Complete guide to planning a trip from scratch

If you want to avoid setbacks and enjoy the destination you have chosen to the fullest, planning your trip and taking into account some essential details is essential.

Discovering a new destination is one of the most fun and exciting activities you can imagine. However, it involves one of the most dreaded steps for many travelers: organizing every single detail. After all, planning a trip requires patience and a little research.

To make things easier for you, today we will explain step by step how to plan a trip and what aspects you should take into account. This way, you will be able to enjoy your adventure without any setbacks.

1. Research the destination, the first step to planning a trip

Although it may seem obvious, getting information about your destination is a crucial step when planning a new adventure. This includes things like climate, culture, safety, visa requirements (if needed), and more. In fact, these details can vary completely from one destination to another and affect your budget. So, before you buy your ticket or book your accommodation, do your research .

What's more, doing this research on the destination will help you make the most of what the city or country has to offer, such as its hidden corners, its monuments or the typical dishes of the region. Hiring a guided tour like this walking tour of Istanbul to discover the secrets of the place can be a good idea.

2. Set a budget

Budgeting is one aspect you should plan ahead of time. Calculating basic expenses —such as accommodation, transportation, food, and flights—will be essential to see if you can include more elaborate activities in your trip or opt for more affordable plans. Establishing a clear and realistic budget will help you avoid unpleasant surprises and ensure that your finances are under control throughout the trip.

3. Search for the flight or train ticket

Once you've chosen a place and date, the next step in planning a trip is to find transport. While the car is a valid and entertaining option, the plane and the train can considerably reduce the journey time. And if you can choose between them, always opt for the train, it's the most sustainable means of transport!

If you can only get to your destination by air, one of the most popular sites for finding affordable flights is Skyscanner , where you can see the lowest price for each flight depending on the day of the week. Also, if you are not sure where or when to travel, you can choose the “anywhere” or “flexible dates” option. The search engine will show you a list of destinations you can travel to, sorted by price. All you have to do is choose a departure airport.

The train is one of the means of transport that produces the least pollution and requires the least space to operate.

4. Prepare the documentation for traveling

If you are travelling to a foreign country, it is a good idea to check that the necessary documentation is in order before you leave , especially during the trip. This includes your passport, boarding pass, international driving licence and any other documents that may be required by the authorities in the region.

If you are planning a trip to Europe, your ID card and European Health Insurance Card will probably be more than enough. However, if your destination is outside the EU, you will need at least a passport and, in other cases, a visa.

5. Book accommodation and plan meals

One of the most important aspects of planning a trip, no matter what type of trip it is, is accommodation. A well-located hotel can reduce the need to resort to transportation and therefore save time and money. In addition, hotels often provide amenities that other types of accommodation do not offer, which can make all the difference during a trip.

On the other hand, we recommend that you take into account an equally essential and forgotten detail: food! If you don't take food into account when planning your trips , you could not only overlook some of the most typical and delicious dishes of the region, but you could also find yourself forced to eat in a hurry and eat unhealthily. This point is especially important if you are on a special diet. So do a quick search for restaurants and supermarkets in the area where you are staying and pack some snacks and bottled water in your backpack.

Room at the Barceló Playa Blanca Royal Level hotel in Lanzarote

6. Choose transportation at your destination

Once you have arrived at your destination, you have several options: explore the place on foot, use public transport or rent a car. This will depend not only on your preferences, but also on the infrastructure of the destination, as there are cities and countries with an excellent public transport network.

However, check whether it is possible to book transport in advance . Companies often offer discounts and cheaper rates for early bookings, so you can cut costs and, above all, avoid last-minute problems.

7. Plan your visits

Planning your travel itinerary and choosing the places you're going to visit is one of the most fun steps in the whole process. To make sure you don't miss anything, find out what interesting places there are in your destination and what tips other travellers who have been to the region before you offer. From this information, you can draw up a draft with all the places you want to visit and classify them by priority . For example, on Pin and Travel you can find some ideas for travelling during the May bank holiday or where to go on holiday with children .

Another option is to take a tour or scheduled excursion to get a first contact with your destination, learn more about some places of tourist interest and reach corners that would otherwise be more complicated.

Traveler visiting a temple in Thailand

8. Take out travel insurance

When travelling, it is always advisable to plan everything related to your health. To avoid a bad experience, prepare a small travel kit with basic medicines - such as anti-inflammatories and painkillers -, plasters, a thermometer and sunscreen, among others. In fact, if you suffer from a specific illness and need regular treatment, it is advisable to visit your GP to make sure you will not be missing medication.

If you are also planning to visit a tropical destination or a risk area, it is advisable to check the recommendations of the Ministry of Health, where you can find the optional and mandatory vaccines that you will need. In any case, we suggest you take out travel insurance that provides coverage in case of a medical emergency, flight cancellation, extension of stay due to illness, loss of luggage or other unforeseen events.

9. Prepare cards and cash

If you plan to travel abroad and visit a non-European country, you should bear in mind that commissions can be very high when paying in shops or withdrawing money from ATMs. In this case, the ideal thing is to purchase a travel card with no commissions and that offers free withdrawals.

It is also a good idea to carry some cash with you to get you out of any tight spot, such as losing your cards. To exchange currency, you can go to your bank or visit a currency exchange office in the destination country. However, avoid airports, as the commission can be excessive!

When planning a trip, most travelers choose to carry a certain amount of cash for daily needs.

10. And… pack your suitcase!

Once you have all the details ready, it's time to pack your suitcase or prepare your backpack. In this regard, there are two factors you need to take into account: the measurements and weight of the luggage established by the airline, as well as the climate of the country or city you plan to visit. After all, traveling with winter clothes, which are often bulkier, will not be the same as traveling with light T-shirts and sandals for the summer.

In addition to clothing, remember to pack toiletries, a wallet, a mobile phone charger, a small first aid kit and your passport. Also, to avoid any problems, we recommend that you print out and have your boarding passes, reservations and insurance policy on hand.

Check the weather at your destination during the days you travel to avoid making mistakes when choosing clothes.

There is nothing more exciting, fun and satisfying than traveling. However, planning a trip is a preliminary step that must be taken into account in order to enjoy the destination to the fullest. So the next time you prepare to embark on an adventure, remember to take the time to prepare!