Ditch the Stress: A Step-by-Step Vacation Planning Guide

Understandably, some people don’t make a lot of travel plans throughout their lifetime because it just seems so overwhelming. Where will you go? Is it safe? How will you get there? Where will you stay? 

But, what if you took a methodical, step-by-step approach? Would that provide you with enough peace of mind to make your travel plans come to life? Is it possible to give yourself that sort of comfort and security? 

All you have to do is take things one step at a time – piece by piece. If you’re ready to take the plunge, here are a few ways you can plan your next getaway with minimal stress. 

Dream Big, Then Narrow It Down

Start big. What kind of vacation are you hoping for? Is it a mountain getaway, a seaside retreat, or a big-city adventure? Once you know which way the tide is turning, start making a list. If it’s a big-city adventure, make a list: New York, London, Paris, Barcelona. You’re still in the “dream big” stage here, so write down any destination, no matter how extravagant it may seem. 

Take a Look at Pricing

Next, it’s time to start looking at pricing. Will you have to fly to your big-city adventure? Hop on Google Flights or Kayak and start pricing out flights within a range of dates. This will knock out the immediate destinations that you need to cross off the list. With the cities that are left, start poking around for accommodations. Look at Airbnb and Booking.com as a starting point for prices during your desired timeline. 

Book the Essentials Early

Once you’ve gathered all your data, seen which destinations are possible, and priced out the essentials, start booking as soon as you’re ready to get serious. Start with the airfare first – because nothing else matters without that. Then, you can book your Airbnb or hotel next. 

Research the Peripherals

With the most important elements in place, it’s time to price out peripheral transportation costs: trains, taxis, Ubers, or rental cars. When booking your accommodation, the main question is: do you want to be in a central location where you can walk places? Or, if you’re going to be further out in the countryside, are you prepared to pay for a rental car or navigate the train system?