It’s the moment of truth now…time to seal the deal and get ready to see all of your plans come to light. In Part 1 you figured out the basics; in Part 2 you delved into the details; here you’ll take some action and get set to jet!

Step 7: Get your ticket, let’s go!

Despite the sequence of this list, buying your tickets – plane, train, and attractions – will be a little spread out over the course of your planning. In fact you’ll want to buy your plane ticket and book your lodging at the same time and well in advance (think around Step 5). Advance purchase of attraction tickets and day trips are also a great idea to avoid lines and sold out excursions. You’ll save money by pre-booking in virtually every case. 

Step 8: Get your stuff together

I have seen some “miracle packing” articles out there that are quite impressive! - Mine is coming soon. I’m a firm believer in going carry-on only. Packing light will enable you to have the best possible time. Less fuss at the airport and less weight to carry around town makes for less stress (don’t forget you're supposed to be stepping out of your comfort zone a bit). Consider it a test of your creativity – how many outfits can you get out of 3 pairs of pants, 4 shirts, and 2 scarves? Answer: more than you think!

A few more things to consider: hit up Amazon for things like an outlet converter, money belt, and snacks (granola bars travel well). It’s a good idea to have some cash – you can exchange currency beforehand at most banks. Make sure your passport is up to date and won’t expire for at least 3 months from the end of your trip. Establish an emergency contact and give copies of documents and itineraries to a trusted relative or friend. There is more, but I’ll share a detailed list in another post.

Step 9: Time to revel

You did it! You’ve planned your dream trip. Maybe you’ve just booked your last ticket, or you’re literally headed to the airport. Or maybe you can just picture yourself being in that moment – I’m reliving that moment from last Spring as I'm writing this.

Revel in this feeling. Your diligence and sacrifice has paid off. You’re on your way to exploring this great big world and even after all the work you’ve done to get here, this is just the beginning – you still have your entire trip to savor! And be sure that you do savor every moment. Take insane amounts of pictures (like I did) and make sure you’re in them. Try the weird dish that you can’t pronounce. Stop and listen to some street musicians. Don’t spend your whole day in a museum (unless that’s your thing). Engage the people you encounter with whatever broken language skills you can muster. You are finally there - have the time of your life.

Then come home, share your stories, and start planning the next round. 

Share your thoughts:

• What did you think of this series?
  
• Can you relate to this process from your own travel experiences?
  

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.]