Unless I am returning to a previously visited location, I allow enough time to plan a trip. The more I know about where I am going, the less stressed I will be while abroad.
Where to Travel
I begin planning about a year before traveling. Initial thoughts are: how much to spend, what to see, and how long to travel. I consider physical activities, local culture, landscape, museums, architecture, and weather or seasons.
Resource materials I use are in the local library. In particular, Rick Steves, Fodor’s, Lonely Planet, Eyewitness, just to name a few specialty travel authors.
I also use blogs, forums, Trip Advisor, recommendations from friends and family. As well as countries, cities, and towns’ travel sites.
Details
Once I am comfortable with my destination choice, the next step is sorting through details and compiling an itinerary. This process may take a few months.
Previously mentioned resources offer a wealth of knowledge regarding sights and activities. A critical eye, observation, and positive or negative feedback is beneficial. I pay attention to bank holidays, museum closures, time management, and always cost. For example, in some countries, many museums close on Mondays and churches don’t allow visitors during Sunday worship.
The focus now shifts to transportation (car, bus, train, subway …). A flight may get me to a country. But how will I get from city to city and site to site. A train might not run from one city to another. Bus schedule times might not be suitable. Or a car might be too expensive. Transportation should be complete before I proceed any further in the process.
About six months prior to departing, my goal is to secure flights and lodging. Even though the details may still need refining, I have a good working draft at the time of booking. Once I book my flights and lodging I continue refining.
About two to three months out I start purchasing museum, train tickets, and reserving a rental car.
Choosing restaurants a few weeks out is my final step.
I make my own travel arrangements and create my own itinerary. Although sometimes it makes sense to take a European river cruise. Some locations are easier to reach by cruise. And my alternative choice is to join a tour where there are little details to worry about.
I enjoy the challenge and research when planning a trip, it’s all part of the overall travel experience.
