The Ultimate Travel Planning Checklist
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Planning a trip can sometimes be overwhelming, especially if you are planning an 8-month backpacking trip or any sort of long-term travel. Then for trips shorter in length planning can be crucial to be sure you make the most of your time. Whether you are going away for a long weekend or a full year, these are the ultimate travel planning tips you need to know.
Planning Stage
Establish a budget and timeframe
The first step is to be honest with yourself about how much money you can put towards the trip and also how much time you have. When thinking about a budget factor in transportation, accommodation, visas, insurance, activities, food and drink.
Find your destination and research
You may likely have your destination/s in mind already, but if not with your timeframe and budget it will be easier to pick one suited to you. You'll need to research the practical side of things e.g. visas and entry requirements, how to get there, the best time to visit etc. Then it's the fun part where you can search all the sights to see or activities to be done. I tend to use Pinterest, Instagram, travel blogs, YouTube and TikTok for most of my research on a destination. Taking other people's advice with a pinch of salt, someone's opinion is always going to match up with your own style.
Book transportation and accommodation
Time to arrange the logistics of how to get to your destination/s, I would always suggest booking flights or trains as far in advance as possible. Particularly trains in Europe, you will save money by booking these early. If you are planning a trip to multiple destinations I would book my transport from one place to the other if I was on a strict schedule or short time frame. The same goes for accommodation if my trip is short term I will search for suitable accommodations and book them before I leave home. But for longer-term trips, I tend to sort out my first week or so and leave the rest to give me more flexibility.
Preparing Stage
Get travel insurance
Never go away on a trip without travel insurance, just don't do it. Be sure to organise this before heading away. Using sites like Compare the Market and Money Super Market can let you compare your options. Personally, I have used Tesco Bank for past travel insurance and had positive experiences when claiming, however, always check the details of providers to make sure it suits your needs.
Extra Travel Insurance Tips
Always disclose any medical conditions no matter how small they are to you, it gives insurance companies a reason to not pay out if you haven't disclosed this.
If you are doing activities such as scuba diving, riding motorbikes, skiing/snowboarding or any high-risk activities you should check to see if you will be covered in the unfortunate event of an accident.
It proved challenging to get a policy when I was already out of my home country, I had taken out a 6-month policy but ended up being away for longer. A lot of companies wouldn't even quote me, so just something to keep in mind if you going away long-term. If you are in this situation look at World Nomads they offer cover for this.
If you are taking regular short-term trips it would make financial sense to invest in an annual travel insurance policy.
Get any required travel vaccinations
Book an appointment with your doctor and let them know where you are headed too. They can advise on the travel vaccinations that are needed and talk you through the ones that are recommended too. Be sure you do this at least 2/3 months before the beginning of your trip as some vaccinations require a few doses spread apart. Some countries will require you to have certain vaccines e.g. Brazil and Yellow Fever. Always check your government website for the most up-to-date information on entry requirements.
Cancel any memberships or subscriptions
This is more aimed at those taking longer-term travel trips. Think gym memberships, food subscriptions, beauty boxes anything that will no longer be of service to you once you are out of the country. For those leaving rented accommodation be sure to cancel standing orders/direct debits for rent, council tax, TV licence or any utility bills.
For long-term trips only - sell items
Just for those going away long term. If you are lucky enough to be quitting your job and packing up for a one-way ticket, it makes sense to make a little extra cash from things that would otherwise be sitting around not used and saves the issue of finding storage. Sell old and unwanted clothes on vinted, put furniture up for sale and sell your car. If you are conscious of having nothing once you get back you can always leave the funds from selling your things as a start-up fund on your return or an emergency fund for the big trip.
Final Stage
Learn simple phrases in the local language
If you are travelling to a destination that speaks a language you don't, be sure to learn some basic phrases before you go e.g. Hello, thank you, please, good morning. I think it goes a long way when interacting with locals, as well as it never hurts to learn something new.
Pack your luggage
Is it weird to admit I love to pack? I know many people don't, so my one tip to you is to start early, get out your backpack or suitcase a week before you leave and slowly add to the pile. This way you get excited for your trip and you are not in that last-minute rush where you will forget things.
Hattie's Rules for Packing
Less is more especially if you are packing for a long-term trip.
Get yourself a worldwide plug adapter and always pack it, that way you never get caught out with the wrong charger.
If you are travelling with hand luggage only wear your biggest items and have a bum bag under a jumper for things like a passport, phone etc.
If it is a short trip, plan your outfits and try to take items that work in multiple outfits.
Get currency and notify your bank
It always helps to have some local currency before you arrive at your destination, but if you travelling long-term you won't want to carry a load of different currencies. To solve that issue be sure to open a bank with the likes of Monzo, Chase or Starling Bank as they all offer fee-free international transactions as well as fee-free cash withdrawals to a certain monthly limit. Finally, be sure to tell said bank where and when you are going abroad to avoid them blocking your card because of unusual activity.
Download offline maps
I swear by offline maps when I am travelling and so should you. You can download the destination you are visiting and use it anytime no need for a phone signal or data, meaning you can never get too lost. Also, it is useful for picking up walking trails if you don’t want to get lost during your next hike. Download Maps.me before your next trip, trust me it's a lifesaver.
That wraps up my travel planning checklist, but if you have any top tips for travel planning share them in the comments below.
