Travel - Trip Planning Guide w/Packing Checklist
Travel is an exhilarating way to discover new places and make unforgettable memories. Whether you're exploring a foreign country or your own hometown, planning a trip can be overwhelming if you don't know where to start. Fortunately, with the right research and preparation, you can create a travel itinerary that is both enjoyable and stress-free. As someone who loves the excitement of planning a trip, I believe that the anticipation of a fun adventure is one of the best parts of the entire journey. So, if you're looking to plan your next travel adventure, follow these tips for a successful and memorable trip!
Destination Research
Planning a vacation requires determining the type of vacation you desire. Do you seek a relaxing beach getaway, an adventurous hiking trip, or a cultural city break? Defining your vacation type can help you narrow down your options, make informed decisions, set a budget, and plan your itinerary. Take some time to contemplate what kind of vacation you want and begin planning your dream getaway today!
Some examples:
Destination focused
Choose a destination to explore
beach
beach logging and often remain on the beach for the duration of your vacation
International
often destination-focused
all-inclusive
Many resorts in various destinations are all-inclusive, providing food, logging, drinks, experiences, etc...
cruise
often an all-inclusive trip (many add-ons can be purchased ahead of time to save money and give the all-inclusive feeling)
camping
Local campgrounds
National Forest campgrounds
dispersed camping
backpacking (backpacking tips/packing checklist coming soon)
Disney
Parks, cruise line, or both
road trip
choose a specific decision to drive to
drive around to various destinations for a few days at a time
The list is limitless. This step helps you define what you want from your vacation. Brainstorm below. You can even work with a travel agency to help with as much or as little as you want. I recommend People Mover Travel.
2. Write down ideas for what you want from your vacation.
Think about your non-negotiables.
What experiences do you want to have?
Do you want to relax and not worry about anything?
Do you want to plan every aspect of the trip?
Do you want to work with a travel agent?
Where do you want to stay? Hotel, Airbnb, etc
Are you flying or driving?
What travel documents do you need? Passport, ID, travel visa, etc... Plan to get your DOcs at least 2-3 months before you travel.
Ground Transportation: How are you getting from the airport to the hotel and getting around while you're there? Uber, taxi, car rental? Is your logging within walking distance of restaurants/experiences?
What do you want to do while you're there?
Places to eat?
Can you pre-book any experiences?
Or do you want to go with the flow?
3. Vacation Budget
If you're planning a trip, it's a good idea to set aside some funds each month to help you reach your goal. Booking your lodging and flights early may be necessary if you want to secure the best deals, but it's not mandatory. You can always pay for parts of your trip as you save up for it.
Logging: ____________
Flight/Drive: ____________
Travel Documents: ____________
Uber/Taxi/Car Rental: ____________
Experiences: ____________
Food: ____________
Suvineres/Spending Money: ____________
Total: ____________
How many months until your trip?: ________
Divide your total by # of months; this is how much you can plan to save each month to prepare for your trip: ____________
4. Vacation Planning Checklist
Vacation Research
Where are you going - __________________
When are you going - __________________
How are you going - Fly or Drive Logging booked (hotel, Airbnb, etc...) ___________________________________
Flights Booked - __________________________
Ground Transportation - ___________________
Travel Documents Needed - _________________ ___________________________________
Pre-Booked Experiences (if you choose) __________________________
Food Options: ___________________________
5. Packing Checklist
Once you have all of your travel research and planning complete, it’s time to figure out if you need anything for your trip using a packing list. A packing list is a document that lists all the items that a person needs to pack for a trip or vacation. It can be a helpful tool to ensure that everything needed is packed, and nothing is forgotten. Packing lists can be customized based on the type of trip, destination, and personal preferences. Some common items that might be included on a packing list are clothing, toiletries, travel documents, electronics, and any necessary medications. By using a packing list, travelers can reduce the stress and anxiety that can come with packing for a trip and can enjoy a more relaxed and organized travel experience. Click the link below for my travel essentials.
To receive my Complete Guide to Trip Planning with Packing Checklist PDF Download for FREE, sign up for my newsletter below. Or Click HERE. OR if you choose not to join my email list, you can purchase it HERE
Note: this post may contain affiliate links. I may make a small commission if you make a qualifying purchase through one of the links. Your support allows me to continue to do what I love and share my passion for living a healthy and active lifestyle. I appreciate your support!
Affiliate Links
Home Gym - All the things in my Home Gym
If you are here and reading this, that means you have an interest in your health and fitness. That is so good; I am so excited for you! Taking care of your body is the best thing you can do for yourself in the present and the long term.
“Do something today that your future self will thank you for.”
— unknown
I find that quote so inspiring. Hard work will pay off in the future, but you also have to live in the moment, and I feel like taking care of yourself is doing both. You are doing good for yourself now and for your future self.
Thank you so much for reading! If you want to learn more about health and fitness, follow me on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram @myactivelife_stacey.
Subscribe to my newsletter here or at the bottom of the page to get notified when I post new blog posts on health and fitness-related topics. I also sprinkle some tips on outdoor activities here and there. You will also get a free downloadable PFD. It changes from time to time! Thank you all for the support, and I’ll see you in the next post!
