10 Easy Steps to Plan a Vacation for Travel Beginners

Going on vacation should be exciting, not stressful! Here are some tips and guidelines to assist you in having a stress free trip from the original brainstorming to arriving back home, along with everything in-between. Now let’s make that dream a reality!

Table of Contents:

  1. Brainstorm
  2. Plan a Budget
  3. Location
  4. Booking Accommodations
  5. Transportation
  6. Plan Itinerary
  7. Check Guidelines
  8. Documents
  9. Packing
  10. Enjoy!
city vacation views
Source: Unsplash

1. Brainstorm

How to start planning your vacation? You cannot plan a trip without some inspo. Take the time to research what is right for you. Dive deep into Google. Check out Instagram. Figure out a general vibe- skiing for NYE, girls trip to Miami, off-the-grid camping. Research local weather, what season will you be visiting? Dig into booking websites (Booking.com, Expedia, Priceline, etc) to see vacation packages or travel plans. Look through maps. Where do you want to visit? What’s in your budget? When are you available to travel? Is anyone joining you? Get some general ideas to slim down your options.

2. Plan a General Budget for the Trip

How much can you/are you willing to spend? Will you be paying for transportation? Are you staying with a friend? AirBnB? How much are you budgeting for meals? Shopping? Activities? Give yourself as much flexibility as you see fit. This budget will assist you in deciding the remainder of your plans. Remember to discuss budgets with those you are traveling with.

Ireland vacation cliffs of moher

3. Pick your Vacation – Location!

After your brainstorming and budgeting sesh- narrow down the general location for your vacation. The coast? Midwestern ranch? National Park? The more specific your location, the easier it will be to plan. Check social media to see what is happening in your proposed vacation spot. This will not only give you inspiration, but using these features on AirBnB or VRBO will also assist in your overall planning for accommodations. You should also consider public transportation, along with accessibility to your location. You may save money upfront from driving, but then pay astronomical prices for parking. Other locations may be more remote, with a long journey from the local airport/train station/city-hub.

4. Booking your Accommodations

Once you have decided on the vacation’s location, find a place to stay and a way to get there. Some trips like Disney or all-inclusive can serve up your whole trip in one singular package and price. However, these bookings will typically be done separately. I always start with booking where I will stay first, but you can start with transportation too.

mountain desert vacation views

AirBnB and Other Hosts

To start, I check AirBnb to see what is available for my vacation in the proposed location. These listings typically give details and images about the home, location, and area overall. Always check the listing’s reviews to see how it has been rated by those who have previously stayed there. Depending on your location, there are choices in the type of accommodation you can pick. Some hosts have private rooms, entire apartments, or homes to stay in. They list what is provided in the unit, which can also assist in making your decision. Many hosts are helpful in giving local tips/tricks such as airport taxis services, best brunch location, or a must-see monument in the area. AirBnb/VRBO typically has lower prices than hotels or resorts, but may not serve all your needs.

Hotels

Hotels have always been a stable for those on vacation. Hotels can offer housekeeping, room-service, parking options, and other recommendations/accommodations that most hosts cannot. They always have a concierge and front-desk staff in need of assistance. These features, along with general dependability, gives hotels the title of the “safest option.” Some hotels have rewards systems, or are connected to other memberships, allowing for discounted rates. However, they are typically a little pricey-er and harder to accommodate for larger gatherings.

5. Pick your Method of Transport

These days there are so many ways to travel. People can walk, drive, take a bus, train, airplane, cruise, and more! Discover which option is the best fit for you, your budget, and your vacation spot.

plane on runway to vacation destination

Flights

Flying can be the easiest, or most difficult way to travel. If you are lucky, you will get a beautiful travel day with no delays or layovers. However, if you are traveling on a budget or from a smaller airport, the chances are you may have to deal with these variables. Flying is still one of the safest and quickest ways to travel and for some locations, it is the only option. Flying is typically cheapest during the week, leaving and returning on Tuesdays or Wednesdays will typically drop prices. Booking websites (like Priceline, Booking.com, Expedia, etc) often have amazing deals for flights. However, recognize the problems that can come with booking through a third-party vendor. Lastly, it is also important to recognize prices for bringing luggage (some flights even charge for a carry-on) and transportation to-and-from the airport.

Research the airport you are flying into. How much time do you have during a layover? How big is the airport? What are the best methods to get to your final destination? Is the airport directly connected to local buses or subway rails? Does the city have multiple airports? Which is the best option for your travel plans?

Driving

Driving is also a great way to travel. People are able to take their own vehicle or rent a car, for long distances and travel at their own pace. Some people enjoy the exploration and adventures that come with driving, making the journey its own vacation. If you are driving to save money, remember to accommodate for the price of gas, parking, and if you will have to make any stops overnight on the way to your final destination.

Bus or Train

Busses and trains are great options for those who are unable/do not want to drive, but still want a more inexpensive option. There are many sites online to find deals and a variety of locations to travel by bus or train. Traveling by bus or train also provides a scenic route, with the ability to see much more of the landscape on your journey. These methods are great, but are typically longer than flights since they frequently stop.

cityscape views nyc vacation

6. Plan an Itinerary

Now you get to plan all the fun! Once again, get to Google and social media to see all the best things to do in the area. Trip Advisors often provides great lists for the most mainstream sites and attractions in a given location. Airbnb has “Experiences”, which can include local tours, experiences, and more. I find that those are typically overpriced, but are a great place to look for inspiration. Another amazing tool is Yelp. Yelp provides pictures and reviews on restaurants, entertainment, hotels, shopping, and so much more. The best tool is word of mouth, ask those you know what they enjoyed in that area. If this is a completely new location, research blogs and travelers to see their experiences.

7. Check Guidelines

It is important to check COVID rates and requirements wherever you are traveling. Check the U.S. Embassy and CDC guidelines to understand testing and vaccine requirements for international travel. All flights are still requiring masks, and international flights require a negative test to return to the U.S.

When checking COVID guidelines, also ensure if a visa is needed for international travel to your destination.

Other areas will also require certain vaccines. Stay up-to-date on immunization requirements, especially in regards to COVID. The CDC website also shares needed immunizations or medications for specific destinations.

8. Documentation and Prep

First, and arguably the most important items needed on a trip are your required documentation and credit cards. Ensure you have all your required documents like your license and passport, along with scanned copies (printed and digital).

Next, contact your bank or credit card company to inform them of your travels. Look into what types of cards are typically accepted in your area (Visa, American Express, MasterCard, etc). Also, see if you will be charged international fees, and therefore if it is worth it for you to open a new, more widely accepted account instead. Always be careful with all of these documents and cards. Avoid checking anything important in your luggage and take all necessary steps to avoid common scams or theft.

Lastly, confirm a plan with your phone company if you are leaving the country. Some plans already include some level of international capability. Otherwise, you will need to agree on an appropriate plan or payment for the type of services you desire in their location.

Backpacking vacation essentials
Source: Unsplash

9. Packing

First, ensure you have all the documentation we previously discussed. Then pack all your needed electronics and their chargers. Remember if you are traveling internationally, you will need the appropriate adapters for all plugs and chargers. Check your flight guidelines to see the appropriate size for toiletries and liquids, and follow accordingly while packing. Otherwise, pack all your specified essentials with tops, bottoms, walking shoes, and masks. I have a standard note on my phone with all the categories I always pack ranging anywhere from jewelry, pajamas, to hair tools, which is super helpful for the frequent traveler.

10. Enjoy!

Once everything is confirmed, you are all set. You have everything planned and are now ready to explore. Enjoy your dream vacation!

vacation passport stamping
Source: Unsplash