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How to Plan For Your Next Trip in 12 Steps

1. Decide where you want to go: Defining where you’re going will set a goal that you can work towards. Lots of people talk vaguely about travel. Instead of saying where they’re going, they say they are going. Pick a specific place that will make your trip more concrete and easier to commit to. It’s a lot easier to start planning “I’m going to Paris” than “I’m going to Europe.” If you’re not sure where you want to go, look at a map of the world! Where have you been? Where do you want to go? Pick something interesting, but realistic.
2. Decide the length of your trip: How much does it cost to travel? You’ll have no idea without knowing how long you’re going for. Knowing how long your trip will be will also help you figure out how much you need to save. After you say “I’m going to Paris,” add “for 10 days.” Tip: Choose realistic trip lengths based on where you’re going. For example, don’t go to Australia for the long weekend. Once you factor in time changes and flight connections, you’ll only have about two nights there. 
3. Research your Costs: You know where you’re going and how long you’ll be there, but to know how much you need to save for the trip, your next task is to research the costs in your destination. Base your costs on the style you want to travel. Do you want to backpack, or would you rather stay in luxury hotels? How much are hostels, hotels, restaurants, and attractions? Knowing will allow you to estimate how much money you’ll need for your trip. So if you’re going to Paris for 10 days and need $100 a day (not including the flight), you’ll need to save about $800, although it’s good to have extra for your trip. 
4. Start saving money: Write down all your current expenses so you can determine what you’re spending money on and how you can cut back. People use a lot of money every day through small purchases (bottled water, snacks, etc). All of that adds up and creating this breakdown lets you know where you can save money. For example, if you need $2000 for the trip you’re taking in 8 months, that means you only have to save $8.33 per day. Couldn’t you find a way to save $8.33 per day? Other ways to save money: Go hiking, not shopping. Instead of expensive meals at restaurants with friends, take a walk in the park. Listen to the music you already have in your collection. Cancel your cable TV. Stop falling for coupons (believe it or not, not buying it at all is actually cheaper).
5. Check for last-minute deals: Before you buy that flight or book that hotel, check for deals you might have missed. You might dream of Paris but maybe there are great deals to Berlin right now. It’s important to be flexible and have a list of alternate places to go. Sometimes, going to your next-favourite location is much, much more cost-effective. 
6. Book your flight: I’d highly recommend using travel miles on credit cards to book your flight, but keep in mind that you have to book early to get the connections you want. Also, travel economy. I know those seats that recline completely flat are great, and so are the huge pillows, but skipping first class will be a lot better for your budget (duh!). 
7. Book your accommodation: If you have a set schedule, feel free to book accommodation for the duration of your trip, but if you are going to be travelling long-term, just book for a few days or a week. Once you know the dates you’ll be in your destination (based on your flights), there is no real reason not to find a place to stay. Waiting until right before you leave will just cause you to lose your top picks for hotels and rooms.
8. Plan your activities: Decide what major activities you want to enjoy and how much they cost. If they’re outside the city or town you’re staying in, how will you get there? Do you need to make reservations or bookings? Make any adjustments to your savings so you can ensure you have enough money. 
9. Sell your stuff: If you’re going on a long-term trip (over 6 months), sell your stuff in order to earn extra money for your trip. If you aren’t going to be gone that long, skip this step.
10. Buy travel insurance and tell the credit card companies you’re travelling: No matter how long you’ll be gone, it’s a good idea to let your credit card companies know you’ll be overseas, that way any transactions you make aren’t flagged as fraudulent and your card is less likely to be blocked. Trying to sort this out with your credit card company is not fun when you’re trying to enjoy your vacation. Also, remember to buy travel insurance if you haven’t. Don’t just assume that you won’t get sick on your trip. Travelling in a foreign country is especially unpredictable, and it’s only a few dollars a day. Insurance is absolutely essential, buy it if nothing else. 
11. Start Packing: Once you have everything else organized, start packing! If you leave early in the morning, pack completely the night before so all you have to do is double check you have everything. Otherwise, you’re bound to forget something. Click HERE to read my blog post on packing light. 
12. Enjoy your trip! Head to the airport, board your plane (don’t forget your passport), and enjoy the vacation. 

I hope this helps you to better organize and prepare for your trip, and for more in-depth information on particular aspects of planning, check out some of my blog posts about airports, packing, and more! Thanks for reading :)