How to Plan the Perfect Travel Itinerary

Planning a vacation can be tricky, especially if you’re not sure where you want to go or what you want to do once you get there. The best way to overcome this challenge is by creating a travel itinerary – a document that outlines your travel plans in detail so that nothing slips through the cracks.

An itinerary will also make it easier for you to track your budget and allocate time efficiently. Here are a few itinerary planning tips to help you make the most out of your trip.

1. Outline your travel goals

Before you start to plan your trip, think about what you want to get out of it. What are your travel goals? This will help you to narrow down your trip options and see where you can make adjustments for a more successful trip.

Identify your travel type. Are you someone who loves to explore nature and new landscapes? Or perhaps you are a history buff and would like to visit iconic landmarks and museums? Are you an adventurer who loves to try new activities like scuba diving or skydiving? Or, do you prefer a more relaxed, beach-filled vacation?

You can also fine-tune your travel goals by considering your travel companions, and planning your trip accordingly. Do you have young kids who need lots of breaks? How about elderly relatives who may need special accommodations like wheelchair accessibility?

2. Pick your destinations and activities

Now that you have an idea of what you want to get out of your trip, you can start to lock in the details! Pick the destinations where you want to go. If you aren’t sure where you want to end up, there are lots of ways you can figure this out.

Do some research about where you would like to go. Pick destinations that are appealing to you and that you will enjoy. Check out reviews and travel articles for inspiration. For instance, user-generated content websites like Tripadvisor offer insights and tips from travelers who have already been to your destination. If you are traveling with other people, make an effort to select destinations that everyone is interested in.

3. Plan your budget

Next, you’ll want to start planning your budget. This is the part where you juggle your travel goals with your budget to find a happy medium. Start by making a list of all the things you want to do and see on your trip. Make it specific and in order of importance. This will help you to determine what you can afford. Here are a few things to consider:

  • When is the best (and most affordable) time to go?
  • What are the average costs of activities and things you want to do?
  • What are the average costs of transportation?
  • Are there bundles, packages, or discounts that will help you save on expenses?

Once you have a general idea of your budget, you can go back and make adjustments as needed. Check out our article on five budget travel tips to save on your next vac

4. Know when to go (and when not to)

When to go is just as important as where to go! This is where you do a little research on the best times to travel to your destinations. You can do this by checking online sites like Weather.com to see what the average temperatures and weather conditions are like in your destinations.

If you have destinations that you have to visit during a specific time of year, this is where you would put that information. For example, if you have always wanted to visit Paris but know that it is incredibly cold during the winter months, you would plan your trip for the spring or summer months.

Bottom line

Your itinerary will be your guide as you explore a new destination. But don’t stress yourself out trying to stick to your itinerary if circumstances make it hard to. Allow yourself to go off course and play by ear when necessary – in the end, it’s all about enjoying your vacation and making new memories.

Ready to start planning? Download our free travel itinerary printable to help you organize your trip!

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5 Budget Travel Tips for Your Next Vacation: How to Save Money on Your Next Trip

It doesn’t matter which part of the world you want to explore—a vacation will always involve some cost. However, we all have a budget and endless exploration is not always possible.

Luckily, there are ways to save on your vacation without compromising on comfort. In this article, we will share with you some tips that can help you cut costs when traveling locally or overseas.

1. Research Beforehand

Before you even decide where you want to travel, you should research as much as possible about the destination. Search for cheap flights, hostels, and transportation options. If you are traveling in a group, make sure that everyone is on the same page so that you get the most out of your trip.

Searching the internet can be helpful but you need to know where to look, so that you don’t end up spending more than required. There are a variety of travel websites that can provide you with information on destinations, airfares, and hostels. For instance, you can find great deals if you use travel apps like Hopper, which can predict flight prices. It’s also useful to browse travel blogs to learn from other travelers’ experiences and get practical tips.

2. Book in Advance and Plan Your Location

Booking your flight and hotel in advance can save you a lot of money. Airlines usually offer discounts for booking in advance, so make sure to check booking sites such as Skyscanner to find out the best deals. Hotels, on the other hand, often offer discounts if you book for a longer period.

In addition, you can also save on transportation costs (not to mention, time) if you are staying in a central location. Try to book accommodations within the city center so that most attractions are within reach.

3. Stay in a Hostel or Airbnb

Hostels are a great option for budget travelers. They are easily available in most destinations and are often the best places to meet like-minded people. Hostels also often have tours and events that can save you money and introduce you to new aspects of the destination. You can also find great hostel deals online.

If you are looking for a more private option, you can stay at an Airbnb. This can be a great option for solo travelers who want to have their own space and meet local people. If you’re traveling in a group, you can save money by sharing the cost.

4. Check out Food Markets

Most destinations have markets where you can find cheap but authentic local specialties. If you are traveling with a large group, you can consider planning your meals by going to the local food market and buying fresh produce that you can cook yourself.

Another way to save on a budget travel is to visit the local grocery store. This is especially fun if you’re traveling to another country as it can introduce you to local staples.

TIP: The grocery store is an awesome place to get cheap food souvenirs or pasalubong. Just make sure to choose products that travel well and don’t easily spoil, such as sweets or packaged snacks.

5. Walk and Use Public Transportation

If you are exploring a city, walk as much as possible instead of taking cabs. And if you are planning on visiting places that are far from the city, try to find out if there are any public transportation options. Both will allow you to get to know the place better and catch a glimpse of locals’ day-to-day life. It’s also vital to check out tourist passes for public transportation, which are a cheaper option compared to cabs if you’re on a budget travel.

TIP: Using public transportation can be a fun adventure, but make sure that you’re dressed for the part. Wear comfortable footwear, bring an anti-theft bag and make sure that your travel accessories are sturdy and hardwearing – such as our DIGITAL NOMAD and TEAM Vegan Leather Passport Sleeves.

The Bottom Line

Traveling on a budget can be challenging, but it’s definitely not impossible. Be creative, research, and book in advance to save money on your trip. If you are willing to be flexible with your travel dates, we recommend searching for travel deals months in advance to get cheaper airfares. If you follow these budget travel tips, you can explore the world without breaking the bank.

Got travel tips of your own? Share them in the comment section below!

5 Ideas to Maximize Your Small Home Work Space

With the recent rise in the work-from-home (WFH) setup, more people now devote their time and attention to squeezing indoor workspaces in their homes. After all, having an efficient workspace allows them to feel like they’re working in an actual office, thus improving their productivity.

Home office design can positively impact productivity and here are four workspace ideas to ensure that your workspace is efficient – no matter how small it may be.

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How to take care of your laptop (and yourself)

As a writer, the state of my laptop perfectly describes my emotional and physical conditions. If you’re a writer like me, chances are, you suck at laptop care. 

As a writer, the state of my laptop perfectly describes my emotional and physical conditions. If you’re a writer like me, chances are, you suck at laptop care. 

And that’s nothing to be ashamed about. We all suck at taking care of ourselves sometimes, so taking care of our items often takes a back seat. But don’t worry. With these tips, you’ll be able to master how to take care of your laptop while working from home or working on-site.

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How do I know my laptop size to buy the right sleeve or bag online?

Laptops come in a variety of sizes and shapes, from super-slim mobile devices to desktop replacements with extended screens. The size of your laptop also determines the types of sleeves or bags you can buy for it.

Here’s one of the most common questions we get: How do I know my laptop size? This blog post will help you learn how to do just that and offer tips on buying the right sleeve for your device.

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