How to Plan Your Next Trip in 6 Simple Steps: Travel planning might seem like solving a complex mathematical formula to many, but believe me, it’s not as difficult as it seems. Hi, I’m Saurabh, and today I’ll share six straightforward steps to help you plan your next trip, whether it’s domestic or international. If you’re new to this channel, don’t forget to hit the subscribe button and click the bell icon for updates.
In today’s world, traveling might not be practical due to COVID-19, but who’s stopping you from planning? Plan now and travel later. By following these steps, you can cut your travel expenses by about 50%. Once you get the hang of travel planning, it can become more enjoyable than the trip itself. Trust me on this!
Step 1: Choosing the Destination | How to Plan Your Next Trip in 6 Simple Steps
The first step in travel planning is selecting your destination. This decision hinges on two crucial factors: your budget and the number of holidays you have. Based on these, decide whether your trip will be domestic or international. Personal preferences also play a role; you might prefer beaches, mountains, cities, or art, culture, and history.
Consider the occasion for your travel, such as a honeymoon or anniversary, and who you’re traveling with, whether it’s friends, family, or solo. If you’re heading to smaller countries in Southeast Asia or Europe, consider adding one or two more countries to your itinerary. This way, you can explore more without significantly increasing your budget.
For this guide, I’ll use Malaysia as an example destination, with Singapore as a secondary location.
Step 2: Shortlisting Cities and Activities | How to Plan Your Next Trip in 6 Simple Steps
Once you’ve chosen a destination, the next step is to shortlist the cities and activities. If your destination is a country or a large state, you’ll need to select specific cities and list their attractions and activities. Google is an excellent resource for this.
Search for “places to visit in [your destination]” and list down the top cities and attractions. Use an Excel sheet, notepad, or even pen and paper to note these down. Create columns for the city, attractions, and the number of days needed to cover these activities. For our example, we’ll pick Kuala Lumpur, George Town, and Langkawi in Malaysia, and list the top things to do in each city.
Step 3: Deciding Travel Duration and Dates | How to Plan Your Next Trip in 6 Simple Steps
With your list of cities and activities, you can now determine how many days you need for your trip. If you have limited days, prioritize the activities you most want to do. Your travel dates might be pre-decided based on family schedules, such as school holidays. If you have flexibility, consider traveling during the shoulder season, the period between peak and off-peak seasons. This can help you save on accommodation and avoid crowds.
Step 4: Booking Travel and Visa | How to Plan Your Next Trip in 6 Simple Steps
For domestic trips, you might travel by car, bus, train, or flight. For international travel, booking flights is essential. Skyscanner is a useful tool for finding flights. Use the multi-city option to get the best value. For instance, flying from Mumbai to Kuala Lumpur and then from Singapore back to Mumbai might be cheaper and more convenient.
For visas, the requirements vary by country. For countries with visa-on-arrival or easy online visas, like Indonesia or Malaysia, you can apply a week or so before your trip. For countries with stricter visa processes, like the USA or Schengen countries, apply well in advance.
Step 5: Booking Accommodation | How to Plan Your Next Trip in 6 Simple Steps
Once your travel arrangements are set, book your accommodation. Whether you prefer hotels, BnBs, or hostels, read recent reviews and watch YouTube videos to ensure you’re making the right choice. Staying in the city center is often beneficial as most attractions and transport hubs are nearby.
Step 6: Planning Intercity and Intracity Transport | How to Plan Your Next Trip in 6 Simple Steps
For intercity travel, options include car rentals, taxis, buses, trains, and flights. The best choice depends on balancing cost and convenience. Pre-booking is often advisable to ensure availability and better prices.
Intracity transport varies by destination. In Europe, public transport is usually the best option due to high taxi costs. In Southeast Asia, taxis are more affordable, but public transport can be more time-efficient. Look for unlimited travel passes for tourists, which many cities offer.
Lastly, consider booking attraction tickets through third-party websites like Klook or MMT to save money. I also recommend getting travel insurance for international trips. It’s a small investment that can prove invaluable.
Conclusion of How to Plan Your Next Trip in 6 Simple Steps
These six steps can help you create a perfect travel plan. If you enjoyed this guide, give it a thumbs up and share it with friends and family. For any feedback, suggestions, or queries, leave a comment. I’ll try to address them in another video. Until then, keep planning and dreaming. See you in the next one!
Also Read:
Top Tips for Flying Long-Haul with Children