The Ultimate Trip Planner: Your Complete Guide 2024

As a project manager, I’m used to planning and organizing things. I know that a well-planned project is more likely to be successful. So when planning a trip, I take the same approach. I have to admit that with the 2nd one, I can be a little bit obsessive. I want everything to be perfect. I want to ensure that I’m seeing and doing all the right things and that I’m not wasting any time or money.

Over the years, I’ve learned a lot about trip planning. I’ve learned how to find the best deals on flights and accommodation, how to create a realistic itinerary, and how to pack light. I’ve also learned how to deal with unexpected events, such as flight cancellations and lost luggage.

Here are 3 simple steps I always take when planning a trip. If you follow them carefully, you’ll save time and make the most of your vacation! Keep scrolling for my best trip-planning tips.

1. Choose your destination

Choosing a destination is an important decision. It’s where your dreams start to take shape. Where do you want to go? What do you want to see and do? Once you have the answers to these questions, you can start narrowing down your options. When I planned my trip to Hawaii for example, I spent hours reading travel blogs, and books, and talking to people who had been there. This research was an emotional journey, as it gave me a sense of what to expect. My trip to this place started long before I boarded the plane…

I’m sure you must have a wish list of places where to go. Pick the one that suits best the time of the year, weather, and budget, or, like I always do, when I can’t decide, I choose multiple destinations that are close to each other and do a small circuit to see them all.

2. Booking Flights and Accommodations – Logistics Like a Pro

Booking flights and accommodations is the logistical side of travel. This is where your project management skills shine. Attention to detail, flexibility, and the thrill of securing essential components come into play. I always alternate searching for flights and hotels, as some hotels offer better deals during the work week, as shown below:

Tip: Make sure to check and compare flight and accommodation prices for the dates you’re planning to travel, as prices can vary significantly depending on the day of the week.

The best time to book your flights is typically 6-8 weeks in advance, but you can sometimes find good deals if you book further ahead. When booking your accommodation, it’s important to consider your budget and travel style. Here are some great tips for how to save money for your trips!

3. Plan your itinerary

Once you’ve booked your flights and accommodation, it’s time to start planning your itinerary. This is where you’ll decide what you want to see and do during your trip.

Usually, I start by using Google to find the most famous sights in that area. Then, I look up photos of those attractions to see if they really interest me. If they do, I put them on my Google Maps so I can see how near or far they are from one another. I use different colored pins to mark places to eat and attractions on my map.

This helps me figure out how to plan and group them together for each day of my trip. When planning your itinerary, it’s important to be realistic. Don’t try to cram too much into one day. It’s better to focus on a few key things that you’re really interested in.

Tip: I use Notion.so to document and plan my trips. I create a daily itinerary with points of interest, links to tickets for attractions, and restaurants, and approximate prices to track my budget for each day. Before you go, confirm the opening days and hours, and purchase tickets in advance if necessary, or make reservations.

I’ve been traveling for over 10 years now, and I’ve learned a lot along the way. While traveling, keep in mind that the true essence of travel lies not in the places you visit, but in the experiences you have and the emotions and growth you experience along the way. Your dreams and organizational skills will help you ensure that your trips are not just vacations, but transformative experiences.

Until next time folks! T.G.