Travel planning is stressful in a coronavirus world and in a normal world. Once you learn to accept this fact, the planning process becomes a whole lot easier. If you anticipate that searching high and low for cheap deals and perfect hotels will be frustrating, you can find those offers faster and get on to the fun part… the actual traveling. Here is a (real-talk) six-step guide on how to plan your trip this year without losing your mind.
Step 1: Use BookingBuddy to compare accommodation prices.
It’s super important that you don’t settle for the first good deal that comes your way. The hospitality and tourism industries are always booming (even when they’re not), and where there’s one good deal, there’s a better one waiting right around the corner. Take your time considering your options and find the arrangements that fit your budget and lifestyle preferences the best.
Step 2: Create an Itinerary
Creating a travel itinerary is a great way to stay organized and on top of your trip. It’s easy to blame jetlag on the travel excursions you’ve missed out on in the past, but with a detailed itinerary, you’re more obligated to get up and complete that travel to-do list because, well, you planned for it!
Step 3: Save Extra for the Unexpected
Whether it’s a car rental issue, a change in flight plans, or a restaurant bill you didn’t see coming, having some extra cash set aside for these urgent matters will prevent you from stressing out. If you’re not sure how to start saving for your trip’s pitfalls, an easy way to begin is by cutting back on those things you could go without for a few weeks. So, put your gym membership on hold and run in your neighborhood instead. Cut back on the Starbucks lattes and brew your coffee from home. Those kinds of things. Every little bit helps.
Step 4: Only Pack the Essentials
It’s easy to overthink packing for a trip. Avoid stuffing your suitcase with ten pairs of shoes and stick to the basics. In all honesty, a simple waterproof jacket, jeans, and a comfortable pair of walking shoes are the main items to focus on. If you know you’re going out to dinner a few times on your trip, you can plan out those outfits too, but don’t go crazy. You’ll probably end up shopping on your trip anyway.
Step 5: Stop Stressing Out
The purpose of a vacation is to relax. The purpose of travel is to explore. Neither situation is a reason to stress out. Sure, the planning is a lot, but if you spend all your time freaking out, you’ll miss out on the time you could be feeling happy and excited that your big trip is coming up. Keep a positive perspective and minimize your stress as much as humanly possible. If you need some help calming down, try these natural destress gummies from Olly and get on with your day.
Step 6: Prepare a Travel Log
Trips create memories on their own, but it’s your job to make those memories come to life with daily travel entries. You’ll be glad you took the time to document your travels later when your trip is over. Remember to take some photos to add to your travel log too. Photo-journaling is actually all the rage right now, and traveling is the perfect opportunity to try it out. You can even do it from your iPad if you like things to stay neat and tidy.
We know planning for a trip is a big process, but with a little elbow grease, you’re on your way for the adventure of a lifetime. Take these tips seriously, and you’ll find yourself organized and ready to go for when the big day arrives. Happy travels!
Featured Image by Pixy.org
