Planning a trip and wondering how to get started? Here you will find the essential information you need to create a solid travel plan. Which will not only save money but improve your travel experience on the road. Thinking ahead and creating an itinerary, will ease your mind and reward you with unforgettable memories. So, let’s explore how to plan a vacation.

How do you create a vacation budget? What are your vacation goals?

Once you have chosen your destination, it is time to start planning the trip. Start to think about where you are going and what is the main goal of your trip. Are you planning on trekking through mountain trails, or is a relaxing beach vacation more your thing? What time of year are you traveling, and what will the weather be like? You may also consider attending an event or catching a show while in town. Additionally, if you are traveling with family, friends, kids or just going solo, this may change your budget and itinerary completely!

Now that you have decided on…

●     The Destination

●     Special Events & Activities

●     Travel Dates

●     Who is Coming

…you can think about the budget.

Here are the main things to take into consideration when calculating your vacation budget:

Documentation

If you are planning to travel abroad, you may be required to provide a valid passport and electronic visa for the country you are visiting. If the country you are visiting requires a visa, we on evisafortravel.com will help you to get through the application process and to avoid any unexpected delays. Depending on the country, you may also be required to show proof of vaccination, departure flight information, or other required documentation.

Transport

What type of transportation option you choose will depend on how far away is your destination. If you are traveling nearby, a car rental, bus, taxi, or quick ferry may do the trick. Yet, for destinations that are further away or are located in remote areas, you may want to opt for a flight, or train ride.

Accommodations

Online you will find a variety of accommodation options available from luxury resorts, hotels, hostels, Airbnb, cabins, camping sites, and more. Review the options, and select the accommodation that is right for you and your planned activities.

Food

Dining out and cocktail hour can quickly affect your pocketbook, so it is important to consider your destination and budget. Often you can find local restaurant menus or price ranges via Google Maps or on the restaurant's website. Calculate the average cost of a meal and use this as a reference when writing up your food budget. Don’t forget to allot extra money for drinks and snacks.

Excursions

The cost of excursions, activities, and tours can vary wildly depending on the location. While some tours can be booked in advance online, you may only have the option to book certain excursions on-site. Contact the local agencies, tour companies, or your accommodation to confirm the cost, and any requirements before booking. Depending on the activity, there may be age, height, or weight requirements, required identification, or other licenses needed to participate.

How do you choose and book transportation?

Selecting your transportation is one of the most important parts of planning your travel itinerary. Often booked well in advance, without the appropriate transport your holiday won’t occur. So take the time to review the following options and select the one that is right for your travel plans.

Airplane

Airplane travel is excellent for traveling long distances or when your destination is in a remote location. Today, airlines offer a variety of customizable flight options that can fit most budgets. Economy offers the most affordable flying experience, while business class and first-class tickets offer additional perks, such as more comfortable seating, improved amenities, and meals. 

How Do I Find And Book A Flight Ticket?

If your travel dates are flexible, you can often find deals on websites such as Kiwi, Skyscanner, Google Flights, or Kayak. Additionally, these websites allow you to compare prices from different airlines and platforms. Once you have found the best deal, compare the listed price to the one on the carrier's website. Often you will find the carrier has the cheapest price across the board. 

Keep in mind that the flight ticket may not include baggage allowances, meals, ticket printing, or other fees.

Trains

Trains offer a slower, but often scenic route to the destination. Even so, they are not always the cheapest option. Depending on the region, trains may be budget-friendly or seen as a luxurious experience. For longer train rides, some companies may even offer seat reservations, VIP services, or private sleeping quarters. 

How Do I Find And Book A Train Ticket?

Depending on the country or area you are visiting, you may be able to book train tickets or reservations in advance. Websites such as Trainline, Tail Europe, or Rome2rio allow you to compare different train companies' pricing. For local train companies that are not found online, you may be able to purchase tickets through their websites or upon arrival at the train terminal. If you are looking for deals or multi-ticket passes, Klook is great as it offers easy online booking.

Car Rentals

Traveling by vehicle is great for road trips, exploring nearby destinations, or if you require flexibility. Car rentals can be a great option for families that require frequent stops or more control of their itinerary. Although driving can be more convenient, there are several things to consider when driving, such as cost (fuel, tolls, parking fees, rental costs, insurance, etc.), local traffic laws, road conditions, and car trouble.

How Do I Find And Book A Car Rental?

You can book a car rental online with platforms like Rentalcars.com and Kayak. These platforms allow you to compare the prices of various car rental companies and often have the option to reserve online. Keep in mind that online pricing may not include full comprehensive insurance or roadside assistance. At pick-up, you will be expected to show a valid driver’s license for the country you are visiting and to follow all road laws and restrictions. So, it is best to confirm before traveling that you have a valid driving permit for that country or region. 

Bus

Bus transportation is great for short to moderate distances when traveling to remote locations, and when you're on a tight budget. Bus rides are typically the cheapest transportation but are more likely to experience delays due to road conditions, traffic, accidents, and breakdowns. If you or one of your travel buddies is a senior, student, and child, then you may be eligible for a discounted rate.

How Do I Find And Book A Bus Ticket?

Online platforms such as Wanderu, FlixBus, 12GO, and Busbud are available for booking and locating bus services around the world. Keep in mind that some bus services may require in-person bookings or payment at the time of service. For longer bus trips, check for VIP buses that offer Wi-Fi, air conditioning, sleeper seats, water, or other perks. VIP tickets can make traveling by bus more comfortable but sometimes come at a higher cost.

Boat

If you are planning an island escape, you may be required to book a ferry or private boat service. Before booking, confirm with your accommodations which port or service is best. Your accommodation may offer free transportation to the island, or maybe in an area only accessible by specific ferry companies.

How Do I Find And Book A Ferry Ticket?

Typically, you can book ferry tickets through your accommodation, the ferry company's website, or upon arrival at the port. Check the travel times and duration, and plan to arrive well in advance. Poor weather conditions may delay service, so always plan with a time buffer.

How Do I Find and Booking Accommodations?

The best way to plan a trip is to know what is important. Your accommodation is one of them! Bad accommodations can make or break a trip, so selecting the right one is key. First, you need to consider what type of accommodation you need. Here are the main accommodation types:

Resort: Resorts offer multiple dining venues, and activities, and often feature luxurious amenities and all-inclusive packages. They typically cater to a specific demographic, such as families, couples, partiers, or large groups. To book a resort, you can view and compare pricing and complete bookings with Tripadvisor, SunWing, or Expedia.

Hotel: Hotels are extremely popular with travelers, as they offer private rooms and cater to various budgets and clientele. Amenities, such as pools, business centers, and restaurants are common. Find the right hotel for you by viewing and comparing pricing, and completing bookings with the platforms Agoda, Hotels.com, or Booking.com.

Hostel: A hostel is a budget accommodation that offers private or shared rooms. Making hostels ideal for backpackers, solo travelers, and those who enjoy socialization. Often hostels are the cheapest accommodation option, as on average they offer minimal luxury services and less privacy. To view, compare, and book a hostel, check out the platform Hostelworld.

Airbnb: The online platform Airbnb allows hosts to post their homes, rentals, and other accommodations online for travelers to book. Entire homes, apartments, treehouses, tents, and more are available. Weekly and monthly deals are common, but keep in mind that cleaning, bedding, or other services may not be included.

Tips for Booking an Accommodation

●     Confirm the location is near the attractions you plan to visit, can easily access transportation, and is in a safe neighborhood.

●     Read recent reviews and focus on comments mentioning cleanliness, service, and safety.

●     Use a secure and reputable platform for booking to ensure accurate feedback and payment transactions.

●     Compare prices across multiple platforms, including the accommodation's website. Last-minute deals, discounts, and promos may be available on one platform but not another.

●     Download Mobile Apps for additional discounts. For example, Agoda offers mobile-only discounts.

How do I Create an Itinerary and Plan Activities?

What you do on vacation is important, as the activities you participate in and the sites you see will make up the majority of your trip. Think about what activities or sites are the most important to you. Then plan your itinerary around those activities, allowing enough wiggle room for delays, bathroom breaks, or if needed an afternoon nap.

Research what is occurring during your visit. Is there a festival, event or show you may want to attend? If so, confirm if your schedule can accommodate and book any tickets or transportation you will require before the event.

Keep in mind the location of your activities. Are two of your activities located close to one another? Then you may plan to visit both sites on the same day. Are you planning a beach day followed by a fancy dinner? Then you may want to schedule time to shower and clean up in between.

Should I Book Tours In Advance?

 Yes, it is a good idea to book tours in advance. Tours are a popular activity and are often booked up quickly. Check out platforms like Viator and Klook, or connect with a local tour operator. Confirm the company's cancellation policy in advance, to keep your itinerary flexible. Additionally, pre-booking is great for managing your budget and seeing all costs upfront in advance.

What Documents Should I Prepare For Travel?

Before traveling abroad it is important to have the necessary documentation and paperwork. Confirm you have the following before traveling abroad:

●     A passport valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date.

●     The required visa for travel has been obtained by applying through a reliable platform like evisafortravel.com.

●     Travel insurance that covers any medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost luggage while aboard.

What Should I Pack For Travel?

Focus on the essentials when packing. Here are our key recommendations:

●     Clothing that is appropriate for your destination, such as a winter coat for snowy weather, or a bathing suit for a beach holiday.

●     Medication, if required. Always verify before travel that your medication is allowed in the country and pack any required documentation.

●     Toiletries, including hair, skin, or body care products that you cannot obtain at the destination.

●     Tech essentials, such as chargers, adapters, kindles, laptops, phones, or other gadgets. Keep in mind that some countries have restrictions on the number of devices you are allowed to import.

Preparing ahead for your trip will ensure that you are ready to explore without interruption. Set out a clear plan and budget, while booking your accommodations, transport, and activities in advance. This will allow you to enjoy your vacation worry-free and will save you money in the long run. Are you ready for your next trip? It’s time to start planning and make it a reality!