After spending hours and hours of travel planning for my husband and I, I realized there were ways to make the process easier. There is so much to choose from when it comes to trains, planes and automobiles- let alone which country you are going to visit. Travel planning should not be a stressful headache rather a fun and enjoyable process to be shared with someone else or yourself. I was that crazy person with the binder with all of the tabs before every trip and stressed about each leg of our journey. Now I sit back, relax, and enjoy the process and because I do, I find I enjoy my travels much more. I found that there are a few key tips and tricks to making the travel planning easier.
1. Know your sources
In this day and age, the internet is overwhelmed with information. From a 100+ choices for a hotel in Paris, to different ways of getting from an airport to your hotel, how does one know what’s the best solution for you? I find that using a few trusted sources like Travel & Leisure, Fodors, and people’s experiences are the best. I love to find a blog where I can hear someone’s experience firsthand.
2. Be realistic
When it comes to planning a trip, be realistic about every aspect. We all have high hopes of being carried down the street in a chariot and being whisked away to the highest castle in town, but then there is reality. Be realistic about the amount of time for your trip and your budget.
3. Be organized
This means not waiting to the last minute to sort out your plans. If you plan ahead, organized with your information, the trip is bound to go more smoothly.
4. Decision process
You can spend all year trying to decide on one hotel in one city in your three week trip through Europe. Figure out what is most important to you, what pros and cons matter the most and from there make a decision. Not quickly but timely.
5. Traveling or vacationing?
There is a difference. Vacationing would be more of a spend by the pool or beach with spa treatments sort of experience. Traveling is a more active trip that bounces through a few cities and has full day itineraries. Find out what is best for you and your travel partner.
6. Research
It is important to take a look at where you are going and being educated. Perhaps you didn’t know in Italy, most cabs only take cash? These are important things to be aware of before your trip.
7. Enjoy the process
Grab a coffee, get inspired, and have fun.
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Bon travels!! Xx
