Whether you’re a travel veteran, or a newbie just jumping in to the world of adventure and wanderlust, choosing your next destination isn’t always clear and easy. In fact, not knowing where to start could halt the whole reservation process all together. Al the choices and the details you need to plan can pile up and overwhelm you if you don’t have an easy method and plan of action.
Travel should be stress-free (or as stress-free as possible) – it’s meant to be a moment of recharge, self-exploration and new experiences. When you begin planning your next trip, take these seven steps to help direct you, keep your brain from freaking out and also, ultimately, organize an amazing trip.
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Decide how long you want your trip to be.
Time largely dictates the types of destinations that you can travel. For example, if you only have a long weekend, it’s not practical to try and plan a trip from the US to Europe or Asia. You’ll spend all of your time in the plane. Try to maximize your time off by choosing a destination (hint: begin with a list of possible destinations) that will work with your schedule. Find an interactive map or app that will help figure out how far you can travel.
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Take a look at that globe.
Then take a look at that globe and visualize your trip. Mentally putting together your travel will also help it seem more real and possible. Many times, people have a habit of simply talking about a trip and never doing it. By actually seeing where it is and thinking about what you might see and do when you’re there – a mock trip of sorts – you’ll be more motivated to follow through with your plans. If you’re still unsure of where you might want to go, see what people are blogging about to point you in the right direction.
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Then work out a max budget.
Once you’ve chosen your destination, then you need to make sure that your choice fits within your budget. This can vary depending on what kind of travel you want to do also – for example there will be a big difference if you’re searching for a luxury or budget travel experience. Use a budget calculator.
Or maybe you’ve decided on an extended holiday, but aren’t sure how to make that work with your budget. Take a look at freelance sites like Fiverr or Upwork to fill your bank account through remote work.
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Think about your companions – or if you’re traveling solo.
Destination choice will also depend on who is coming with you. Not all locales fit with everyone’s personal preferences and characters, and there’s nothing that can bring you down quite as quickly as a travel companion who is set on complaining about everything on your trip. If it’s your first time traveling with someone, make sure to ask them about the kinds of things they like to do when they go on vacation. This will help narrow down your choices – and keep everyone happy.
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Research lodging, transportation and sites that are must-sees
In order to really visualize it, you’ll need to do research too. For example, plan out your route for a road trip across the US (like Route 66) and look at different sites along the way that warrant stopping. If you have less time off, look at unique activities or nearby locales close to home that you can visit for a little escape from reality.
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Take stock of all of your travel supplies.
You’ve got your time off, your budget, your destination, who’ll you’ll travel with and what to do. Now you need to take stock of all your travel supplies. You want your travel experience to be as painless as possible – relaxation and exploration – so make sure you have those essentials. Invest in a good piece of luggage, a travel mug, universal charger or portable containers for liquids. You’ll feel much better traveling around prepared.
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Book that ticket.
You’ve gone over all the details and done all of the necessary research to get yourself set up for an epic new adventure. All you have to do now is book your ticket. Make sure you shop around for the best price and look at various flight search engines like Kayak, Skyscanner or Momondo. Compare prices, and then book it. You’ve done all the research and worked out your budget. Don’t hesitate or wait. Just do it.
Here it is – our guide to help you plan all of your next adventures as a globetrotter around the world. Remember not to become overwhelmed by all the details of travel that can come into your mind all at once. Just stop and take a breath, and begin at step one.
Author: Kacey is a lifestyle blogger for “The Drifter Collective.” Throughout her life, she has found excitement in the world around her. Kacey graduated with a degree in Communications while working for a lifestyle magazine. She has been able to fully embrace herself with the knowledge of nature, the power of exploring other locations, cultures, and styles, while communicating these endeavors through her passion for writing and expression. Her love for the world around her is portrayed through her visually pleasing, culturally embracing and inspiring posts.
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