Travel planning is something I love to do. Getting ready for a trip is sometimes as fun as the trip itself!
With plans this summer to go to New Brunswick, Canada and Chicago, Illinois I have been scoring the internet for the best deals, tips and attractions.
While I don’t like to have an hour by hour itinerary I do like to know what I am going to do, where I am staying and of course, how I am going to get there.
I have written posts before about 5 Tips for Cheaper Travel and Travelling with Allergies, but I also wanted to walk you through my travel planning process. Some of it might seem instinctive but I hope you can find some information that will help you plan your next trip.
1. Pick a Destination
Whether it be a family vacation, a work conference or a getaway with friends, the right destination is important and the key part of all travel planning.
2. Check Travel Websites/Blogs
I love to know what my fellow travellers have done in these locations. I am the Queen of the Google Search!
3. Decide on either a Package Trip or Plan-it-Myself
On some trips I am all about the adventure, forging my own path and experiencing the location at my own pace. Other times I am looking into convenient vacation packages
4. Use a Travel App
If you love to travel then you must find the perfect App for you. When I had a Blackberry I loved Blackberry Travel, but now that I am an iPhone user my go-to is Trip It (sign up for the paid version – totally worth it).
5. Contact Tourism Websites/Offices
Who often has the best information about your destination? The people who live and work there! Contacting the tourism offices is a gateway to attraction and hotel discounts and a fantastic resource for travel planning.
Happy Travels!
What is your best tip for travel planning?
US
Germany
Greece
UA Emirates
Bulgaria
Czech Republic
Denmark
Netherlands
France
India
Italy
Japan
Norway
Poland
Brazil
Slovakia
Spain
Sweden
Romania
Finland
Croatia
Mexico
Argentina
Chile
Thanks for the tips :)
Terri recently posted..Weekend Recap
I’ve never done #4 and #5 … but they are great tips! What is it about a travel app that makes you want to use it? I have a Blackberry and I have yet to really get into using apps yet.
I never even thought about using an app for travel planning – great tip!
Christy recently posted..After the Happily Ever After
Buy travel insurance, make sure it covers auto collisions. Visit CAA if you have a membership, they will print you an itinerary, maps and local attraction books… they also sell attraction tickets at a discount.