Have you been in the situation of planning a trip? Ever been caught up in the stress of getting the plan right? What about the turmoil of a last minute cancellation? Probably from your airline, hotel, etc? Then comes the big blow of your destination being way below your expectations. How disappointing.
These and many more problems pose as a huge factor to consider when planning a trip. Several people avoid this by hiring an agent, without giving a damn about additional costs. Just to maintain their sanity. Good for them.
Others that can’t afford agents start planning their trip way before time. They make extra backup plans to be sure of a smooth trip. Some go the extra mile of making extra extra backup plans. Call that a plan “C”.
Since the beginning of the year, I have planned a few trips. For others and myself. I’ve created itenaries. I have calculated costs for visiting a destination. Following the launched allmyview travel planning service. I feel the need to highlight some few important tips. Hopefully, they would inspire your next travel itenary as you get ready to embark on a new trip.
1.) SELECT A DESTINATION
A travel plan can not be made if there’s no known destination. Where are you traveling to? Why are you traveling? What is your travel aim? Why should you travel instead of just sit at home? What place would you love to visit and why? Questions like this should sit at the forefront of your mind. Once answered, your choice of a destination would come to view.
2.) DESTINATION RESEARCH:
This is the first major step to plan a trip. After answering and selecting a destination, what next? Researching on your chosen destination! In these days of well modified technological advancements, this is no problem at all. With the help of
social media,
question and answer platforms like quora,
tour guides and tourism curators like me,
travel focused companies and organizations, and even travel bloggers,
all your concerns about a destination is answered! When planning a trip, I check websites and social media feeds of fellow bloggers and get their insights on a destination.
One of those early travel time I failed to plan my trip. Read it up here
3.) WRITE OUT YOUR PLAN:
Take notes of your findings. Pen down everything you learn. They are easily forgotten if there’s no reminder. Especially if you’re overwhelmed with planning. While planning a trip for my customers, I use Google Docs to create a questionnaire. This is helpful in taking down their preferences and any concerns or contributions they might have. I make use of Google keep to make notes of my itenary. I use Canva to create a downloadable checklist for my customers.
4.) REACH OUT:
This is simply saying talk to someone. Someone that is well vested in the knowledge of your chosen destination. Preferably a local of the place. The locals give accurate insights. How to get intouch with the locals; technology! Social media has the location advantage. Just search according to your chosen location and viola!
5.) BOOK YOUR TICKETS
After research and being certain, book your tickets. Booking ahead of time saves money and last minute rush. Bookings can be done via an agent. Easier bookings can be done through this site.
6.) PACK YOUR BAGS!
If the travel plan is diligently followed, this is no problem at all.
For what to pack when traveling, check here!
EXTRA TIP:
Finally, make sure you have both a virtual and a hard copy of everything. This includes your hotel, your flight, your transportation, etc. That way you always have a backup in case something gets lost or deleted.
This is how I plan a trip, effectively. How do you plan yours??
