10 Key Factors to Think Of when Planing your Trip

When it comes to planning a trip, it’s not just about throwing stuff in a suitcase and hoping for the best. Oh no, there’s a LOT more to think about! In this post, we’ve gathered the most important things (based on our extensive travel wisdom) that you absolutely can’t miss when organizing your next adventure. Get ready to level up your travel game!

1. Plan Your Budget

The first thing to figure out is your budget. Trust us, money doesn’t have to be the most exciting part of your trip planning, but it’s definitely one of the most important. Setting a budget early on helps you understand what kind of trip you’re going to have, whether it’s a luxury vacation or a budget backpacking adventure.

• Flights and Accommodation: These will probably be your biggest expenses. Use apps like WayAway, Skyscanner or Google Flights to find cheap flights, and consider alternatives like hostels, Airbnb, or even couchsurfing to keep costs low. You can always use Booking.com to find your best match!
• Food and Activities: Set aside money for meals and experiences. Street food in some places can be cheap and delicious, while activities can range from free (hello, hiking!) to pricier excursions like guided tours or museum visits. Tiqets.com has a good range of activities and attractions all around the world that you can book with peace of mind.
• Transportation: Once you’re there, how are you getting around? The transportation options will depend on your destination. If you’re in a big city, there’s probably an amazing public transport system—metro, buses, trams, and even bike-sharing services. But if you’re heading out into nature or smaller towns, you might need a rental car, train, or bus.
  Top tip!

  Download travel apps that help you navigate easily, like Google Maps, Citymapper, Sygic, etc to avoid confusion when you’re out and about.

With a clear budget, you can balance comfort and adventure and avoid that horrible feeling of realizing you’re broke halfway through your trip.

2. Travel Insurance

Second things second: don’t skip the insurance! Yeah, it might not sound as exciting as picking your destination, but trust us, it’s a must when it comes to trip planning. Travel insurance is like a safety net that catches you when things go wrong.

If you’re traveling far from home, don’t count on your national health service to cover you. Hospital bills abroad? They can cost more than your flight! So, spend a bit of cash upfront on insurance that covers your entire trip — it’s the best investment you’ll make.

We’ve been using True Traveller for years — and while we haven’t had to use it (fingers crossed!), the coverage is solid and the prices are pretty friendly! They offer different budgets based on the type of travelling you are planning and the activities you will be doing. They have coverage for mountain activities like hiking, trekking, rock climbing, and even skiing and snowboarding. Water activities like scuba diving and so on.

3. Make Copies of Important Documents

Now, imagine this nightmare: you’re in a foreign country, and your passport disappears into the abyss. Yikes! Don’t let this happen to you.

Make copies of all your essential documents — passports, travel insurance, visa, driver’s license, plane tickets, hotel bookings and more. You can print them out or store them digitally in the Cloud or Drive, just make sure you’ve got a backup plan. Trust us, when disaster strikes (and it might) even if you are very cautious and careful with your stuff, you’ll thank yourself, and it doesn’t really take time, does it?

4. Research Your Destination

Before you hop on that plane, do a little homework. This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s super important — especially if you’re crossing the globe!

What should you research? Everything! Specially your itinerary. What language do they speak? What kind of food do they eat (hello, foodies!)? What are the must-see attractions? What’s the weather like? Where’s the nearest supermarket? Is there a bus station nearby? Seriously, the list is endless. But think of it like a fun scavenger hunt — you’re already starting your adventure before you even arrive!

On the other hand, if you don’t do your research ahead of time you’ll be loosing precious time once at your destination, spending hours looking at what to do and visit instead of actually doing it!

5. Get a Travel Credit Card

Money, money, money. Traveling without a good credit card is like trying to run a marathon in flip-flops — you might survive, but it’s going to be uncomfortable.

Banks love to hit us with fees when we use our cards abroad (seriously, they do). But you can dodge those fees by choosing a travel-friendly credit card. Look for one that doesn’t charge you to use it abroad and offers low or no ATM withdrawal fees. Plus, some of them let you hold different currencies and send money internationally without any extra cost. We’re all about Wise — they’re total rockstars.

It’s also a good idea to have some cash before you get to your destination, just to get you started! Head to your bank, post office or local currency exchange at home and ask them to provide you with the currency you are gonna need! What we usually do is withdraw money at the destination when we can. When using your card abroad, it’s generally best to use the local currency rather than your home currency. Avoid using the airport ATMs or currency exchange services abroad, as their rates are not the best.

6. Get an E-SIM Card

Okay, this one is a total game-changer. Say goodbye to those long lines at the airport trying to grab a SIM card. Get an e-sim card before you leave and save yourself the hassle. It’ll give you data wherever you are — yes, even in the middle of nowhere!

While it’s true you can buy a local SIM card when you land (and we’ve survived without one), there are those moments when Wi-Fi isn’t available, and you just need the internet, either to research whatever about your destination, find a place to eat or refuel or you need directions to get to your hotel. That’s when the e-sim swoops in like a superhero. Trust us, it’s worth it and it’s CHEAP! The company we trust is Airalo, and it has always worked perfectly!

7. Bring Travel Essentials

We’re talking the ultimate survival kit: medication (ibuprofen, paracetamol, stomach tablets), bandages, plasters… you get the idea. It’s easy (and cheaper) to get these things at home, so don’t forget to pack them! Sure, you can usually find a pharmacy wherever you’re going, but wouldn’t you rather avoid the drama and be prepared? Besides, they won’t take much room in your luggage and it’ll save you the hustle of buying it while travelling and will also save you some money!

Your first aid kit is your new best friend. You’ll be thanking us later!

Amazon has great deals and offers a wide range of travel first aid kits, take a look at this one that we use and brings all the necessary bits for a quick problem solution. Although, make sure you visit a medical center or hospital if you think you need it. That’s why we have travel insurance right!?

To all the ladies out there, you should always carry period products when traveling as in some countries, tampons, pads, and other period products may be hard to find or VERY expensive. Make it a top priority when packing to bring your own supplies when traveling to ensure access to affordable and reliable options.

Packing your essential medications, such as birth control pills or inhalers, when traveling is crucial to avoid interruptions in your health routine. Accessing prescriptions in foreign countries can be complicated or costly, and missing even one dose could impact your well-being.

8. Travel Out of Season

Listen, if you can travel during the off-season, do it. Peak season is the worst: crowded beaches, packed cities, long queues, and prices through the roof.

We always try to travel during the off-peak months. It’s a game-changer: less stress, better deals, and way more chill vibes. Plus, you’ll actually get to enjoy the attractions instead of fighting through hordes of tourists. Try it once, and you’ll never go back to the madness of peak season!

Don’t forget about special events or festivals that could impact your destination. Sometimes, the best time to visit is when a city is buzzing with a local celebration or cultural festivity. In the end, it’s all about what you are looking for!

9. Pack Light

Packing light = living your best life. Especially if you’re doing a backpacking trip. Imagine hauling two suitcases and a backpack through Southeast Asia for 2 months. Nope, thank you.

Bring only what you absolutely need — your back will thank you, your wallet will thank you (less baggage fees!), and you’ll be able to move freely and explore without all that extra weight. It’s honestly one of the best travel hacks.

We’ve realised through our travels that we always pack way more stuff than we need, and trust us, we really try to go light! Pack accordingly to the weather you’ll be having, it’s much easier packing for a summer trip as the weather is better and summer clothes take less room. Thinking of a 5 -7 days trip, bring underwear for everyday. Your outfits can usually be used a couple times before they get dirty and depending on the weather, jacket, rainjacket, etc. Think of it this way, the more you bring, the more room it takes, and… you can always buy stuff out there if you need it!

10. Learn Some Local Language

Here’s a pro tip: locals love it when you try their language. Whether it’s saying “hello” or “thank you,” learning just a few words will help you connect with the people and immerse yourself in the culture. It’s a simple thing, but it goes a long way. And they’ll respect you for it!

You can do this on Duolingo, buying a language book or doing any kind of research on Internet (youtube is always a great idea!).

Don’t worry, you don’t have to be fluent — but mastering a couple of key phrases will make your experience 100 times richer (and way more fun!).

BONUS TIP!

Travel Slow

Here’s the last tip for the best trip planning that will forever change your travel style: slow travel.

We’re all about slow travel. No rush, no ticking off a checklist, be flexible and adapt your travel as you go. Take your time to connect with the place, the people, the food, the smells — every little thing that makes a place unique. Don’t just rush from one place to the next like a tourist on a mission. Stay longer, explore deeper, and let the place unfold at its own pace. Embrace local culture and be ready for the unexpected.

After years of travel, we’ve learned that we’d rather visit two places and truly get to know them than try to squeeze in five and barely scratch the surface. So, slow down and enjoy the ride!

Well, there you have it! Organizing a trip isn’t about stressing over every little detail—it’s about setting yourself up for a smooth, enjoyable, and exciting adventure. Budget smart, pack light, stay flexible, and, most importantly, make the most of every moment. Your next great adventure is waiting—now, go out and make it happen! Enjoy your travels, and thanks for reading !<3