgettable moments. Thank you for joining me on this journey, and until next time, happy travels and may your adventures be as epic as your dreams!