9 Steps to Getting There: Part 2

Much of the fun of travel comes from designing the trip. Your planning sessions will set the stage for your great adventure and will help you troubleshoot all kinds of issues before it’s too late. In Part 1 of this series you considered the why, where, and who. Next we dive into the planning – it’s about to get real.

Step 4: How much is this gonna cost me?

Budgeting is the way to make a dream become reality. Once you set your limits, the potential of your trip is much more real. The amount of money you are able to spend will narrow down the clutter of choices that can seem overwhelming at the start. 

Some things to consider – How much time can you take off work? Do you have savings that you’re willing to tap into? What about rewards services or Skymiles that you can cash in? What level of luxury do you want? Then break it down into bite-sized pieces – Lodging, Food and Drink (don’t forget to build in your tab!), Attractions/Excursions, Transportation, Shopping, etc. It’s also beneficial to have a range in mind, going from “super frugal bare bones” to “rent won’t get paid if I go over this amount.” As you go along, you’ll discover how close you’re willing to get to that maximum figure. I've shared some of my unconventional budgeting tips here.

Step 5: When to start the countdown

Deciding when to go on your trip ties in with determining your budget. Travel cost will be dependent upon, not only where you go, but when you go. Unless you’ve already got a pocket full of cash to take you around the world, don’t forget to factor in how much time you’ll need to build up your travel kitty. And of course you’ll want to research the best times of year to visit whichever haven you have your heart set on. Check the weather, rainfall, tourist-mob potential, etc. 

For research loving planners like me, planning an international trip can easily take 6-8 months. This is mostly due to creating a savings timetable (more on that in a future post). But if you’re the more spontaneous type, or you feel like you’ll never go if you put it off for too long, you can get away with a planning period as short as 2-3 months – as long as your budget is not too tight. If you act fast, you should have ample time to reserve your flat or hotel, book your plane ticket, and note a few sites to visit.

Step 6: Where to stay and what to do

Deciding where to stay is not so much about choosing between a fancy hotel, a cozy flat, or a student hostel – I’ve covered my preference in a previous post. This is more about deciding what part of town or type of neighborhood appeals to you given the things you want to do. Do you see yourself hitting up the main attractions, going on day trips, shopping the malls and markets, or relaxing by the water? Grab a guide book and a map to chart out a rough itinerary for each day. If this seems like a lot, I can help you with this. 

The purpose is cohesion – you want everything to flow as well as possible so you can relish the experience. Designing this part is the most work you’ll do in planning your trip. It will take a while, and it should – you want to make sure you’ll enjoy yourself and not be far from what you like when you get there. It’s also the most fun you’ll have before you touchdown on that landing strip.

[Next up: Putting your money where your mouth is – buying the tickets.]