How to plan a trip… Step One

While talking to an old friend of mine about a trip I’m planning for the fall she told me that I should post about how to plan a trip and not only about my adventures while on it because many people may have no idea how to even get started. So, here goes…

Step one… The Dream

Every trip needs a starting point and that is the idea or dream destination. I’m a firm believer that any trip is possible. It just takes time and money. You may need to save up for one or both parts but until you know where you want to go you have no idea how much you need of either. I like to have 3 going at once. I have the trip I’m booking/going on, the one I’m planning and the one I’m dreaming up. Most travelers I know work in a 3 year cycle with one epic trip a year. So the trip you are dreaming up now you will ideally be going on 3 years from now.

So how do you get these ideas? Inspiration can come from anywhere! Books, movies, TV, Facebook, Instagram, magazines… I’m a big lover of pocket size notebooks. Get one and when you see something inspiring write it down in your travel bucket list. I have mine divided into sections with one section for day/weekend trips (places fairly close to home), long weekend/week long trips (farther away, more time and money spent to go there) and 1 week or more (because of the travel distance or time/money needed to get/stay there).

If you are new to travel start small. Plan a few day/weekend trips. Work out the kinks. Find out what you like and don’t like. Travel alone and with other people. See who you travel well with and who you don’t. Don’t be afraid to go somewhere alone. Traveling alone terrifies most people but people I know who have done it (including myself) love it! Short trips or places I have been to before, I’m fine with traveling with friends and family. If it is an epic journey and my first time somewhere I’m probably going to want to go alone or with someone I know I travel very well with. But more on that later…

Find your inspiration! Start dreaming and get your travel bucket list started!

Author: WorkingMomTravelDreams

I'm married, work full time and have 2 small boys. My oldest is special needs with multiple health issues and Classic non verbal Autism. My youngest is a total mamma’s boy. I'm just a mom who is trying to find herself while keeping up with the pressures of working full time while raising a family. View all posts by WorkingMomTravelDreams