A 10-Step Guide For Crafting Your Ultimate Adventure Trip

As I gear up for my next adventure, I thought it might be very helpful to share my trip-planning process. While you could take the easy route and let a travel agency handle everything, consider that DIY-ing your way through bookings not only saves you money, but the whole process is in reality insightful and fascinating. Plus, by creating your own itinerary, you gain flexibility and a possible escape from tourist traps and all those predictable spots that are always included in most travel agents’ plans. Starting off might feel a bit like untangling headphone wires, but with time, it gets way easier and becomes somewhat addictive. I promise you that. So let’s get started.

Stage A – Primary Research / booking the Plane Tickets

So you’ve decided to visit a specific destination. First you need to get a rough idea of the place, what it offers and define the activities or experiences that interest you the most. This stage will help you narrow down your options and help you continue on to the next stage. Depending on the destination and the difficulty of the trip, I would place this Stage to 6-12 months before the trip.

1. Read Travel Guides

This, for me, is the most exciting part of the whole process. Apart from the fact that I’m a bookworm, through travel guides, you gather important information about the destination – its people, culture, history, and its most significant attractions. Conducting a preliminary research for the destination enables you to also determine the optimal time for visiting the destination and the recommended duration of the trip.

You can easily find both hardcopies and ebook travel guides published by different companies such as Lonely Planet, Rough Guides, Fodor’s, DK Eyewitness, Insight Guides and so on. I always look for the latest editions of travel guides, as vital information tends to change over time. My preference usually leans towards Lonely Planet travel guides, as they focus more on local and authentic experiences rather than just the ‘touristic’ side of places.

2. Check Travel Restrictions and Safety

Almost all travel guides will have a dedicated section for this. However, since it depends on the country you’re coming from, before finalizing your destination and booking your tickets, it’s crucial to check for any travel advisories, entry requirements, visa information, and health and safety guidelines, especially in light of any ongoing global events affecting travel – remember how Covid changed our travel plans overnight? Also, ensure to check whether any vaccines are needed and confirm that your passport hasn’t expired. Some destinations require that your passport is valid for 3-6 months minimum after your return to your country.

3. Book tickets & Apply for a Visa

Now it’s time to book your tickets to and from the destination, as well as apply for a visa if required. When traveling by air, you can use websites like Skyscanner* to secure the best ticket prices. If there’s a variety of direct flights from your location to the chosen destination, why not consider booking a different airport for your return? This approach will allow you to cover more ground exploring extensively a destination, instead of retracing your steps. You might even consider combining an airport in a neighboring country – arrive in one country, depart from another. Get creative and mix various airports, ports, local transportation, and routes for a maximum destination coverage.

Last but not least, for some destinations this can be a must, and yes, it’s an added expense but it’s always better to be safe than sorry so don’t hesitate to buy that travel insurance.

*Check at the end of this article for a list of fare comparison websites.

Stage B – Secondary Research / start working on the itinerary

Now that you have a general idea of the destination, your travel dates, and a rough outline of the areas or regions you want to explore, it’s time to determine the specific locations to visit, when to visit them, and the number of days you’ll spend in each place. Let’s start creating your itinerary!

4. Watch videos on YouTube and other Video Platforms

Following my dive into travel guides, I kick off a visual exploration by watching relevant videos that offer insights to the destination’s attractions, gastronomy, and local lifestyle. YouTube is a treasure trove of countless videos shared by fellow travelers, vloggers, and influencers. If you follow several Instagram travel accounts, it’s a good time to check out their YouTube channels. For a more immersive experience, consider binge-watching documentaries and travel shows available on platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime. These sources provide in-depth insights, historical context, and cultural facts for your chosen destination.

5. Read Travel Blogs and Websites

Next, I usually go through travel websites and blogs to immerse myself in info, tips, and recommendations from other travelers who have experienced the destination recently. Travel websites like Conde Nast Traveler, NatGeo, The Culture Trip, Lonely Planet, Time Out, BBC Travel and so many others will give you ideas on attractions, restaurants, hotels and tours, while travel bloggers will frequently offer intricate itineraries (i.e. “10 Days in Cuba” or “5 must-try dishes in Vietnam”), share personal anecdotes, and provide valuable travel advice. Over time, you’ll develop an eye for the types and styles of travel websites and bloggers that resonate closer to your own preferences and needs.

6. Get insights from friends & family

Next, it’s a good idea to reach out to friends and family, or colleagues who have been to the destination recently. They can provide you with their personal insights and tips. Remember to approach their suggestions with an open mind, as people’s preferences vary, and everyone has their own unique perspective and experience of a place. I can’t count the number of times I was discouraged from visiting a destination by someone because “it’s dirty” or “the locals are rude”, only to end up truly fascinated by it.

Stage C – Booking the Accommodation

This is a very important stage, as it can make a big difference during your trip. You need to finalize your accommodation choices. Try to book the accommodation as soon as possible—the sooner you book, you’ll secure a better deal. Thus, I would place this stage right after you book the tickets.

7. Check Google Maps and Street View

At this stage I utilize Google Maps and Street View to virtually explore the destination, gaining a sense of its layout and identifying the distances between points of interest, potential accommodation options, and sometimes the airport. This step is also highly useful, helping you get an idea of your accommodation’s exterior (to find the right door when you arrive) and its surroundings.

8. Book the Accommodation

When exploring cities, my aim is to find accommodation relatively close to the city center or near a main bus/train/metro stop. I start by searching and comparing prices on both Booking and Airbnb to secure the best deal. I always verify the location on the map, closely examine the pictures provided by the platform, and, of course, read reviews from fellow travelers for each space. It’s always good to get in touch with the owner and verify the number and type of beds provided and your arrival time.

Except for instances where no alternative options are available other than a hotel or resort – such as in the case of the Dead Sea in Jordan – I usually prefer booking apartments or houses over hotels. They offer more room for you and your fellow travelers, along with cooking facilities if you want to save cash by preparing some meals. Additionally, in most cases, you have the opportunity to interact with the owners and gather recommendations about local restaurants or hidden gems to explore.

Stage D – Booking the Activities & Attractions

Now it’s time to step up your game! This is where the real magic happens – booking all those unforgettable experiences and attractions that will turn your trip into an epic adventure.

9. Book city cards, transport, attractions & activities

Roughly a month before the trip, I start browsing through the local tourism and city portals, museums, galleries, and historical sites. This allows me to book any required entry tickets, transportation cards, as well as city cards and travel passes. Skip the queues and get yourself an online ticket for landmarks and attractions such as the Louvre Museum, Alhambra Palace in Granada and similar hotspots. What’s more, most major cities offer a city card that allows you to enjoy benefits and discounts on its top tourist, cultural and leisure attractions.

Depending on the destination, sometimes it is almost impossible to book activities online or transport is unavailable, so I suggest booking activities/tours with local travel agencies, or tour operators specializing in the destination for tailored advice, itineraries, and tour options.

Now that everything is booked, you can relax a bit and start daydreaming of your upcoming adventure.

Stage E – All booked – Finalize your itinerary

At this stage you’re in the home stretch. With everything sorted, it’s time to put the final touches on your master plan.

10. Dive into Social Media

Approximately 1-2 weeks before the plane takes off, I dive into the destination’s ongoing and upcoming exhibitions and events. This ensures that I won’t miss any fascinating happenings during my stay. At the same time, it’s a great opportunity to secure tickets for activities, like a wine tour, and to make reservations at those chic bars and restaurants I’ve spotted on Instagram. However, before finalizing any reservation, it’s always wise to consult reviews on websites like TripAdvisor or Yelp. Immerse yourself in user reviews and ratings on the places you intend to explore.

Concurrently, be sure to explore social media accounts linked to the destination – if you haven’t already. Follow relevant hashtags, accounts, and pages to stay updated on trendy spots to visit and events that you might have missed in your previous research. Establish connections with local profiles or acquaintances you might have there, allowing you to gather first hand advice and recommendations. This way, you can add some final activities or fill gaps in your itinerary. If luck is on your side, you might even unearth a hidden gem that hasn’t found its way into any travel guides or official websites.

Now it’s also a good time to go back to step 2, and check once again for any new travel restrictions that may have occurred since the last time you checked. Usually your airline will keep you updated on these matters as well .

These 10 steps represent the approach I typically take when planning my trips. I prefer to be thoroughly prepared upon my arrival so that I don’t miss a single moment of enjoyment when at the destination. With that said, the element of surprise often brings about the most memorable and enjoyable moments. Unexpected occurrences are the ones that tend to leave a lasting impact and make the trip truly delightful. Remember, everyone has their own unique way of organizing things, so take what you find most valuable. Wishing you enjoyable travels!

Fare comparison websites that can help you find the best deals on flights, accommodations, and car rentals

Skyscanner (www.skyscanner.com): Skyscanner is a comprehensive travel search engine that compares millions of flights, hotels, and car rental options worldwide.
Google Flights (www.google.com/flights): Google Flights is a powerful flight search tool that allows you to compare prices across various airlines and find the best deals.
Kayak (www.kayak.com): Kayak is a travel search engine that enables you to compare flights, hotels, and rental cars from multiple sources.
Momondo (www.momondo.com): Momondo searches hundreds of travel sites to find the best prices on flights, hotels, and car rentals.
Expedia (www.expedia.com): Expedia is a popular online travel agency that offers comprehensive search options for flights, hotels, car rentals, and vacation packages.
Priceline (www.priceline.com): Priceline allows you to search for flights, hotels, and rental cars while offering the option to bid on travel deals.
Rome2Rio (www.rome2rio.com): Rome2Rio allows you to compare every available means of getting from point A to point B, including train lines, bus routes, and ferry trips, in addition to showing flight prices.
CheapOair (www.cheapoair.com): CheapOair is an online travel agency that offers discounted prices on flights, hotels, car rentals, and vacation packages.
Hopper (www.hopper.com): Hopper uses data to predict flight and hotel prices, helping you find the best time to book for the lowest rates.
Kiwi.com (www.kiwi.com): Kiwi.com specializes in combining different airlines to find the cheapest flight options for your itinerary.