How To Plan A Trip Step-By-Step Guide (Free Travel Guide Template)
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This post is all about how to plan a trip. Discover step-by-step guides, travel plan examples, and useful checklists to ensure a well-organized and enjoyable trip.
Planning a trip can be an exciting but overwhelming task.
Start by choosing your destination and the type of experience you're looking for.
Find afforable transportation options for flights, rental cars, or trains.
Make a list of activities you'd like to explore.
Consider factors like budget, accommodation, and duration of the trip.
How To Plan A Trip Itinerary
Welcome friends! I am VERY excited to discuss how to plan a trip itinerary. As a seasoned pro who has planned a multitude of trips that are:
For small or large groups (I’ve planned for just me and my partner, small groups and 10+ groups!)
For around 2 weeks preferably (so all my vacation time isn’t used up in one-go)
Road tripping - typically more afforable which I highly recommend if you want to save some cash
Here’s just a few:
10-Day Road Trip Of California (LA, Big Sur, San Fran, Yosemite, Etc.)
10-Day Trip to Oahu, Hawaii (Whole Island Trip)
Multiple Long-Weekends in Florida (Orlando, Miami, Clearwater)
Long Weekender Party Extravaganza In Nashville, Tennesse
Cozy Lodge Get-Away In Virginia
Fourth Of July In The South (feat. North Carolina)
3-Day +10 Group Halloween Salem Trip
10-Day Road Trip Around Colorado (Denver, Aspen, Breckenridge, Estes, Etc.)
10 Day Road Trip to New England (Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts)
… Currently planning — 10-Days In Arizona (Feat. Sedona, Multiple National and State Parks)
… Currently planning — Multi-Country Euro-Trip (Feat. Iceland, Finland, Ireland (possibly Scotland!))
(P.S. If you have questions or recommendation requests for any of these places absolutely reach out in the comments below!)
You might wonder … good god, what’s wrong with you?!
Great question. Simple answer: I absolutely ADORE PLANNING AND I LOVE TRAVELING — and I want to share the wealth!
So Here’s How To Start!
Step 1: Pick Your Place 📍| How To Plan A Trip
A lot of people might say start with a budget. I say pick your place.
… I say this even as a budget-girly because even you know you are broke as a joke.
If you see what’s possible, you are more willing to challenge yourself.
Obviously as a college student there is a very small chance you are staying at Caesar’s palace in Vegas … but you might still be able to ball out, even on a budget on a trip to Vegas.
When we push ourselves we often end up with better ideas because it forces us to get crafty.
If you just stare at your bank account, you’re going to end up stressing yourself out.
Plus, you already generally know how much you can really allocate towards a trip since you’re planning on taking one anyways.
Traveling is:
Incredible for gaining new perspectives
Adventurous because you will often run into challenges that force you to think on your feet
Awe-Inspiring because you get to see new and beautiful places
And no one ever said traveling was cheap… 🤷♀️
Therefore, start out with making a list of places you’d like to go. It doesn’t even have to be for this trip!
I think it’s important to make a list for yourself to inspire you and for you to look forward to!
Call it a vision board. Call it manifesting :)
Here’s some questions to ask yourself if you’re struggling with ideas!
What type of environment do you like or would like to visit?
Coastal 🌊
Desert 🌵
Wooded 🌳
Mountainous 🏔
Are you more of a city or country mouse? (or maybe a blend of both!)
What type of experience are you looking for?
Ex. Partying, Clubbing, Bar-Hopping - Think Miami Beach, Nashville, NYC
Ex. Reflection & Relaxation - Think cozy cabin or camping!
Ex. Roadtrip Adventure - Think driving the coast of Big Sur (I’ve done it. 100% on of the most beautfiful places I have ever seen)
Step 2: Find Transportation ✈️ — Check For Flights, Rental Cars, Etc.
It’s really important to look into flights, rental cars, train tickets, etc. as soon as possible and book out as far as possible.
Flights book up FAST and the sooner to the departure date, you risk paying way more money than you should — and you won’t have a choice.
Plus, if you book farther out you can get the best deals!
This is EXACTLY how I find great flight deals!
Go to Google and type in “Google Flights”.
At the top of the screen hit the “Explore” Tab.
Toggle the different settings to match your criteria.
For example, you have two weeks, you live in New York, you have flexible dates, and you would like to visit somewhere in Europe:
Now you can look at all upcoming deals on the map.
Then once you decide on where you would like to go, let’s say Dublin, hit the “Flights” tab at the top of the page, type in your criteria, and then hit the “Price Graph”.
When the Price Graph Opens make sure you have your dates selected and look for a dip in the prices.
$433 from New York to Dublin? Not Bad!
I also recommend skipplagged for cheap flights. I have used them many times for super afforable flights! (Not sponsored!)
Step 3: Make Some Loose Plans — Attractions, Food, Etc. ✏️ | How To Plan A Trip
Now that you have decided where to go you’re actually already most of the way there!!!
Where you plan to stay really helps you narrow down your plans.
Of course, if you’re in a big city chances are it doesn’t narrow it by much, but you get the idea! If you’re glam-ping in an Airbnb, chances are you’re staying local, maybe doing some hikes, etc.
If you have multiple locations — even better — a lot of what you will be doing is traveling between your locations so you will have to pick a few things around that spot!
Try to diversify what you plan to do the best you can. Try to hit multiple types of spots, and search for hidden gems!
Meaning, don’t just plan to hang at the hotel… unless that’s your vibe of course!
The more you plan the better the trip will be. Trust me.
You will make far more memories.
You will have much more to talk about.
It will keep you from getting bored (which can totally happen!).
Here are some ideas for things to do on a trip:
See a concert
Go for a hike
Check out the museums
Catch a show
Hunt for some local art spots
Find water — a beach, a lake, a creek, a waterfall, etc.
Explore local markets and shops
Try out local cuisine and restaurants
Take a scenic drive or road trip
Visit historical landmarks and monuments
Participate in outdoor activities like kayaking, fishing, or biking
Attend local festivals or events
Take a guided tour to learn about the culture and history of the area
Visit botanical gardens or parks
Go on a wildlife safari or bird-watching excursion
Explore local art galleries or museums
Take a cooking class or food tour to learn about the local cuisine
Relax and unwind at a spa or wellness retreat
Go on a photography expedition to capture the beauty of the surroundings
Take a day trip to nearby attractions or neighboring cities
Engage in water sports like snorkeling, surfing, or paddleboarding
Attend a sports game or sporting event
Visit wineries or breweries for tastings and tours
Take a scenic train ride or boat cruise
Go horseback riding or take a carriage ride
The possibilities are truly endless — it’s about experiencing new things and creating lasting memories!
Free Vacation Planner Template | How To Plan A Trip
The free vacation planner is the perfect tool for planning your trip.
Not only is it free, but it also provides you with all the essential information you need.
You can find details about flights, car rentals, accommodation options, meal ideas, and a wide range of activities and events to make your vacation memorable.
With the flight information, you can easily find your flight info.
The car rental information will help you choose the most suitable vehicle for your needs and ensure a smooth transportation experience throughout your vacation.
To make your trip even more enjoyable, the planner includes meal ideas section to cater to different tastes and dietary preferences.
Finally, the vacation planner offers a comprehensive list space for activities and events for you to experience during your trip. This ensures that you make the most of your time and create lasting memories.
With all these features and the fact that it's completely free, the vacation planner is an invaluable resource for anyone planning a trip. Start using it today to make your travel planning process easier and more enjoyable.
Travel Plan Example | How To Plan A Trip
In this travel plan example, we will outline a hypothetical trip to the beautiful city of Paris, France.
Follow this step-by-step guide to help you plan your own unforgettable adventure.
Step 1: Pick Your Place 📍
For this trip, we have chosen Paris, known as the "City of Love" and renowned for its iconic landmarks, rich history, and vibrant culture.
Step 2: Find Transportation ✈️ — Check For Flights, Rental Cars, Etc.
Search for flights to Paris and compare prices to find the best deal. Consider renting a car or using public transportation for getting around the city.
Step 3: Make Some Loose Plans — Attractions, Food, Etc. ✏️
Here are some must-see attractions and activities to include in your itinerary:
Eiffel Tower: Visit the most famous landmark in Paris and enjoy breathtaking views of the city from the top.
Louvre Museum: Explore one of the world's largest and most prestigious art museums, home to thousands of masterpieces including the Mona Lisa.
Notre-Dame Cathedral: Admire the stunning Gothic architecture of this iconic cathedral located on the Île de la Cité.
Seine River Cruise: Take a scenic boat ride along the Seine River and enjoy the picturesque views of Paris.
Montmartre: Wander through the charming streets of this historic neighborhood, visit the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, and enjoy the bohemian atmosphere.
French Cuisine: Indulge in delicious French cuisine, try classic dishes like croissants, escargots, and crème brûlée, and explore local cafes and bistros.
Shopping: Explore the famous shopping districts like Champs-Élysées and Le Marais for fashion, perfumes, and souvenirs.
Remember to leave some free time for spontaneous exploration and to immerse yourself in the local culture. Bon voyage!
Feel free to adjust this travel plan example based on your own preferences, interests, and the duration of your trip.
Also make sure to budget costs of the trip and create a breakdown to track your spending.
Enjoy planning your adventure and have an amazing time exploring the world!
How To Plan A Trip On Google Maps
Planning your trip using Google Maps can be a convenient and efficient way to organize your itinerary. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to plan a trip on Google Maps:
Step 1: Go to Google Maps and click the "Saved" tab. 🖱
Open Google Maps on your preferred device and navigate to the "Saved" tab. This tab allows you to create and manage your lists.
Step 2: Hit "Create a new list".
Within the "Saved" tab, you will find an option to create a new list. Click on it to start creating your customized travel plan.
Step 3: Edit the new list name and hit "Create". ✍️
Once you click on "Create a new list," you will be prompted to provide a name for your list. Choose a name that reflects the purpose or theme of your trip. For example, you could name it "Europe Adventure" or "Beach Getaway." After entering the name, hit "Create" to proceed.
Step 4: Add a list of different places you would like to visit on your trip and add a description if you would like. 🎡
Now, you can start adding places to your list. Search for the locations you want to visit, such as landmarks, attractions, restaurants, or hotels. As you find each place, click on it to view more details and click the "Save" button to add it to your list. You can repeat this process for all the places you want to include.
If desired, you can also add descriptions or notes to each place in your list. This can be helpful for jotting down specific details or reminders about each location.
Step 5: Share the list or keep it private. 📱
Once you have added all the places to your list, you have the option to share it with others or keep it private. If you want to share your itinerary with travel companions or friends, click on the "Share" button and choose the preferred sharing method. You can send the list via email, copy the link, or share it directly on social media platforms.
If you prefer to keep your list private, you can simply save it for your personal reference and use.
By following these steps, you can effectively plan your trip on Google Maps, ensuring that you have all your desired locations organized in one place. Enjoy your journey!
Planning a trip on Google Maps can be a game-changer for organizing your itinerary.
By following a few easy steps, you can create a personalized travel plan with all the places you want to visit.
From famous places to eateries, Google Maps lets you save locations and add descriptions for each spot. You can even share your plan with travel buddies or keep it private.
With Google Maps as your travel companion, you'll have all your desired locations conveniently organized in one place. Enjoy your journey with the help of Google Maps!
How To Plan A Trip Checklist ✏️
When planning a trip, it's important to have a checklist to ensure you cover all the necessary aspects.
Here's a checklist to help you plan your trip effectively:
Trip Planning Checklist
Use this checklist to ensure you cover all the necessary aspects when planning a trip:
Choose a destination based on your preferences and interests.
Check for flight deals and compare prices using flight search engines or websites like Google Flights.
Research and book accommodation options that fit your budget and preferences.
Create an itinerary with activities and attractions for each day of your trip.
Try local cuisine by researching and including high-rated restaurants or local food joints in your itinerary.
Look for fun free places to visit in the area and include them in your itinerary.
Make a packing list and ensure you have all the essentials for your trip.
Check the travel requirements for the country or region you'll be visiting, including visas, documents, and travel insurance.
Keep all your travel documents, reservations, and important information organized in one place.
Following this checklist, you can ensure a well-planned and enjoyable trip.
This post was about how to plan a trip. We talked about guides, examples, and checklists to help you have an organized and fun trip.
We covered everything from choosing where to go and finding transportation to making loose plans and using Google Maps. We gave helpful tips and insights to make your travel experiences unforgettable. Whether you're a frequent traveler or planning your first trip, this post has given you the tools and knowledge to confidently plan your next adventure.
