I’ve started thinking about where we might spend our 1st family trip of the summer so I guess that means I’m ahead of the curve, lol. Planning trips can be just as daunting as it is exciting, even for us “self-proclaimed travel concierge consultants”….whew that was a mouthful. 😆

So what’s the key? For me, having a system/process when it comes to planning trips is a must. I can tell you from experience having a process you can refer to is definitely something you need as planning trips can get very overwhelming. Also note, even if you have a system in place it’s still a whole job… so, If you are impatient or do not like doing research, taking on the responsibility of planning may not be the role for you lol.

Step 1

Destination 🌍: Figure out where you want to go. Sounds easy enough right? Not. You’d be surprised how hard this is, especially if you’re planning a trip for a group of people lol. Keep in mind you can’t move forward with anything until this is done so strap up, this can be a head banger.

Step 2

Preliminary Surveying:  It’s like reconnaissance but without the heavy military meaning or backing lol. I can’t stress this enough, 🗣 do research on the places you’re traveling to before you travel, especially if you’re traveling to another country. It’s very important to know the do’s and don’ts…for some countries your life could depend on it.

Step 3

Accommodations 🏨: For most people this would not be the second step, looking for flights would but for me if I can’t find suitable accommodations I’m back to step one. So, the priority is where I’m going to lay my head and If you’re like me this is what you will spend majority of your time on.

Step 4

Flights ✈: This definitely takes patience and almost as much time as finding the right accommodations. Luckily, nowadays there are so many apps that can assist you in finding affordable tickets. Apps like Skyscanner, Google Flights, Skiplagged etc. All of these apps are great but note, going to the airport will always be the best option when it comes to lowest fares.

Step 5

Activities 🪂: So, what are you going to do on your trip? This is when you start researching all that the area and surrounding areas has to offer. I normally just throw best excursions or activities in my google browser of the city/country I’m visiting.

Step 6

Pack 👜: Now that you know where you are going and what you’ll be doing you can pack for your trip appropriately. For me, appropriately definitely doesn’t mean “wisely” if we’re speaking in terms of how much to pack, lol. It’s just a guide for the kinds of clothes we’ll be packing not the amount lol!

Of course, just like anything else, becoming a master planner is not something you learn overnight but just like anything else the more you do it, the better you become at it. Have fun with it, get excited, you’re going places. Till next time. Later readers. 😊

Ronda