How to Plan Your Trip: 12 Essential Steps Before Your Flight

Planning an international trip can be overwhelming because it requires intensive research on the destination and endless hours searching for the best flight and accommodation deals! In this blog, I’ll provide all the checklists you need to plan your perfect trip so everything sails smoothly. Discover the best strategies to search for and compare the cheapest flights and accommodations, find the right cards for the lowest fees, and much more. Get ready to travel smart and save big!

1. Pick Your Destination

Start researching destinations that interest you. There are many sources you can look for inspiration, such as TikTok, Pinterest, YouTube, and more! If you’re struggling to decide, here are some questions to help you choose:

• 1. What are some of your bucket-list destinations?
• 2. Are you looking for an adventurous trip or a relaxing vacation?
• 3. Does this destination fit within your budget?
• 4. Is the country you’re interested in currently safe to travel to in terms of political stability or health concerns?

2. Decide Your Trip Length and Travel Dates

The trip length will depend on your budget and how much annual leave you can take off work (if this applies to you). It’s also important to have approximate travel dates, considering:

• Weather: Research which months have the best weather for the season you’re interested in. Ensure you’re looking up the weather for each city you will be visiting, as some countries have diverse climates.
  • E.g. North and South Vietnam have very different climates. The South is typically hot year-round, while the North experiences seasonal variations.
• Crowds: Some months are peak seasons for certain destinations.
  • E.g. April in Japan is cherry blossom season, so expect larger crowds and higher price.
• Specific Festivals/Events: Check if the country you’re interested in has any festivals or events you want to attend.
  • E.g. Full Moon Party in Thailand happens on a specific day each month during.

3. Set a Budget ($)

Setting a travel budget is crucial as it helps determine the length of your stay and overall expenses. Are you traveling solo or with others? Group travel can significantly lower costs. Research average expenses in your destination for flights, accommodation, transportation, activities, food, and miscellaneous items. Always over-budget to avoid being stranded without money! Don’t forget to also set budget on the things you’ll be spending BEFORE the trip such as suitcase, passport, visa, vaccinations, and travel insurance.

Here are some top free budgeting apps to download for your trip:

• Splitwise: Ideal for group travel, this app allows you to split expenses by percentages or shares, useful for different meal costs or group activities. It works offline and supports subgrouping for large groups.
• TravelSpend: Quickly add expenses in any currency, online or offline. Each expense is categorized, giving you a clear picture of your spending during the trip.
• Wanderlog: This app allows you to budget for every category, including flights, lodging, car rentals, transit, food, drinks, sightseeing, and more. You can consolidate all your travel data in one place, including webpages, flights, and hotel reservations. Wanderlog syncs with Google Maps and shows transportation costs between places, making it easier to estimate your budget. Additionally, you can choose to split costs with a group or an individual, helping you track spending accurately and efficiently.

4. Sort Out Passport & Visa

To step foot onto a plane you’ll need your passport and you will need a visa to enter for certain countries.

• Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least another six months, as some countries require this for entry.
• Visas: Determine if you need a visa for your destination. Some countries have strict policies requiring you to obtain a visa before arrival, or you may be denied entry.

5. Travel Insurance

No one really wants to think about travel insurance – it can seem like an unnecessary expense if you’re just extra careful, right? Wrong! I know we all love saving money, especially if you’re a budget traveler like me but you never know what will go wrong such as a cancelled flights, lost luggage, or getting a stomach bug even after eating at reputable restaurants! Below, I’ll share some travel insurance money-saving hacks to help you stay covered without breaking the bank.

For a short getaway, consider getting a credit card with complimentary travel insurance. Some popular options include the 1) ANZ Rewards Black, 2) AMEX Platinum Charge Card, 3) AMEX Explorer Card, 4) AMEX Qantas Ultimate Card, and 5) Westpac Altitude Black. These cards often come with an annual fee of up to $400, but they usually offer bonus sign-up points and other perks that can offset the cost. By using one of these cards to pay for your flights and accommodation, you can rack up points to use for future expenses, meaning even more money saved. Just make sure to read the terms and conditions, as most credit cards require you to book a return flight with the card and will only cover you for up to 90 days.

However, if you’re planning a long-term adventure of over three months that doesn’t involve extreme activities, SafetyWing is a budget-friendly option with flexible coverage. Prices start at $56.28 USD for 4 weeks (just $2.01 USD a day) with Nomad Insurance, which is about half the price of many other travel insurance providers like Budget Direct. SafetyWing is excellent for basic coverage, including medical emergencies and standard travel mishaps, with up to $250,000 USD in coverage. Be sure to review their policy here to understand exactly how much they cover in each category. However, keep in mind that they do not cover alcohol or drug-related incidents, extreme sports, pre-existing conditions, trip cancellations, or stolen cash. If you’re looking for a more comprehensive plan that covers your medical needs worldwide, you might want to consider SafetyWing’s Nomad Health, though it does come at a higher cost.

6. Research & Compare Flight Tickets

To avoid price increases, book your flights at least three months in advance. Flexibility with your travel dates can save you significant money, as flying on weekdays is usually cheaper. While searching for flights, be aware of baggage policies and fees, as some prices shown do not include a checked bag. Make sure to check the weight limit for baggage, as exceeding it may result in extra charges at the airport.

Here are some of my favourite websites to book and compared flights on:

• Skyscanner: My go-to site! It shows the lowest price flights for each date in the chosen month, making it easy to select the cheapest days to fly. You can also get an overall view of which month is the cheapest to fly.
• Google flights: You can filter flights by the number of stops, airline, duration, and baggage selection. These filters may not always give you the cheapest flight, but they help you find the best flight for your needs.
• Momondo: Similar to Skyscanner, Momondo shows you the price range for flights each month using colors: green for cheap, yellow for mid-range, and red for expensive. This allows you to see the cheapest time periods to travel.

It’s best to book directly through the airline rather than third-party sites in case of issues like delays or cancellations. After finding the best deal through these websites, I recommend booking the ticket directly with the airline. ALWAYS book flights before accomodation as flight prices are more volatile.

For this example, I selected return flights, so Skyscanner displayed the prices for the cheapest options for both the departure and return trips for the selected month. Additionally, Skyscanner colour codes the days with the cheapest flights which allows searching and comparing flights efficiently.

7. Research Accommodation

Accommodation preferences vary, but booking near bus or train stations is crucial if you’ll be using public transport. This saves you from long walks after a full day of exploring. Opt for accommodations with free cancellation policies in case your plans change. Check if they can hold your luggage if you arrive before check-in time.

Websites for booking accommodation:

• Airbnb: Ideal for groups as you can rent entire homes/apartments and is generally a good value for money. Hosts are usually responsive and helpful.
• Agoda: A reliable platform for booking hotels with great deals that are sometimes cheaper than booking.com. I personally rarely use Agoda as I always find cheaper options on Airbnb or Booking.com.
• Booking.com: My go-to site! Great for hotel deals and some hostel options. Genius members often get 10% extra discount if booked early. I usually book directly on the website and have never had an issue.
• Hostelworld: Many hostels offer both dorms and private rooms, perfect for budget travelers. It’s also an amazing way to make new friends if you’re traveling solo!

8. Itinerary Planning & Researching Activities

Break down your trip into cities and list must-see spots in each. Use platforms like TikTok to find recommended places to visit and eat. Assign activities to each day but leave space for spontaneity and relaxation to avoid exhaustion and ensure a fun vacation. Utilize these tools to create a well-organized, flexible itinerary that enhances your travel experience while minimizing stress.

Top tools for itinerary planning:

• Excel/Google Sheets: Ideal for creating lists, categorizing activities, and organizing bookings. Create multiple sheets for different cities or categories like accommodation and budget.
• Wanderlog (recommend): A visual trip planner that adds places from the map with pictures of activities and foods. It syncs with Google Maps for directions and time estimates and can optimize your daily route with the premium version. It also suggests popular activities and generates a daily itinerary if needed.
• Google Maps: Save locations of activities and restaurants to see their proximity, helping you plan your day efficiently and avoid unnecessary travel time.

Websites for searching and booking activities:

• GetYourGuide: Find and book sightseeing tours, attractions, and activities worldwide with free cancellation up to 24 hours before your tour.
• Klook: Popular for booking activities in Asia, offering a loyalty program with exclusive prices and frequent discounts. Please read the cancellation policy before confirming your booking as some activities do not have free cancellation.
• Trip Adviser: Excellent for finding places to eat and things to do, with user reviews. While you can book activities here, consider using GetYourGuide and Klook for better deals.
• Your Hotel/Hostel: Check if your accommodation offers tour programs. While convenient, this option may be pricier due to hotel commissions.

9. Understand Local Transportation

Understanding how you’ll get around your destination is crucial for a smooth trip. Determine if you’ll primarily use taxis or public transport and research their operating hours and costs to budget accurately. For example, a taxi from Tokyo airport (NRT) to the city center can cost up to 300 AUD, while the train or limousine bus costs ~15 AUD. Plan your route from the airport to your hotel before your flight, especially if you’re arriving late, as some public transport options may not run after midnight. If traveling solo, consider arriving during daylight hours for safety and to ensure public transport is available.

Some things to think about when commuting in a different country:

• Maps: Check which map app is popular in your destination, as not all countries use Google Maps
  • E.g. Korea relies on Naver Maps.
• Apps for Public Transport: Many countries have specific apps for their public transport systems. These apps can integrate transport cards onto your phone for easy reloading via your bank account.
  • E.g. Japan’s Suica/Pasmo Card can be added to your Apple Wallet.
• Apps for Taxis: Each country may have its own popular taxi app. Always book taxis through these apps to avoid scams and overcharging.
  • E.g. Grab and GoJek are popular in Vietnam and Bali, while Uber and Didi are commonly used in Australia.

10. Understand Local Currency & Travel Cards

Before traveling, know the currency used in your destination. Download XE, a free currency app, to keep track of your spending with real-time conversion rates. Research how to obtain and use money in the country, especially if it is a cash-based country. Consider travel cards with favorable conversion rates and low ATM fees, such as Wise or Up. Some places offer better exchange rates for specific currencies (e.g., gold shops in Vietnam offer excellent exchange rates for crisp $100 USD/AUD notes). Exchange at least $50-100 before arriving to cover initial expenses like transport from the airport.

Travel card recommendations:

• Wise: Offers low ATM fees and excellent conversion rates. It also allows you to pre-convert currency before your trip, potentially saving money if the local currency weakens. For example, buying yen back in May 2024 when the rate was $1 = 108 yen saved me over $100 AUD compared to the current rate of $1 = 95 yen as of August 2024.
• Revolut: It works in the same way as Wise, the good side of Revolut is that if you electronically transfer to someone overseas, there is no fee. The difference is that Revolut uses real-time exchange rate for foreign exchange whilst Wise uses a mid-market rate.
• Your bank’s travel card: Convenient but often comes with poor conversion rates and high ATM fees. My experience with a Commonwealth travel card revealed extremely unfavorable rates and fees, making it less worthwhile. Consider alternatives for better value.

11. Plan for Connectivity

Avoid paying for data roaming, as it can be quite expensive. Instead, opt for an eSIM, a convenient digital solution you can set up in seconds just by scanning a QR code. No need to worry about juggling physical SIM cards or accidentally misplacing them while you switch networks. With an eSIM, you can keep your original SIM for calls and texts while using local data effortlessly. eSIMs are a must for any traveler who relies on Google Maps for navigation or Google Translate to communicate with locals. They ensure that you’re connected wherever you go, without the hassle of tracking down Wi-Fi or being tied to a specific device.

I highly recommend looking into Airalo, they provides eSIMs for all devices in over 200 destinations. They offer options to purchase data for specific countries, regions, or global connections, which is particularly useful for travelers visiting multiple countries in a short period. Click on my link here for a 10% discount auto-applied for you!

12. Pack Smart & Have The Best Time Of Your Life

Keep in mind the amount of baggage you can bring, so pack weather-appropriate clothing, both comfortable and fancy, for different activities. Pack light to ease travel and leave room for shopping. Don’t forget essential items like your passport, chargers, medications, and toiletries. Read my packing tips here for specific items that make travel easier.

This guide should help you feel more prepared and confident about planning your next trip. Enjoy your travels! Have the best time of your life!

Remember, money will return, but time won’t – so just travel and see the world!