Easy Planning: How to Plan that Epic Trip
Love planning trips? Hate it? Either, or … I’ve got you covered! My simple but thorough 3-step trip planning process will help you DEFINE your perfect vacation experience – and then make it happen.
Below you’ll find this 3-step trip planning process. Plus trip planning tips, how-to tools and templates, and a little trip planning inspiration.
The #1 most important question in the entire trip planning process is this: When you’re back at home, what will make you say, “Now THAT was a fantastic trip”?
Simple and Thorough 3-Step Trip Planning Process
This 3-step trip planning process centers around YOU. Your style. Your goal. Your vision. And then using that vision as your compass in all your trip planning and decision-making.
Your very first step is about defining your compass:
- Identify your goal. What will make this a fantastic trip?
- Prioritize your constraints. Time, money or activities?
- Clarify what you know. Where, when or who?
- Understand your default travel style. Preferences, vacation rhythm and physical limitations.
Typical steps, but purposefully in a different order than most planning processes:
- Read up on your destination, highlighting and ranking as you go;
- Map out your interests to see a natural itinerary emerge;
- Pick a place to stay that you’ll want to go back to;
- Book the critical pieces of your trip, including must-do activities; and,
- Deep breath … when it’s fun again, fill in the gaps.
Get out the door … leisurely and with your vision of that perfect experience still intact. Here’s your ultimate countdown checklist:
- 3 MONTHS before you leave
- 1 MONTH before you leave
- 1 WEEK before you leave
- 1 DAY before you leave
- MORNING OF the day you leave
- LONGER THAN 1 MONTH trip adjustments
Remember to SHARE these tips and tools with your TRAVEL COMPANIONS!
Trip planning tips:
15+ Free Printables: Best Road Trip Games for Young Kids
Heading out on a family road trip? Check out these free printables for the BEST road trip games for young kids.
CABIN Packing List for Romantic Getaways [Printable]
Use this cabin packing list to make your romantic weekend getaway sooo romantic! Pack special treats, great outfits and easy food ideas.
29 Tips: How to Plan a Romantic Getaway [PRINTABLE]
Wondering how to plan a romantic getaway that’s actually romantic? Here are 29 tips to show you care, with room for what you need most!
15 Tips: Traveling with Your Aging Parents
Planning a trip with aging parents? Here are 15 tried and testing tips to make it incredible!
Inspiration for trip planning:
25 Trips with DAD: BEST Father Son or Daughter Trip Ideas
Fun. Adventure. And DRINKS! Find AWESOME trips for father and son or daughter in USA and the world.
25 Best Trips with MOM: Places She’ll LOVE to Visit!
I LOVE going on trips with Mom! Here are 25 best places for mother-daughter trips of a lifetime, road trips and Mother’s Day weekends.
42 Best Christmas Vacation Ideas for Couples 2020
Here are the best LOW-STRESS Christmas getaway ideas for couples! Cozy holiday vibes, adventure and luxury. Availability and price may change, so book soon!
17 Best Virtual Tours of CITIES Around the World
Want travel inspiration? Here it is! 17 virtual tours of cities … EPIC travel destinations for your bucket list. Ultra-Modern. Historic. Forbidden (kinda).
