People seek different things when they travel, depending mostly on personality and the current situation that they are in. Some travel because they want to learn more about the culture and history of places they have not been to, others may want to go on an impromptu trip just to unwind from the pressures of work or school.

Whatever reasons they may be, it is important to be sufficiently prepared for your trips because no one wants to be stuck in a foreign land with no accommodation for the night or waste precious time researching on places to go only when you are there.

Therefore, it is important to find the right balance between a strict itinerary and going directly without a plan. No clue on how you should do that? Our guide on how to create the perfect travel itinerary will help you get started.

#1 RESEARCH FOR INSPIRATION FIRST

No two travelers want the exact same experience so it is important to do some research on what you would find interesting at your travel destination. Are you someone who is into arts, culture and tradition? Or perhaps you prefer the exhilarating city life and happening night scenes?

Asking yourself these simple questions will give you a clearer direction of what you want. Social media platforms are the best when you are looking for up-to-date events and activities. If you need more information for touristy places, the country’s official tourism website and printed guide books are usually more detailed. 

#2 ORGANISE YOUR TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

Important documents such as travel tickets, passport, accommodation bookings and restaurant reservations should be placed neatly together and stored in your bag.

It helps to keep them organised as you wouldn’t want to end up digging frantically for them when you are there.

#3 GATHER ALL NECESSARY INFORMATION

Even for those who enjoy going with the flow when it comes to traveling, it is still crucial to have the necessary information such as your flight numbers, maps and exchange rates of the countries you will be going to.

Something else to know beforehand are the cultural etiquettes of the country you are visiting. Dress modestly at places that hold deep religious beliefs, learn a few basic words in their local language and find out if tipping is expected in certain countries.

#4 KNOW YOUR BUDGET RESTRICTIONS

Unfortunately, not all of us own a limitless credit card so we have to be aware of our expenditure. Figure out a rough estimation for places that are on your must-visit list and set aside a sum of money for it. You should also know your priorities—are you more willing to spend on accommodation, food or activities?

Those who are on a tight budget can check out on discounts that are usually given to students or on certain periods of the year.

#5 LEAVE OPPORTUNITIES FOR SPONTANEOUS PLANS

Frequent travelers will know that the perfect itinerary is not one which is filled with places you MUST see but rather, to have a few ideas on places that interest them and be open to opportunities that open up there. You may just stumble into a few hidden gems along the way!

#6 BE REALISTIC

Expect to bump into some challenges along the way because life ain’t perfect like that. There will be unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather conditions that will prevent you from commuting or the restaurant forgot to book your reservation.

Remember, having the expectation that things will definitely go your way will only lead to disappointment and frustration.

So many places to visit, so little time. Ugh, we feel you. First world problems, right? The world’s your pearly little oyster and you feel your wanderlust starting to tickle, but you have absolutely no idea where to next.

Should you fly halfway across the globe to immerse yourself in the bright lights of glittering cities? Or put on your adventure cap for a nearby journey to see some of nature’s finest?

You could just make a list of your top few destinations and then narrow them down from there… But what should you take into consideration? Which elements carry more weight than others? We’ve got tips at hand for you to zero in from endless possibilities to the one.

#1 IT DEPENDS ON WHO YOU ARE TRAVELLING WITH

Firstly, ask yourself: who are you travelling with? Your companions can and will make things more complicated – someone might love winter activities, while the other hates piling on the layers; one person might abhor anything more strenuous than walking (or shopping), while the other is the epitome of an adrenaline junkie.

The more people you travel with, the tougher it is to make a decision, so pick and choose your travel buddies wisely. You’ll want to explore the globe with someone who has similar interests and habits, so you can agree on a destination without conflict.

#2 DO YOU GO BACK TO YOUR FAVOURITE CITY OR DO YOU WANT TO CHECK OUT A NEW AREA?

Are you the type who likes scouting out new areas or do you prefer to acquaint yourself intimately with your favourite destination? Bali may be your second home, but why not broaden your options and try someplace further away and perhaps more exotic?

Cheesy as it sounds, follow where you heart wants to tread – if you’re a culture vulture, seek out areas that are chock full of museums, galleries and fascinating architecture; if you’re more of the laze-on-the-beach-and-do-naught type, find yourself the most pristine stretch of sand with crystal clear waters and settle on that.

#3 SIT DOWN AND FIGURE OUT HOW MUCH YOU CAN AND WANT TO SPEND

Budget woes will always have a say in your holiday choices, unless you’re one of those billionaires with five private jets. So before you start getting excited, sit down and figure out how much you can and want to spend.

If you want to fulfil your globetrotting dreams without breaking the bank, read on for the top 20 tips on how to travel on a budget.

Factor in everything – from transportation and accommodation to meals, shopping and activities – and if the price is way over budget (because it usually is), try to slash expenses by choosing cheaper places to stay or flying at non-peak periods.

#4 HOW MANY DAYS ARE YOU PLANNING TO GO?

How much time you’re allotting yourself for the vacation can also play a part in the decision. If it’s only a 4-day long weekend trip, don’t waste half of it on the plane. There’s nothing worse than arriving home after a holiday even more exhausted than you were when you left.

#5 CHECK AND SEE IF YOU’VE GOT ANY FRIENDS LIVING OVERSEAS

Flick through your list of Facebook friends (or your email contacts) to see if you’ve got any long-lost pals living overseas. What better way to get to know a country than with a guided tour by someone in the know? Plus there’s the added bonus of reconnecting with old friends and perhaps even free room and board.

#6 DO YOUR RESEARCH BEFOREHAND

Make sure you’re well informed about the weather situation before you book those tickets. You don’t want to be stuck in the room at Boracay during monsoon season, watching the rain wash away all your beach-y dreams; neither do you want to be in Disneyland during the school holiday period, swarmed by shrieking, unruly kids.

However, the best weather usually means peak period and high prices – so if you don’t mind taking the risk of the odd bad weather day, try visiting at other times.

A trip to Europe is always an exciting one to look forward to. Make your trip a fruitful one with these 10 things to note before travelling to Europe.

#7 LOOK OUT FOR EVENTS AND FESTIVALS

Some people plan their trips based on when their fav festival rolls into town, so check the calendar of that particular place you’ve been eyeing to see if there’s anything interesting or big happening in the year. And depending on your disdain or love for crowds, decide when is the best time for you to visit.

#8 THINK ABOUT WHAT EXPERIENCES YOU’D LOVE TO HAVE

If you’re on the quest to learn something new every time you get on a plane, think about what experiences you’d most love to have, then locate the countries best known for them. Maybe you’d like to try your hand at surfing? You could probably do that in Australia or California. Or perhaps you always wanted to speak French. Well then, that narrows things down for you.

About the writer:
Alicia Lee is a dessert junkie with a serious (and probably incurable) case of wanderlust. Never one to pass up on retail therapy, she loves a great bargain and can usually be spotted on weekends browsing through quirky shops or chillaxing at a quiet cafe.