Step 1 – Research

1. Type of Trip
First, you need to determine what type of trip you want to go on.  Consider these several questions to help you determine your destination.

• You need to decide what type of trip do you want to take.  Is this a family trip? A trip with other couples? A multi-generational trip?  Who will be traveling with you?
• What vibe do you want?  Kid/family friendly? Romantic? Local culture? Rest and relaxation?
• What type of activities are you (and your party) interested in? Beach and water? Golf? History and cultural tours? Adventure? Spa/relaxation?

2. Inspiration
If you do not know where you want to go yet, then find some inspiration!

• I like to look at Pinterest (my personal Pinterest page has some wonderful destination ideas).
• I also like to look at my personal favorite cruise line (Windstar) to see their destinations and cruise options. Or, you can look at your favorite tour company for inspiration.
• You can check out Google Flights. It is one of my favorite pre-planning websites, especially if I am unsure of my dates.  You can narrow down by general time frame (i.e. months), destinations, and interests.
• I also like to look at Rick Steves and Lonely Planet for more travel inspiration.
• Finally, my Bucket List can provide a lot of inspiration!

3. Choose Your Destination
The type of trip, the people going on the trip, your budget, and your dates will help determine your destination. If there are not a lot of constraints for your trip, then the tips above under inspiration can help you narrow down where to go.

4. Narrow Down Your Time Frame
In some instances, like Spring Break, you will already have predetermined dates. But, narrow down when you want to travel. If you are a little more budget conscious, then be flexible with your dates. Also, keep in mind about traveling during high vs. shoulder vs. low seasons.

5. Choose the Length of Your Trip
Again, your dates may already be set in stone. But, you will also need to choose how long you want to travel. Keep in mind about proper travel days. For example, traveling to Europe will take roughly 2 travel days.

6. Decide Your Budget
Your budget will also be a huge indicator of where you will go and how long you will travel. Please be realistic about your budget. Yes, I have heard the “I traveled to Europe for 6 weeks for under $3,000” stories. Those stories are NOT realistic. 😉  So, do a little research on the costs.

Also, decide where you want to spend your money. For example, I would rather fly coach and spend the extra cash on an upgraded hotel.  Finally, have a budget for the planning side of the trip (i.e. flights, hotels, transportation, tours, etc.) and also have a separate budget for the “while traveling” part of your trip (i.e. meals, drinks, souvenirs, etc.).

7. Research
Once you decide the destination and the time, I like to do a little research on the destination. I make a “must do” list and a “would like to do” list. I like to gather general information on my destination as well as advice and tips.

Step 2 – Work with a Travel Advisor

1. Contact Me!  If you are unsure if you want to use a travel advisor, then read my post on “8 Benefits of Working with a Travel Advisor.”

2. What do you want your travel advisor to book for you?
Decide what you want your travel advisor to book for you.  Do you need air?  Transfers?  Cruise?  Rental Car?  Hotels?  Tours and activities?  Reservations?  Train tickets?  Insurance?

3. Requirements
Research and talk to your travel advisor about the requirements of traveling to a destination.  Here are a couple of questions to ask:

• Do you need a passport?  Is your passport up-to-date?
• Does your destination require a Visa?
• Do you need vaccines?

3. Types of transportation
What do types of transportation do you need for your trip?

• Air? Cabin preference? Airline preference?
• Transfers? Do you need transfers from the airport to hotel/pier terminal, etc?
• Train tickets?
• Rental Car? What type of rental car do you need?

Think about what transportation will be needed for your trip and what you want your travel advisor to book.

4. Accommodations
What accommodations will you need?

• Are you going on a cruise? Do you prefer a specific cruise line? What type of cabin?
• Hotels… What type of hotels do you like to stay in? 4 or 5 stars? Do you prefer to stay at certain properties (i.e. Hilton)? Do you have hotel preferences (i.e. breakfast included)?

Think about what accommodations and the specific requirements for those accommodations.

5. Tours and Activities
Check out your “must-do” list.

• Do you want to go on tours? Do you have any specific activities and/or tours you would like to take? Do you prefer a group or a private tour? Are you a foodie — do you want to go on a food tour? Do you want an overall tour of the city?
• Are there any certain activities you want to do?  Do you need tee-time reservations for golf?  Do you want to go out on a private boat for the day?

Keep in mind of things you want to do and if you want to go on any tours. Talk to your travel advisor, and y’all can find some fantastic and unique tours and activities.

6. Extras
Is there anything else you want to do or want your travel advisor to help you with? Do you want certain restaurant reservations? Do you need any special accommodations (i.e. crib in the room)? Think about any extra details to make your trip perfect!

7. Insurance
Buy insurance. You never know when something could go wrong. Please, please be covered!