PLANNING

10:00 PM




I’m an organized traveler. I spend hours of planning and researching to maximize my trips.  I also include time to wander and get lost. Coffee stops are essential to my trips. My itineraries are usually composed of the usual tourist must see sights and some off the beaten path stops. 

I start each trip with the essential information such as visa requirements and weather to the quintessential sights and experiences. I search both the internet and travel books. My favorite websites for researching are Trip Advisor, Lonely Planet, Fodors, and Pinterest.

I organize the information by writing them in pieces color-coded paper or note/index card. Information on these, include the address, website, background and essential views.  I found this to be helpful in arranging the information later on in the planning process.

When traveling with friends, I create a group board on Pinterest where we can share information and possible destinations. I ask each one if they have personal preferences and must see sights and experiences.

The next step for me is to customize a schedule of activities based on the group dimensions and personal preferences. If there are elderly or children traveling, I factor in the duration of activities and level of walking or activity. I then create a table on Excel with travel data including time (estimated times), activity, details or information about the activity, cost, transportation information like train and walking directions. I’m able to add, delete, or move activities as the group decides. I also find it helpful in organizing the final schedule and itinerary.

In my last few trips, I made an itinerary with the schedule and other useful information. This was both emailed and printed and was distributed to my travel companions to ensure that everyone in the group was informed of the schedule of each day. They were able to pack accordingly and prepare for hectic days and planned for the free times in the trip. 

I also download helpful apps for each travel destination. Apps would vary from tourist information, language, money converter, to train or metro apps. 

Checklist: Language, Weather, Visa Requirements if any, Electrical Voltage & Plug, Currency & Exchange Rate
Basic Etiquette, Basic Phrases like "Thank you!" & "Hello",  Must see sights & must do activities 

#travelplanning #wanderlust

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