Planning a Trip for the First Time? Start Here

Travel planning can feel like a headache for anyone. In my years of travelling, I’ve done all of my planning either by myself or with a friend, and trust me when I say, it’s a lot harder than it looks. And it already looks pretty hard.

Between endless browser tabs and budget calculations, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed before you’ve even packed your bags. I’ve definitely been there, staring at my screen, wondering where to even start.

Through trial and error (and a few mistakes), I’ve picked up some solid travel planning techniques and a few hacks that make the whole process less stressful and a lot more fun. Whether you’re planning your very first solo trip or a smaller weekend city break, these tips will help you get organised, save money, and actually enjoy planning your trip.

Getting started

So, why is planning so important?

Of course, there should always be room for spontaneity.  I’m very much a Type B person and usually prefer to plan as little as possible and decide things in the moment. However, from my travel experience, I’ve learned that some things really do require a bit of research to make the most of your time and money. Good travel planning helps you avoid last-minute stress, unexpected expenses and missed opportunities. So just think of planning as giving yourself a solid foundation, rather than a strict schedule.

How to Start Planning Your Trip

1.         Choose Your Destination

Start by thinking about what kind of experience you want.

Ask yourself:

• Where have you always dreamed of going?

• Do you want relaxation or adventure?

• What kind of climate would you prefer?

If you’re travelling with others, make sure everyone’s expectations align. If it’s a solo trip, consider destinations where you’ll feel safe and comfortable travelling alone.

Once you’ve chosen a destination, research the best time to visit. This helps you avoid bad weather and peak crowds.

2.         Set a Realistic Budget

Your budget will depend on your destination and how long you’re travelling for, but even a rough estimate makes a huge difference.

Take into account:

• Flights

• Accommodation

• Transport

• Daily cost of living

• Activities and excursions

• Souvenirs

• Emergency money

Having a budget helps you narrow down accommodation options and activities early on, instead of stressing later.

3.         Sort Travel Documents Early

This is one of the most important steps.

Check:

• Your passport expiration date (for most international travel, your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date)

• Visa requirements

• Vaccination requirements

Some visas take weeks (and multiple trips) to organise, so do this as early as possible. Vaccinations can also be expensive, so factor them into your budget.

I would also look into:

• eSIMs or local SIM cards

• Transport cards

• Which bank cards you’ll use abroad

4.         Create a Flexible Itinerary

Once your travel dates are confirmed, and ideally your flights and even accommodation booked, start listing the sights and activities you’d love to see.

Try not to overpack your schedule, though. Some of the best travel memories come from unplanned moments.

My go-to itinerary system:

Create a shared Google or Drive spreadsheet

Columns I use:

• Date

• Location

• Category (travel/free time, excursion)

• Accommodation

• Times

• Detailed itinerary

• Notes (including documents needed that day)

I also keep a personal Word or Notes document for myself with information in a way that makes sense to me.

And yes, I still print everything. It’s saved me more than once, especially after learning that some countries (like China) don’t support Gmail.

 

How to Pack Smart (Without Overpacking)

Packing can quickly become a logistical nightmare. Overpacking “just in case” is a trap, trust me!

Here’s what works for me:

Make a checklist:

Write everything down, from clothes to chargers. It helps prevent panic buying and forgotten essentials. Always consider the weather and pack comfortable shoes, I promise you will be walking a lot.

I would also recommend creating an “on-the-day” checklist for last-minute items like makeup, chargers, and glasses/contact lenses.

Use packing cubes

These little organisers save space and keep things tidy, and you’ll definitely be thankful for them when you are living out of your suitcase on your trip.

Leave space

As hard as this is, you will want room for souvenirs you pick up along the way. I once had to buy an extra suitcase abroad…and carrying two around with you is not fun.

Don’t forget the essentials

Travel adapters, medication, and important documents could be kept in your hand luggage, so they stay close to you at all times.

Extra Travel Planning Tips & Hacks

• Consider guided tours for easier logistics and added safety, especially if solo travelling.

• Book attraction tickets in advance. Museums and exhibitions sell out quickly, and you do not want to miss out on them.

• Leave downtime in your itinerary to avoid burnout.

• Use local transport apps or rent bikes/scooters to explore more efficiently

• When booking flights on sites like Skyscanner, use an incognito tab when you go to book. These apps can increase the prices once they recognise that you are spending time researching.

• Download essential apps before you go (maps, flights, transport, translations)

• Learn basic customs and a few words of the local language. It goes a long way,

Your sign to book that trip

Travel planning doesn’t have to be stressful or intimidating. With a bit of structure and preparation, planning can actually become part of the excitement. Remember, you don’t need to plan everything. Just plan enough so you feel confident and let the rest unfold naturally.