Overview
We all love going out on outings and trips, the irksome part is the planning process.
Here, we have created a step-by-step guide for you to plan your trip that will make the process easier and less overwhelming.
Finalize the Location
Before chalking out other details, zero in on the location. Most people plan vaguely and talk about going on a trip, but never decide on exactly where they want to go. Deciding a destination is immensely important because then it becomes easier for you to commit to the plan.
How Long to Be Away
Before starting to budget your trip, you should first know for how many days you will be travelling or vacationing. You cannot decide a figure or start saving without deciding how long you will be at your destination. So whenever you say “I am going to New Zealand”, add “for 7 days”.
Travel Cost
Now that you have zeroed down on your destination and the number of days you are going to stay there, the next big step is to calculate cost of the whole trip. Cost depends on various factors like mode of commute, hotel preference and the number of people you are travelling with.
Start Saving
Once you have locked down the destination, figure out your travel and stay expenses, it is time to start saving for the trip. Jot down all your daily expenses or use an app on your smartphone to log your expenses. This will help you determine where have you spending your money and how can you cut back.
Credit Cards Can Be Rewarding
Some credit cards let you earn sign-up bonuses to redeem points and miles for staying at a particular hotel or for travelling by specific flights. Be specific about what you need and do not sign up for multiple cards, focus on one or two cards maximum. Do this ASAP, the moment you decide to travel. Time lost equals to points lost.
Check Last-minute Deals
It is better to have plans in advance but if you are still looking to save some extra bucks check for deals online . You could find a 7-day cruise package with 70% off deal or 50% off a sailing trip to Lakshadweep. It’s a big world and it never hurts to choose plan B over A, being flexible always helps save money for the next trip.
Book Your Tickets
Make sure you have used your travel credit card and received sign-up bonus points, now you can use miles on it to book your flight tickets. Always try and book as early as possible to get your desired flights, otherwise, it gets difficult to get a ticket.
Book Your Accommodation
It is recommended that you book your hotel in advance. Looking for a good hotel and a lucrative deal on your arrival can get quite tiresome and dampen your mood hence it is better to book way in advance. You can browse through hotels and rooms online and even save some extra bucks.
Plan Your Itinerary
Google the destination and make a list of all the must-visit, spots, clubs and restaurants. You can even ask your hotel manager for suggestions Planning ahead will help you figure out whether you will more cash or not.
Automate Your Bills
Needless to say, go paperless (good for the environment, too) and pay your recurring bills online. This is only if you are planning a 2 week plus trip, otherwise you can skip it.
Inform Card Companies
While travelling overseas, it is better to inform your credit card companies that you will be travelling. This way they won’t flag your transactions or block your card on suspicion.
Buy Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is like medical protection is for while you are overseas,. They cover you even when your flight gets cancelled, camera breaks, something is stolen or you have to cut your trip short because of an emergency.
These guidelines that can help you organise and plan your trip.
