How I Plan My Trips: Flights, Accommodation, and Itinerary Secrets

Are you planning a new trip but unsure where to start? You’ve come to the right place. Having experienced everything from adventurous getaways to relaxing retreats, I’ve learned a thing or two about choosing the perfect destination.

Here’s my advice to help you make your travel dreams a reality.

Step 1: Find the Best Flights for Your Trip

First and foremost, I always seek cost-effective and time-efficient flights. In today’s world, finding the perfect flight can be a game-changer for your entire trip.

My go-to tool is Google Flights Explore, which is especially helpful if you’re flexible with your timing and destination. This tool allows you to enter a timeframe and region, showing you the cheapest flights for various days.

It’s incredibly versatile—you can use it to pinpoint the best time to travel to a specific destination or, if you’re more open-ended, let it guide you to where your budget can take you.

However, keep in mind that some flights may appear cheap but have long or inconvenient layovers, so it’s essential to research flight routes and layovers thoroughly. Make sure the overall cost and travel time align with your priorities.

Once you’ve identified a promising destination, save the flight or track the prices to monitor any fluctuations and pounce on the best deal.

Step 2: Research Your Destination Beyond the Flight

Once you have a destination in mind, it’s time to dig deeper and research your chosen city or country.

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of a cheap flight, but remember that inexpensive flights can sometimes be offset by high travel costs within the destination or challenging travel logistics. It’s crucial to gather this information before finalizing your booking.

For instance, if you find affordable round-trip flights to Budapest, Hungary, and plan to stay for ten days, take the time to research not only Budapest but also nearby cities and countries.

Europe’s compact size is one of its greatest travel advantages, so consider exploring neighboring countries like Austria or Slovakia. I found that Vienna and Bratislava were just a few hours away from Budapest by train, making them perfect additions to my itinerary.

By focusing on these cities for part of my trip and spending more time in Budapest, I was able to optimize my travel experience based on my interests and budget.

Step 3: Choose the Right Accommodation for Your Budget

With a clear idea of where you want to go and what you want to do, it’s time to look into accommodation options.

As a backpacker, I often turn to Hostelworldor Booking.com to explore hostel choices, carefully balancing quality and price. When you’re traveling on a budget, it’s important to ensure that your accommodations fit within your price range.

For example, Budapest is relatively affordable compared to Vienna, so I chose to base myself in Budapest and take day trips to Vienna, allowing me to enjoy both cities without overspending on accommodation.

If you are looking for other forms of accommodation, Expedia, Airbnb, and VRBO can also be great options. Especially for family-friendly or more private-style accommodations, renting houses and apartments is always a pleasant experience.

Step 4: Check Safety, Weather, and Travel Conditions 

Once you’ve researched prices, accommodation, and activities, it’s essential to double-check the safety of the area, the weather during your travel season, and other specifics that could impact your trip.

After doing so, revisit your flight options to see if prices have changed or if a more direct route has become available.