My Ultimate 5-Step Trip Planning Process
Planning a trip doesn’t have to be overwhelming! Over the years, I’ve fine-tuned my travel planning process to make it as smooth and efficient as possible.
My trip-planning process was actually one of my first ever viral videos online, and it’s part of the reason why I’ve been able to build out my travel side-hustle even more! So it’s time to break it down in blog-post form!
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a multi-country adventure, following these five steps will help you maximize your time, budget, and overall experience.
Step 1: Find the Perfect Flight
The best way to start your trip planning is by searching for flights—often, this is what dictates where and when you go! I always begin with Google Flights and use the “Explore Everywhere” tool to see what’s cheap from my home airport. If you’re flexible on dates and destination, you’ll open yourself up to way more travel opportunities at a fraction of the cost.
Here’s what I do:
Use the Price Graph tool on Google Flights to find the cheapest travel dates.
Check out positioning flights—sometimes flying into a nearby airport and booking a budget flight to your final destination can save you hundreds.
If I find a great flight deal, I book it first and plan the rest of my trip around it. Some of my best adventures have started with a cheap flight and figuring out the details later!
Step 2: Map Out Your Itinerary
Once you’ve locked in your flight, it’s time to start planning your itinerary! I like to use Google Maps to create a custom map for every trip. This way, I can visualize where everything is and plan my days accordingly. Check out some of my favorites with the link above.
I save pins for all the places I want to visit—restaurants, attractions, scenic viewpoints, and cafes.
I reference my favorite travel creators and bloggers to get recommendations and add them to my map.
Seeing everything on a map helps me determine where I should book my accommodation, ensuring I’m in a convenient, walkable location.
Step 3: Book Your Accommodation
Where you stay can make or break a trip, which is why I always prioritize location over price. Staying somewhere walkable saves money in the long run and enhances the experience!
Here’s my method:
I check out my travel shop (linked here!) with all my favorite hotels worldwide.
I aim for a trendy neighborhood near a great coffee shop—these areas are often vibrant and walkable.
I take advantage of AARP hotel discounts (yes, you can sign up even if you’re under 50!).
I explore alternative stays like TrustedHousesitters (pet sitting for free stays) and Kindred (home swaps for travelers).
If I book an Airbnb or Vrbo, I do a reverse image search to ensure I’m getting the best deal and not overpaying!
Step 4: Plan Your Transportation
Now that you know where you’re staying and what you want to do, it’s time to figure out how you’ll get around!
I use tools like Rome2Rio to compare different transit options—flights, trains, buses, and ferries.
For public transportation, I research whether the city offers multi-day transit passes to save money.
If I need a rental car, I look into Discover Cars or AutoSlash to find the best rates.
I also consider alternative transport like biking, scooters, or walking tours to explore the city efficiently.
Step 5: Prep for the Airport & Departure
The final step is making sure you’re fully prepared for travel day.
Check your passport—many countries require six months of validity beyond your travel dates.
Verify visa requirements well in advance.
Charge your devices and bring the right power adapters for your destination.
Pack smart—bring only the essentials, use packing cubes, and don’t forget travel insurance!
Set up travel alerts on your credit cards so you don’t run into issues abroad.
Following this five-step trip planning process has helped me travel smarter and stress less. If you want a more in-depth breakdown of how I plan my trips—including the exact websites and tools I use—be sure to check out my travel planning PDF (linked here!). Happy travels! ✈️
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