18 STEPS FOR

PLANNING A TRIP

Planning a long trip can be a daunting task. Where do you begin? What’s step one? What’s step two? What’s step three? It’s easy to get overwhelmed in the beginning, especially when you haven’t done something like this before. 

In a continuing effort to get YOU out the door and into the world, I’ve created this step-by-step guide to planning a trip that breaks the process down so planning becomes easier and less overwhelming: 

Step 1 – Decide Where You Want To Go Define where you want to go as specifically as possible. The more specific you get, the more concrete the idea.  

Fill this in: I am going to ____________ in ___________. 

Resources for picking your destination: ● 200+ in-depth destination guides● Five Destinations Under $30 in the World● 19 Amazing Travel Goals to Check Off

Step 2 – Decide the Length of Your Trip How long are you going for? Again be clear! After you say “I’m going to Paris,” add “for 10 days.” 

Fill this in: I am going to ____________ in ___________ for ______ days / weeks. 

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Step 3 – Research Your Costs ● Go online and look up costs. ● Figure out what style you want. Are you backpacking or do 

you want luxury? ● Create an estimated budget for your trip. Break it down to 

your estimated daily expenses.  

You can begin with my travel guide section or simply buy a guidebook (which are really good for things like this). 

 Step 4 – Start Saving Money Create a spreadsheet and write down all your current expenses so you can determine where you are spending money and how you can cut back. Track everything to the penny. 

● Analyze your spending.  ● Figure out where you can cut. ● Come up with a daily savings goal. For example, if you need 

$2,000 USD for the trip you’re taking in eight months, that means you only have to save $8.33 per day.  

You can read this post for more in-depth and creative ways to cut your day-to-day expenses:  

20 ways to Cut Your Expenses and Save for Travel 

 

 

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Step 5 – Get a Travels Rewards Credit Card Get a travel credit card so you can earn sign-up bonuses to redeem miles and points for free flights and hotel stays. Most cards have bonuses of up to 50,000 points when you meet their minimum spending requirement (often $1,000 within a three-month period). That’s a lot of miles — enough for a free flight almost anywhere in the world. 

I am always doing this so I can travel for as cheap as possible. This post will give you more information as well as a list of the latest deals: https://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-tips/picking-a-travel-credit-card/. 

 Step 6 – Switch to No-Fee ATM Cards Save every extra dollar you can by using a no-fee ATM card. I use Charles Schwab, but there are lots of other banks (don’t forget to check your local banks) that don’t charge ATM fees. Additionally, you can join a bank in the Global ATM Alliance. 

 Step 7 – Stay Focused and Inspired Keep feeding your desire to travel. Here are some inspiring stories: 

● Why Tomorrow Is Too Late ● Why You Have More Time Than You Think ● Why Cynics like Bob are Wrong About Everything ● How Michael Saved $14k in Six Months 

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Step 8 – Check for Last-Minute Deals Okay, you’re inspired, prepared, and on your way to saving money for your trip. But before you go buy that flight or book that hotel, check for deals you might have missed. You may dream of Paris but maybe there are great deals to Berlin right now. Maybe you can get a seven-day cruise for 70% off, a package deal to Hawaii for the price of your flight to Paris, or 50% off sailing trips around Greece. 

It’s a big world, and there are lots of places I want to see, so if I end up choosing B over A, I’m happy! If you’re flexible too, make sure you look for any money-saving deals. 

 Step 9 – Book Your Flight Make sure to book early to ensure you get your desired flight. My favorite sites for finding cheap fares: 

● Google Flights ● Momondo ● Skyscanner 

For the best deals, book your flight about two months in advance. 

 

  

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Step 10 – Book Your Accommodation If you have a set schedule, feel free to book accommodation for the duration of your trip, but if you are going to be traveling long-term, book just the first few days.  

The following booking sites offer the best rates for accommodation: 

● Hostelworld ● Agoda (Great for Southeast Asia) ● Booking.com 

Step 11 – Plan Your Activities Sketch out the major activities you want to enjoy and how much they cost. Make any last-minute adjustments to your savings so you can ensure you have enough money. This will also help you figure out if you need any reservations for your chosen tours or activities. 

Step 12 – Sell Your Stuff If you are going on a long-term trip (six months or more), sell your stuff in order to earn extra money for your trip. Start doing this about 60 days before you leave. Sites to use: 

● Gumtree ● Amazon ● Craigslist 

 

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Step 13 – Automate Your Bills Get rid of your mail, go paperless, and set up online bill payment for your recurring bills to ensure you won’t miss any overseas. 

 Step 14 – Tell Your Card Companies You’re Traveling No matter how long you’ll be gone, it’s a good idea to let your credit card companies know you will be overseas; that way any transactions that you make aren’t flagged as fraudulent and your card is less likely to be blocked.  

 Step 15 – Pack Time to pack for your trip! Here’s a suggested packing list. 

 Step 16 – Buy Travel Insurance Travel insurance is something you will need on the road. You never know what might happen, and most health plans won’t cover you overseas. Travel insurance is only a few dollars a day and only a fool doesn’t buy it.  

I use World Nomads for all my trips. 

   

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Step 17 – Enjoy Your Trip Go on your trip and have fun! Head to the airport, board your plane (don’t forget your passport!), and enjoy the fruits of your labor. 

By using this post as a guideline, you can better organize and prepare for your trip. You’ll check all the boxes, not miss anything, and have plenty of money for your vacation. It can be as simple as booking a flight and packing or as complex as rearranging your entire life to go backpack the world forever. 

But no matter your trip length, this list will help you stay organized as you prepare to step onto that plane and out into the world. 

 

 

P.S. Yes, I did leave out visas and vaccinations, because needing those isn’t as universal as the other stuff on this list, but don’t forget to check if you need those, too! 

 

 

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