Planning a trip can seem a bit overwhelming at times. There are many things to consider. Getting started is usually the hardest point since there are so many options out there, the paradox of choice can rear its head.  Fear not, I’ve put together this list of 5 things to keep in mind when planning a trip or vacation to help you get started.

Planning A Trip- 5 Things to Keep in Mind

What is your budget?

This may seem like a no brainer, but if you have this magnificent idea of going to Hawaii when your budget will allow for a long weekend in Chicago, then you have some rethinking to do. Are you limited on when you can travel and need to travel soon? Or can you wait to save up money for that Hawaii trip?  As incredible as traveling is, there is no reason to go into debt for it.  It will stress you out in the long run.

Who is going?

Whoever you are going with has ideas and hopes of their own for the trip. You might be struggling to come up with a place to go and they have some cool ideas.  Let them contribute to planning an activity or two! That way some of the trip isn’t resting on your shoulders.

How long will you be traveling?

Keeping this in mind will help you decide what you actually can do on the trip. It will help you prioritize activities and sites you want to see. You’ll also be able to gauge how much down-time you will have, if you are into having down time when you travel. How long you travel also impacts the budget. sometimes the budget determines how long you can travel.

Where you are going? 

Even Zoltar could see this one coming, but probably not for the right reasons. Especially if you are traveling overseas. There may cultural considerations to learn about, power adapter or converters to be purchased and documents to gather and share with people you trust.  It will also help you figure out if you need to get any kind of gear you don’t already own.  Sometimes transportation isn’t as straight forward so knowing this before you get there will help reduce any surprises or disappointments.

Have fun!

I sometimes find myself wanting to plan the perfect vacations since we have these limited pockets of time to travel and I don’t want anything to royally f-up. But the more I drink beer let go, the more I actually get to enjoy myself in the planning process and get excited about the trip.  Leave some things unplanned. Go with the flow.  It’s OK.  Uncertainty can be exciting and awesome. So go ahead and kick your inner Danny Tanner to the curb and just have fun with a little spontaneity and unknown.

What are some things you find useful when planning for travel? Let us know in the comments!

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