Planning a trip can be stressful, time-consuming, and at times, overwhelming. There’s a lot to coordinate like timing, transportation, accommodations. I get it. But now, I love planning trips because I’ve figured out a process that makes it seamless.

Right now, I’m planning a trip to Guatemala, so let’s go through my process together. You can apply these steps to any destination!

Step One: Pick a Destination

This might seem obvious, but it’s okay to go back and forth while deciding. You need to start somewhere, so pick a place and let’s get rolling.

Step Two: Research, Research, Research

What should you research first?

1. Safety: If you’re looking at a country as a whole, research which cities are safest based on fellow travelers’ experiences. Even within a city, some areas may be safer than others, so it’s good to be aware before booking.
   
2. Accessibility & Transportation: How will you get from place to place? For example, in Guatemala, many travelers recommend private shuttles for reliability and convenience. In Iceland, renting a car is the best way to get around, with suggested routes for safe and scenic driving.
   
3. Best Time to Visit: Seasons vary worldwide. Look into weather patterns before locking in your dates. For instance, May–October is the rainy season in Guatemala, so it’s typically best to avoid those months. In Iceland, December–February brings harsh winter conditions that can impact travel and driving accessibility.
   
4. Activities & Attractions: While this can be planned later, make sure there are things you actually want to do. Whether it’s beach lounging, hiking, or excursions, research what makes sense for your trip.
   

Step Three: Budgeting

I’m not a financial expert, so I won’t/can’t tell you how to budget, but this is a crucial step before booking anything. Factor in transportation, accommodations, activities, food, insurance, and any other essentials.

Tip: Prioritize experiences over luxury stays. Splurge on excursions and activities because these are the moments you’ll remember, not the four walls of your hotel room. (Okay, maybe for a view of the Eiffel Tower from your hotel window…)

Step Four: Map Out Your Route

If you’re visiting multiple cities, plan your itinerary in order. Determine which city you’ll start in, then map out the next stops. This helps streamline accommodation and transportation choices.

Step Five: Find Accommodations That Make Sense

When booking accommodations, don’t just go for the cheapest option. Some budget stays are so far from the main attractions that you’ll end up spending more on transportation. Factor in location and convenience when making your choice.

Step Five: Plan Your Daily Itinerary

You don’t need a minute-by-minute schedule, but having a rough daily plan helps ensure that everything fits your budget and logistics.

• For example, if I want to visit Semuc Champey in Guatemala, I need to factor in travel time since it’s quite remote.
• Having a plan also helps you decide how long to stay in each city and prevents wasted time figuring things out on the go.

Step Six: Check Travel Requirements & Essentials

Before booking flights, double-check:

• Visa requirements
• Vaccination guidelines & health restrictions
• Travel insurance options
• Currency exchange rates
• Entry requirements (some countries require proof of a return ticket or travel insurance)

Step Seven: Book Your Trip!

Now that everything is in place, you’re ready to start booking:

• Flights: Find the best prices and routes that work for you.
• Accommodations: Ensure they’re in convenient locations (sometimes the cheapest option isn’t the best if it’s far from key spots).
• Transportation: Book necessary rentals, shuttles, or passes.
• Activities – Secure any must-do experiences in advance!

Once it’s all booked, you can officially start counting down to your adventure! ✈️🌍

Does this process help take the stress out of planning for you?