I never pass up a chance to flip through travel magazines. We live in a big, diverse planet, after all, and there are so many places and adventures to learn about! And, I always seem to gravitate towards the person in the room who has just returned from a trip. I want to hear all about different places. Some, I may not be brave enough or have the funds enough to go yet, but, at the very least, I still want to live vicariously through others’ experiences of a place and time.
Time-off from your regular routine plays a big, big part in living a healthy lifestyle. The stimulation of a new place, the relaxation it can provide, the connecting with nature and others — all so important. But, whether your idea of adventure or travel is to explore Alaska by sea kayak or to ride your bike to your area lake for a swim, it is all personal choices. But, I do believe that exposure to how others live, various terrains and topography, customs and food choices can be incredibly expanding. But, it does take some planning and some serious organization. That’s what I am here for right now — to help you get your plans together and make your travel dreams happen.
ESSENTIAL STEPS TO PLAN YOUR NEXT TRIP
Make those travel dreams come to life with these broken down steps and tips to keep you focused:
1. Daydream
This is where those magazines can help you. Or those amazing travel blogs or Pinterest boards. Start a general bucket list of places you would like to experience and things you would like to do in your life. Don’t be limiting or think about money or how you would get the time off right now. Just brainstorm. Be as specific as you can.
Keep that list as it will surely expand or you may even cross off a few on your list from either actually doing it (Bravo!) or you may have changed your mind! You may be able to break that big trip into smaller pieces so don’t think any of your ideas are too grand!
Here are a few links to help:
- Looking for adventure?
- Just want to chill?
- Need family bonding?
- Perhaps a “staycation” is best.
2. Prioritize
Take that list and put them in order of what you want to do the most. Or, you could make two lists. One that is more easily obtainable whether that is because you already have a place to stay (your BFF just moved to Paris for 9 months) or you could piggy-back a vacation after a business trip, etc. The other list could be for those bigger dreams that you need to work towards.
From the lists, choose “the next one.” Put a picture of the destination on your phone or fridge to keep you motivated and focused to get there! However, keep your eye open for travel deals (or friends that have moved to great places!). A trip lower on your list may have an incredible flight and hotel accommodation package your spotted and perhaps it is a smart move to change up your plans and make a switch for now.
.png "Those travel dreams really are possible! Go ahead and make them happen with this break-down of doable steps to create them now. (TheHealthMinded.com) #travel #health")
3. Assess.
Time for a bit of a reality check as before you firmly decide on “the next one,” you need to have an honest assessment of where your accounts stand. Review your accounts and see what you feel comfortable designating for travel. My husband and I have a travel fund where we make automatic deposits each month. Perhaps that could work for you.
The length of your trip will certainly affect your budget as well as accommodations, flights, etc. but see how much you already have right now that you could put towards your trip. Will you be able to easily add to this before the trip? Is there another way you can increase your budget before you want to go? Or, is this a trip you need to save for over a longer period of time?
4. Research costs.
Start researching flights, hotels, etc. to begin to feel out how much your trip will break the bank. Do you want to backpack or are you thinking five-star accommodations the whole way? How much are hostels, hotels, restaurants, and attractions? All those answers allow you to estimate how much money you’ll need for your dream spot.
While you are doing your research, make sure you get a travel rewards credit card. Those point systems can really add up and save you loads on hotels, flights, activities, restaurants, etc. We have a few and it has reduced costs tremendously over the years. Choose a card based on where you want to save the most. If flights, find a card that rewards that, for example. Don’t spread yourself too thin when using them as I am not suggesting paying interest on credit cards to plan your trip. That will only put you behind financially.
5. Budget
It is a dirty word to some, but, after all, the budget can make those tranquil days on the beach in the South Pacific a reality. Once you know how much money you will need for this trip, if more money is needed, you can begin a savings plan and begin reducing costs elsewhere.
Don’t miss this: Check out these budgeting blogs to help you get a hold of your finances.
6. Commit
Once your funds are there or nearly so and you feel comfortable making the commitment, begin booking flights, hotels, car rentals, etc. Remember, using your miles usually requires much earlier bookings. Make any reservations for chosen activities, tours, guides, tickets to shows, etc. as well, if you think they will sell out.
7. Start checklist.
Before you go, there are things to take care of at home for you to rest easy while you are away. The Before You Leave For Your Trip Checklist below has it all laid out for you to make your trip hassle-free. Look over it now as some tasks can take weeks or even months to complete.
8. Pack
Packing, in my world, is a dreaded activity. But, I have covered that a bit already . . .
- Pack a great carry-on for a smooth flight.
- Travel hacks to pack with ease every time
- Don’t forget healthy snacks for flights, road trips, etc.
9. Smile and relax
You did it! Nothing left to do but soak it all in and enjoy the scenery and relish in the fact the hard work to get there is behind you!
But, I leave you with a few ways to make it even better:
.png "Before you leave town, make sure you check off this list to keeping that vacation smooth and hassle-free. (TheHealthMinded.com) #travel")
CHECKLIST: BEFORE YOU LEAVE FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP
Here are some important items to check off before leaving for your trip. Some of these actions may require weeks or even months ahead of planning.
- Depending on where you are going, certain vaccinations may be needed. Find out which potential ones here.
- Ensure your passport and visa are up-to-date.
- Get camera and photo equipment prepared, repaired.
- Make sure your suitcases are ready and get required repairs scheduled.
- If you are traveling by car, ensure maintenance is scheduled, the tires are in good shape, and oil changes are up-to-date.
- Book all pet boardings or make arrangements for pet care while you are away.
- Make arrangements for mail and package pickup.
- Arrange for someone to watch your home, mow your lawn and water plants.
- Cancel and reschedule any appointments you had previously made for that time.
- Get any extra needed medications and prescriptions for the trip.
- Notify your credit card companies you are traveling and where so that any transactions are not flagged as fraudulent and your card is denied.
- Give someone at home your itinerary so they know how to reach you or where you will be.
- Automate your bills so that payments are up-to-date.
- Consider purchasing travel insurance. Here are some thoughts on that.
- Ensure your cell phone plan covers your needs while traveling.
I really hope you’ll tell us your latest travel adventure or your favorite travel tip or suggestion in the comments.
FOR EVEN MORE ON THE TOPIC . . .
- Make the most out of your trip with a few thoughts.
- Here are a few items you may want to throw in your suitcase for emergencies.
I am currently in the daydream phase. I am in much need of a vacation. You are right, it is essential to healthy living. No to choose… thanks for playing The Pinterest Game – Kellie, co-host of the Pinterest Game.
The daydreaming phase can be a really fun part! Just keep taking those steps and make it happen for you as it sounds like you need a break and a bit of new scenery, Kellie!
These tips are absolutely great! My husband and I have been saying we need to plan a trip and places we want to go. Now we can actually get started with these very useful tips. I have to "pocket" this article. Thanks a lot for sharing! #HomeMattersParty
Great, India! (Love your name!) Happy I helped you get started. All the steps are there. Good luck on you next journey planning.
I love to travel so I value this helpful information. Thank you for sharing these valuable travel planning tips with us at the Healthy Happy Green and Natural Party! I am pinning and sharing!
Happy to hear it, Deborah, and hope your readers find it helpful as well!
I love to travel, but we have 4 young kids. Planning and packing for that many people makes traveling a lot more complicated than it used to be. I have found that starting the planning and packing well before we actually leave makes the trip so much more enjoyable! There are some really great tips in here. Pinning! Thanks for linking to Tips & Tricks! We can't wait to see what you link up next. 🙂
Oh yes, that is a lot of packing and arranging! But so worth it if you can swing it. Some of our best memories as a family are of our times traveling together. So happy you liked the post. Have a beautiful Mother's Day.
Thanks for that list of tips. We are planning a road trip next year and I need to get into really planning it. This will be a great help.
Kathleen
Fridays Blog Booster Party#5
Very happy to hear I could help, Kathleen! Have a wonderful time – I love road trips and the flexibility they can offer.
You've got the travel tips covered! Our summer trips are planned. Now I need to go over your trip checklist to see if I've thought of everything.
Thanks for linking up with Fitness Friday.
Safe travels, Jill! And so glad the checklist is of help to you!
I haven't traveled in years. It would be nice to plan a trip.
You should, Kim! I hope these steps help get you to your destination!
We cannot get anywhere without planning, can we? I have this dream about Japan, but I have not reached the level of wanting to materialize it. It will come, but not just yet.
Japan sounds like a great dream, Debbie! I hope you do get there!
Fantastic tips to have a dream holiday. We love traveling and are lucky and grateful to do it often with our kids. Thank you so much for linking up to Share With Me #sharewithme
You are fortunate, Jenny! Enjoy every opportunity to do it!
We daydream a lot but just can't work travel into our budget because we have to keep the little money we do have aside for medical emergencies. Health insurance deductibles are just too high.
I understand completely. Medical costs certainly trump travel. I know we have had to scratch plans because of it as well. But, I say, keep dreaming as you never know when your situation could change for the better and even putting away a bit here and there regularly can add up. Plus, those staycations are always a great option. There is always a lot to do right in your backyard!
Great tips, Thanks for sharing with us at Pin-Worthy Wednesday.
I hope they help you and your readers create those great travel adventures!
I love to travel! Great tips!
I do, too, Julie, I do, too!
Relaxing is the most important part I think. We spend so long planning for our travels that we sometimes forget to sit back and actually enjoy it.
So true! We do need to sit back and appreciate the work we did to get there!
Haha my husband and I have been meaning to plan a vacation for MONTHS and we just haven't done it! I think we definitely need to do some daydreaming and budgeting to figure out where to go!
One step is more fun than the other, I admit, but both steps will get your there! Start this weekend, Liz, and make it happen. Let me know what you choose!
I can't afford to travel yet but it doesn't stop me from dreaming, pinning and putting a little money aside for when the time comes. I will travel on a budget and have fun xox ♡
Yes, keep working at it Launna! Good for you. If you don't think about it now and start putting money away, it may never happen!