Tips to Organize Your Next Trip

Travel is a great way to spend time with loved ones, but organizing a trip can be stressful!

Researching, booking flights, cars, and hotels, packing, and planning are not tasks for the faint of heart!

Stick to a Budget 

If you’re planning a vacation, you’ll want to start by establishing a budget. How much money do you want to spend on transport? Will you stay in an AirBnB, or a hotel. If you stay in an AirBnB, will you cook your own dinner some nights, have breakfast in bed? If so, you can save a bit on your food budget! You can narrow down your destinations based on your budget. 

Fair-weather Friends 

Your next step is to decide what time of year you want to take your trip. Researching the weather in your destination is a great way to help you decide. If you’re going overseas, you may not be familiar with the weather patterns! You might decide a foray to Cancun is a better option than London in the winter. Or you may prefer to visit Florida in December rather than in July!

Booking Your Flight 

When it’s time to book your flight, you’ll want to get the best price out there! Here’s a useful tip! When looking for flights, use a private browsing window. When airlines see they are getting hits on their sites for certain days, they’ll jack up those flight prices, so using a private browser window will help you stay incognito as you sleuth for the best prices. 

Know What You’ll Need 

If you travel out of the country, don’t forget that trusty passport! Even underage children need a passport to travel. If you’re traveling to Canada, Mexico, the Carribean, or Bermuda, all you need is a passport card! It’s cheaper and wallet sized. If you’re planning to travel elsewhere out of the country, you’ll need a full passport book! Keep all of your travel documents in a secured pouch on the inside of your bag for safety!

Booking Your Stay 

There are plenty of great reasons to stay at a hotel. It’s easy, convenient, and who doesn’t love to come back to a freshly made bed you didn’t have to make yourself?! However, if you prefer a more local experience, an AirBnB is great way to experience your destination as a resident! Consider your tastes, and choose the accommodation that is right for you!

Planning Transportation 

Do some quick internet search to see if your destination has reliable and accessible public transportation. If you can take the metro or the subway, you won’t have to worry about renting a car to get around. If you’re going to the countryside, you’ll probably want to rent a car! If you’re going to Europe or the United Kingdom, just remember to drive on the other side of the road!

Packing Smart 

When it’s time to hit the road, you can make your trip easier by packing smart! If you’re going somewhere cold, wear your bulkiest items on the plane so you can fit more in your bag. If you’re going somewhere warm, take breathable garments. You can also maximize your packing space by rolling your clothes instead of folding them! 

Make Yourself Comfortable

Airlines are always looking for ways to squeeze more passengers on a plane, so air travel isn’t always the most comfortable! Does the person in front of you really need to lean their seat back while your tray table is down? Be prepared to make yourself comfortable. Plan some in-flight entertainment for yourself. Download your favorite podcasts, or some movies to watch online on your streaming services app. Bring a neck pillow and some noise cancelling headphones so you can enjoy your chosen entertainment. Most of all, be sure to stay hydrated, as travel is a physical activity. 

With smart and organized planning, your next trip will be a breeze! You’ll be able to sit back and relax, knowing you and your loved ones will have a great experience wherever you go! If you still can’t decide where to go, pull out some of those old family photos, and remember one of your favorite destinations from previous trips. And don’t forget to digitize those old family photos of vacations past, so you can preserve those experiences for generations to come!