There are so many gorgeous places in the world but a limited time to see them! How do you figure out where you should go?

Here are a few tips:

• Use Skyscanner to figure out which destinations are cheapest to fly to. 
• See if there are any error fares to destinations you’re interested in. 
• Check out Pinterest and Instagram for some visual inspiration.
• Refer to your bucket list (if you have one) for ideas.
• Check out last minute group tour adventures.

Now that you know where you want to go, it’s time to get a rough idea of how much it will cost you and research all the cool things to do in the destination. 

Here’s how you do that:

• Check approximate flight and hotel costs using Skyscanner and Booking.com/Hostelworld. No need to get very specific but just make sure the costs are generally within budget. Depending on how far out your trip is, set a price alert for the flight or purchase it.
• Figure out how much time you have for your trip and make a giant “cool things to do” list of anything and everything that peaks your interest. Use Pinterest, blog posts, Lonely Planet, and Tour Radar for inspiration. 
• Decide how long you’re going to spend in each city based on preliminary research. Use Rome 2 Rio to ensure it’s possible to get from Point A to B and gauge how long it will take.
• Add all this information to a Google spreadsheet.

This is where the itinerary really takes shape. After deciding how long to stay in each destination (and knowing that it is possible to get from point A to B), start scouring for accommodation.

• Look at travel blogs for recommendations on unique, quirky, and fun places to stay.

• Search through Hostelworld, Booking.com and Airbnb for each location.

• Book your accommodation and add the information to your spreadsheet.

Figure out how to get from point A to B, this time in detailnow that you know where you’re staying and for how long. 

• Research the best method to get to each destination using Rome 2 Rio. Most of the time I don’t book this ahead of time since you can easily get them on the spot but I add this information to a spreadsheet.  
• Most importantly: figure out is how to get from the airport to the hotel. It’s really stressful to figure this out at the airport. 
• Figure out how to get to and from your accommodation in every city you’re visiting on the trip as well.
• Add all this information to your spreadsheet. 

Remember the giant to-do list you made earlier? Pare it down to the top things you want to do in each city. Do NOT plan a day by day itinerary so you can be flexible when you arrive. This list is more of a guideline so you don’t show up to a destination not knowing what the cool things to do are.  

• Read up a bit on each activity you want to do – namely, do you need to buy tickets ahead of time? If so, buy them.
• Note the important information about sites and activities: opening times, entrance fees, etc.
• Add all this information to your spreadsheet.

I usually try to do at least one dining experience / food tour while in a new city, so I book one of those. For some destinations, if there’s a day trip or overnight trip I really want to do but can’t do independently, I usually research and (sometimes book) those too. Always leave room for flexibility with your plans. 

• Find a free walking tour in the first city you’re arriving in (if available) and note when it runs.
• Browse EatWith for awesome foodie experiences.
• Book any cool overnight or day trips using Viator or Vayable (read reviews first). 
• Add all this information to your spreadsheet.

Research travel tips and general information for the destination. Be sure to purchase travel insurance as well! 

• Read up on things to know before you go including visas, currency, weather, customs (like tipping), and more. 
• Learn how to say a few important phrases if you’re traveling somewhere where English is limited such as hello, goodbye, thank you, where’s the bathroom? and I’m sorry, I don’t speak [language].
• Research common tourist scams and crimes – not to scare you but so you know what to avoid.
• Let your credit card company know you’ll be traveling.
• Get vaccinated if needed.

I always recommend packing for a week if you’re traveling for 7 days or longer. Doing laundry is painless compared to lugging around a giant suitcase. What to pack always depends on the destination (although I always pack the items at the bottom of this page). As a rule of thumb – if it’s a “just in case” item that you can definitely purchase at the destination if you need it, leave it at home. 

• Clothing: versatile and weather-appropriate pieces that go well together. Stay away from crazy prints and wild colors so you don’t have to pre-plan every outfit. 
• Shoes: Bring no more than three pairs. Include something that you can walk all day in, a comfortable pair that can easily be dressed up, and a third one depending on the destination (sandals, hiking boots, water shoes, etc).
• Toiletries: mini versions only and don’t get crazy – the more multifunctional items, the better. 
• Electronics: chargers, a converter, a phone, a camera, and a kindle are usually sufficient. Bring a laptop or tablet if you need it.
• Paperwork and important documents: bring copies of your passport, visa, all reservations, travel insurance, health insurance and information, and vaccination certificate (depending on the destination). 

Get excited for your trip! These are the last things you need to do before you go.

• Add any final information to your travel spreadsheet and email all your confirmations to TripIt. TripIt is a super handy (and free) app that helps you keep all of your travel information organized. Plus it lets you auto-sync everything to your Google Calendar, if that’s your style.
• Send your travel details to loved ones, just in case. Include your airfare and accommodation information plus any major tours you book as well. 
• HAVE FUN! Get excited for a grand adventure!