An amazing holiday is something that we all aspire to. Each individual has their own idea as to what makes up their dream holiday which is why it is important to take extra care in the research and planning stages. Here I will discuss research, draft itinerary, costings, and adjustments to the plan to assist you with being able to plan your dream holiday.
Step 1: Choose your Destination
It all starts with a dream or interest. The first step is to choose somewhere you think you might like to go. Then you can go to the library to borrow some travel books about that destination and, of course, you can research the internet as well. I often do all the reading with pen and notebook in hand to make notes of what interests me along the way. If there are the same sights or experiences in multiple locations (for example there might be a cable car in 4 different towns in the same country) I write them down for each location as at this early stage. I do not know which locations will end up in the final itinerary. Keep your options open and dream big!
Step 2: Draft Itinerary
Once I have researched the destination (which may range from just one town, up to multiple countries) I map out a draft itinerary. This contains a lot of what I have noted down, in the order that makes sense for travel. This is still in the dream stage of the planning process so don’t be too tied down by time or cost. That comes next! The main purpose of this draft itinerary is to determine what order to travel makes sense geographically and how much time you desire in each city/town.
Step 3: Estimate Costs
The next step is to take that draft itinerary and create an estimate of costs. This includes transport costs (such as airfares, train fares or petrol), accommodation costs (I usually budget for a set amount each night), tours or experiences (you can google tours to get an estimate), entry fees (such as for museums), and food (again, I usually budget for a set amount each day). The more detailed your costings, the more accurate your estimate will be.
Step 4: Constraints
Now for the reality check! What can you afford for this holiday and what are any time constraints? Often what you can afford is less than your estimate. In this case you need to start prioritizing which locations and experiences are most important to you, and you also need to consider the effect of taking out different sections of the itinerary rather than just the most expensive parts.
You may also consider taking out a chunk of the itinerary with the intention of making it a part of a separate holiday for another time. Another consideration is that if you think you can’t do the trip justice at the lower cost or shorter time period then maybe you want to put aside the initial idea for some future time and choose a different destination all together. In this case go back to Step 1 and repeat the process for the alternative destination.
Step 5: Decision Time
Now for the final decision – to book or not to book, that is the question!
Of course, great planning isn’t enough to make a holiday happen! We are all constrained by time, finances and personal circumstances. Even if the holiday doesn’t eventuate it is fun to dream about where to go and for me personally it can help buoy me over the more mundane times. Happy dreaming and happy travels.
About the Author
Sally is a home organisation and budgeting expert with a passion for helping families take the stress out of everyday tasks by creating simple, efficient and cost-effective processes. Her strategies can result in more time and energy being available to spend time doing what you love. Sally is a quiet budgeting queen, home organisation specialist, wife, mother, animal-loving mathematician and so much more.
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