How to plan a trip? The Ultimate Guide

Going on a trip is a great way to relax and enjoy time, whether alone or with loved ones. To avoid any stress at departure and to leave with peace of mind, it often just takes some good preparation in advance. Discover the five steps to plan your own travels.

Where and when do you want to go?

Choosing the right period

The first step is to determine when you want to travel. Is it during the summer period and thus during school holidays? Or rather in the off-season, in spring or autumn, when there are fewer visitors? Although this choice will mainly depend on your schedule and the number of days you can be away from the office, it will influence your choice of destination.

Find the perfect travel destination

Another important step is choosing your destination. And it's not the easiest thing to do, when you consider all the possibilities that exist, from the very touristy to the more unspoilt and lesser-known places. At this stage, you can look for inspiration on Instagram, on Pinterest, on travel blogs, in magazines or ask your friends and family for advice... Generally, we have a few places in mind, so let those desires guide you.

  • Try to be as specific as possible in your search: this will help you narrow down the possibilities: it's easier to plan a stay in Rome than in Italy.
  • Take weather conditions into account: bad weather could spoil your stay.
  • The distance and the number of days you'll be there: it's better to go away a few hours from home for a short weekend, than to the other side of the world.
  • Consider your budget : a vacation in Thailand or Spain won't have the same impact on your bank account.

Book your accommodation

Some travellers prefer to book their accommodation on the spot, but we prefer to plan ahead! This is one of our favorite steps: choosing the cozy nest where we'll be spending a few days. In general, we make our selection on Booking.com. And the good thing is that there's no shortage of choice, with something to suit every taste.

  • Type of accommodation: if you want to immerse yourself in the life of a local you can book a shared room on Airbnb. For those who prefer a friendly atmosphere, camping is a great idea. And for those who crave comfort, you can book a hotel.
  • Distance from the city center: for those who want to plan several visits and be autonomous, remember to check the distance of your accommodation from the city center. It would be a hassle to spend the whole day in transit.
  • Free cancellation and prepayment: if you book through Booking.com, you can opt for free cancellation and no prepayment. This gives you more freedom in the event of last-minute unforeseen circumstances.

How would you like to get around?

Book your plane or train tickets

Once you've chosen your destination, it's time to decide how to get there. If your destination is close to home, you can opt to travel by car or train. For a more distant destination, air travel is often the preferred means of transport. It's often said that it's more advantageous to buy tickets at least 4 months before departure, so don't delay. Please note:

  • Arrival airport or station: this will enable you to estimate the distance to your accommodation.
  • Arrival and departure times: you may need to book a cab if your plane takes off late.
  • Additional costs: if you wish to take more luggage with you, choose your seats, board with priority... additional costs may be added to the initial price.

Plan your route

It's time to plan your vacation! To leave room for spontaneity, don't overload your program. You can jot down a few ideas for visits and outings, and see what you'd like to do in situ. For more touristy visits, remember to book your tickets before you leave. This will save you long waits on D-Day.

  • Make a list of the things you absolutely must see: these are the visits you need to plan as a priority. You can also make a list of places you'd like to see, but which aren't a priority.
  • Use an Excel file or a Word document: the idea is to list everyone's tastes and desires, and to be able to organize your schedule day by day. For those who are visual, you'll see at a glance whether your days are too busy or not.
  • Take into account the distances between the places you want to visit, as well as the lines or means of transport to get there.

What to do before your trip?

Managing administrative formalities

Depending on your destination and the length of your stay, administrative formalities may vary. For the United States, for example, you'll need ESTA authorization. Find out about this a few weeks in advance.

  • Check whether any vaccinations are mandatory in the country you're visiting. Some require several injections several weeks apart.
  • Make sure that your identity card and/or passport have not expired, and that they won't by the date of your trip.
  • Apply for a VISA if necessary.

How to travel while working?