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I remember when I started planning my first trip around the world. I had no idea what I was doing. When I decided to quit my job and travel the world<\/a>, I walked into a bookstore and bought Lonely Planet’s Southeast Asia on Shoestring<\/a><\/em>. Buying that guidebook was my first step toward long-term travel. It made the trip seem more real, more tangible.<\/p>\n While helpful, the book didn’t exactly prepare me for planning a trip around the world. Back then, there weren’t really travel blogs, sharing economy websites, and apps like there are today. I was excited and determined \u2014 but I was lost. I had to figure it out as I went, hoping I didn’t miss anything important.<\/p>\n Trip planning can be a daunting task. Where do you begin? What\u2019s step one? What\u2019s step two? What\u2019s step three? <\/p>\n It\u2019s easy to get overwhelmed, especially when you haven\u2019t done something like this before \u2014 and especially considering just how much information there is out there these days. Blogs, social media, and guidebooks have never been more plentiful. There’s a firehose of information out there that can sometimes make the task of planning a trip even more challenging and overwhelming.<\/p>\n I’ve planned countless trips and vacations for myself, friends, family, and even group tours. In the beginning, it was trial by fire and I learned a lot of lessons the hard way<\/a>. However, that helped me develop an efficient checklist that ensures I don’t miss anything important during the trip planning process. <\/p>\n There is a lot of information on this website (and even more information packed into my book<\/a>), but one question that comes up frequently is, \u201cMatt, how do I put this all together? How do I plan a trip?\u201d<\/p>\n In a continuing effort to help you get out the door and into the world, I\u2019ve created this step-by-step guide on how to plan a trip. It works for any kind of trip \u2014 no matter how long you’re going for! Just follow this checklist and you’ll be off in no time! <\/p>\n\n If you want to jump ahead, simply click on any of the links above. It\u2019s a lot easier to mentally get behind \u201cI am going to Paris in the summer\u201d than \u201cI\u2019m going to Europe\u201d or “I’m going somewhere.” Not only will your trip become more concrete for you and easier to commit to, but it will make planning easier as well…because you know what to work towards. Get specific with your plans. Get detailed. The more focused and concrete your goal, the easier it will be to actually reach it. Resources for picking your travel destination:<\/p>\n How much does it cost to travel? That depends!<\/p>\n Without knowing how long you\u2019re going away for, I can’t answer that question. And it’s a question you need to answer so you can start planning!<\/p>\n In order to figure out how much you need to save you’ll need to know how long your trip will be. Are you going away for a week? A month? A year? <\/p>\n The length of your trip is a huge factor in determining how much money you need. Spend some time mulling that over until you have your answer.<\/p>\n For example, after you say \u201cI\u2019m going to Paris this summer,\u201d add \u201cfor X days.\u201d That way you can start to narrow down just how much money you’re going to need to save. “I am going to Paris for 10 days” is a trip that you can plan and save for. It’s an attainable and concrete goal. So you know where you\u2019re going and how long you\u2019ll be there, but to really nail down how much money you need, your next task is to research the costs in your destination at the style of travel you want. Do you want to backpack, or would you rather stay in luxury hotels? How much are hostels, hotels, restaurants, and attractions? <\/p>\n Knowing will allow you to estimate how much money you’ll need for your trip. Here is how to research costs:<\/p>\n You don’t need to do more than that. There’s so much information on the web that if you go down the rabbit hole of overplanning, you’ll get lost and confused by the firehose of information. Stick to those three things and you’ll be set!<\/p>\n In our example, if you are going to Paris<\/a> for 10 days and need at least $75 USD a day (not including your flight), you know you need to save $750 USD (though round up to $800-900 USD since it\u2019s good to have extra) for your trip. From there, you can start working on how you are going to save money for that trip. People bleed a lot of money every day through small purchases: a coffee here, a snack there. All of that adds up. In order to make changes to your spending habits, you first need to understand them. Making a list will do just that. It will also put your financial needs into a better perspective.<\/p>\n For example, if you need $2,000 USD for the trip you\u2019re taking in eight months, that means you only have to save $8.33 USD per day. Couldn\u2019t you find a way to save $8 USD per day? Heck, your daily coffee is most of that!<\/p>\n After you make your list, cut your spending! Get creative too! Here are ways to cut your expenses and save money for travel<\/a>. That post help you get started and on the road to saving money in no time! These days, most cards have welcome offers of up to 100,000 points when you meet their minimum spending requirement. That\u2019s enough miles for a free flight almost anywhere in the world!<\/p>\n If you want a free flight, sign up for the cards that help with that. If you want free hotel rooms, get a hotel card. Either way, sign up for a travel credit card and start earning points today. As long as you can pay off your monthly balance, you’ll get free travel credit.<\/p>\n You don\u2019t need to sign up for very many cards either; pick one or two and focus on those. Do this the moment you decide you want to travel. Don\u2019t wait \u2014\u00a0waiting equals lost miles, which means less free travel.<\/p>\n Collecting points and miles is what all the experts do to cut their costs and travel longer. It’s what has kept my costs down and me on the road for so many years. While the best cards are only available in the US, there are still plenty of options for Canadians as well as folks from Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.<\/p>\n For more information on travel credit cards and using points and miles, check out these posts:<\/p>\n Once you’re abroad, you’re going to need money. While many countries accept credit cards, in the majority of countries cash is still king. That means you’ll need to use ATMs to withdraw the local currency. <\/p>\n And that also means you’re going to get dinged by ATM fees.<\/p>\n If you’re just away for a week or two, paying a few dollars in ATM fees isn’t the end of the world. But if you’re away for a longer period, those fees add up and chew into your travel budget \u2014 a budget you’ve worked hard to grow. Don\u2019t give banks any of your hard-earned money. <\/p>\n I use Charles Schwab<\/a>, but there are lots of other banks (don\u2019t forget to check your local banks) that don\u2019t charge ATM fees. Additionally, you can join a bank in the Global ATM Alliance<\/a>.<\/p>\n By using a no-fee ATM card you can avoid those pesky ATM fees, leaving you more money for what it was intended for: travel.<\/p>\n Here’s exactly how you can avoid ATM fees while traveling<\/a>. While you get closer to your goal, make sure that you keep feeding your desire to travel. Travel planning can be exhausting and overwhelming \u2014 especially if you don’t have support from your friends and family<\/a> (and especially if your trip is still months away). It can often get discouraging and feel out of reach at times.<\/p>\n Luckily, there are tons of ways to stay focused and keep your spirits high thanks to the amazing community we have on this website. Here are some inspiring travel stories to help keep you inspired to travel:<\/p>\n Okay, you\u2019re inspired, prepared, and on your way to saving money for your trip. But before you go buy that flight or book that hotel, check for deals you might have missed. You may dream of Paris but maybe there are great deals to Berlin right now. Or maybe you can get a seven-day cruise for 70% off, a package deal to Hawaii for the price of your flight to Paris, or 50% off sailing trips around Greece.<\/p>\n These days, there is always a deal to be found \u2014 especially if you’re flexible with your dates and\/or destinations. Some deal websites worth checking out are:<\/p>\n For the best deals, book your flight about two-three months in advance. This really detailed article on how to find cheap flights<\/a> will tell you everything you need to know about saving money on airfare. For trips longer than two weeks (or if you are going to be traveling long-term) just book your first few days. That will ensure you have a place to go on arrival. Once there, you can get insider advice from your hotel\/hostel staff as well as other travelers. You can then use that info to plan your next steps. <\/p>\n While you can book more than your first few nights, you might end up wanting to change your plans once you land. I prefer having flexibility, which is why I always just book my first few nights and go from there. Here are my two go-to sites when it comes to finding the best deals on accommodation:<\/p>\n If you’re on a tight budget or you want to connect with more locals during your travels, consider joining platforms like Couchsurfing<\/a> or BeWelcome<\/a>. These communities allow travelers to stay with locals for free as a sort of cultural exchange. <\/p>\n Long-term travelers can also try housesitting<\/a> or WWOOFing<\/a> as well as they both offer free accommodation (in exchange for pet sitting or farm work respectively). Additionally, before you leave home, have a rough idea of what activities are priorities for you. That way, if you run out of time or money, you can focus on your top activities so you don’t miss out. Also, make sure to double-check that there are no holidays or other obstacles that will prevent you from certain activities as well.<\/p>\n If you need inspiration, here’s a huge list, broken down by destination, of all my favorite walking and food tour companies around the world<\/a>. If you are going on a long-term trip (six months or more), consider selling your stuff in order to earn extra money for your trip. Start doing this about 60 days before you leave. Some sites to use are:<\/p>\n If you aren\u2019t going to be gone that long, skip this step. If you are going away long-term but want to keep your stuff, move it to a friend\u2019s house or keep it in storage. A good storage company in the US is Public Storage<\/a>. It’s one of the most affordable options out there. Get rid of your mail, go paperless, and set up online bill payment for your recurring bills to ensure you won\u2019t miss any while overseas. If you are still going to get paper mail, use a service that will collect and scan your mail for you. (If you are going on a two-week trip, you don\u2019t really need to worry about this, so you can skip this step, too.) If you have the option (and don’t want to pay for a mail service), you can also have all your mail sent to a friend or family member. <\/p>\n Additionally, you’ll want to make sure you cancel any phone plans you have or switch your plan to one that is more travel-friendly. T-Mobile<\/a> is great for travelers going on trips under 3 months. For any trips longer than that, you’ll want to cancel your plan and just buy SIM cards abroad as that will be much cheaper. I travel with a this bag<\/a> and then a smaller day bag. <\/p>\n Unless you’re heading to multiple climates and need bulky winter gear, you don’t need a massive 70L bag stuffed to the top. Here\u2019s my suggested packing list<\/a> to help you take just the right amount of stuff and avoid overpacking (here’s a list for female travelers as well<\/a>).<\/p>\n While what you pack will depend on where you are going, remember that you don’t need to pack everything you own. You can buy things you need on the road. You can do laundry overseas. At the end of the day, you have to carry everything you bring. So bring less!<\/p>\n There are a few extra items you might want to pack beyond your everyday clothes, though. Some things I like to bring with me are:<\/p>\n Additionally, make sure you bring any prescriptions with you so you have enough for the duration of your trip. If that’s not feasible, bring a doctor’s note and prescription with you so you can fill it abroad. While a lot of people think, \u201cI\u2019m healthy, I don\u2019t need travel insurance<\/a>. I won\u2019t get sick,\u201d travel insurance is much more than just medical protection. It covers you when your camera breaks, your flight is canceled, a family member dies and you have to come home, or if something gets stolen.<\/p>\n Yes, it’s an added expense. But it’s always better to be safe than sorry. I never leave home without it because I’ve seen first-hand just what can happen on the road. <\/p>\n I never thought I would pop my eardrum while I was scuba diving in Thailand<\/a> or break my camera in Italy<\/a>. I didn’t know I would get knifed in Colombia<\/a>.<\/p>\n My friend never thought he would break his leg hiking.<\/p>\n Another friend didn’t expect her father would die and she would have to fly back home.<\/p>\n Unfortunately, bad things can happen when you’re traveling. True, these events are few and far between. But they can cost tens of thousands of dollars to handle on your own. If you’re not prepared to pay out of pocket, buy travel insurance.<\/p>\n To help you figure out the best plan for you and your trip, here’s my ultimate guide to picking a good insurance company<\/a>. It will show you how to pick a good plan that covers you for when you get sick, your flights get canceled, if you get injured, something gets stolen, or your trip is delayed.<\/p>\n Here are my recommended travel insurance companies:<\/p>\n Additionally, make sure you know your rights as an airline passenger. For example, delayed flights to\/from Europe often mean you’re entitled to compensation (beyond anything insurance-related). (Learn how to ensure you are compensated if your travels are delayed or your flight is canceled<\/a>.) If you’re feeling nervous, don’t worry \u2014 that’s perfectly normal. You’re about to embark on an amazing adventure \u2014 and that’s a huge change. Feeling anxious or nervous or unsure is something every traveler experiences. But you’ve made it this far. Trust your planning, follow your instincts, and you’ll have the trip of a lifetime. I guarantee it.<\/p>\n By using this post as a guideline for your trip planning, you can better organize and prepare for your trip. You\u2019ll check all the boxes, not miss anything, and have plenty of money for your vacation. It can be as simple as booking a flight and packing or as complex as rearranging your entire life to go backpack the world forever.<\/p>\n But, no matter how long your trip may be, this list will help you stay organized and motivated as you plan your trip and step out into the world.<\/p>\n P.S.<\/strong>\u00a0– Yes, I left out visas and vaccinations, because needing those isn’t as universal as the other stuff on this list, but don’t forget to check if you need those, too!<\/em> My New York Times<\/em> best-selling book to travel will teach you how to master the art of travel so that you\u2019ll get off save money, always find deals, and have a deeper travel experience. It\u2019s your A to Z planning guide that the BBC called the \u201cbible for budget travelers.\u201d<\/p>\n Click here to learn more and start reading it today!<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n Book Your Flight<\/strong> Book Your Accommodation<\/strong> Don’t Forget Travel Insurance<\/strong> Want to Travel for Free?<\/strong> Need a Rental Car?<\/strong> Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip?<\/strong>
\n <\/p>\nStep 1: Decide Where You Want To Go<\/a><\/h3>\n
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\nDefining where you want to go sets a goal to work toward. A lot of people talk vaguely about travel. They never say where they are going, just that they are<\/em> going. Picking a destination is immensely important as it gives you a definite goal. <\/p>\n\n
Step 2: Decide the Length of Your Trip<\/a><\/h3>\n
\n <\/p>\nStep 3: Research Your Costs<\/a><\/h3>\n
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\n <\/p>\nStep 4: Start Saving Money<\/a><\/h3>\n
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\nBefore you can start saving money, you need to know how much you have and how much you’re spending. Start to write down all your current expenses so you can determine where you are spending money \u2014 and how you can cut back. <\/p>\n
\n <\/p>\nStep 5: Get a Travels Rewards Credit Card<\/a><\/h3>\n
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\nWhile you\u2019re working to save money, get a travel credit card<\/a> so you can earn sign-up bonuses to redeem miles and points for free flights and hotel stays. Collecting points and miles from travel credit cards is how I get tons of free flights, free hotel stays, and free travel perks every single year \u2014 and without any extra spending too!<\/p>\n\n
Step 6: Switch to No-Fee ATM Cards<\/a><\/h3>\n
\n <\/p>\nStep 7: Stay Focused and Inspired<\/a><\/h3>\n
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Step 8: Check for Last-Minute Deals<\/a><\/h3>\n
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Step 9: Book Your Flight<\/a><\/h3>\n
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\nAfter you\u2019ve used your travel credit card and received your sign-up bonus, use your miles to book your flight. It is harder to use miles these days due to less availability, so make sure to book early to ensure you get your desired flight. Fortunately, there are still many ways to avoid being the person on the flight who paid the most for their ticket. My two favorite sites for finding cheap airfare are:<\/p>\n\n
\n <\/p>\nStep 10: Book Your Accommodation<\/a><\/h3>\n
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\nIf you’re traveling for under two weeks and have a set schedule, feel free to book accommodation for the duration of your trip if it will give you peace of mind (or if you’re visiting during the high season).<\/p>\n\n
\n <\/p>\nStep 11: Plan Your Activities<\/a><\/h3>\n
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\nTo make sure you have budgeted properly, outline the major activities you want to enjoy during your trip and how much they cost. Make any last-minute adjustments to your savings so you can ensure you have enough money. This will also help you figure out if you need any reservations for your chosen tours or activities. For shorter trips, you can also book your activities in advance to ensure you get tickets. For longer trips, book as you go.<\/p>\n
\n <\/p>\nStep 12: Sell Your Stuff<\/a><\/h3>\n
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\n <\/p>\nStep 13: Automate Your Bills<\/a><\/h3>\n
\n <\/p>\nStep 14: Pack!<\/a><\/h3>\n
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\nTime to pack for your trip! It can be tempting to want to bring everything with you “just in case” but when it comes to travel, less is more. You don’t need 5 sweaters or 8 pairs of shoes. You can get by with less, I promise. it’s actually quite liberating once you get used to it!<\/p>\n\n
\n <\/p>\nStep 15: Buy Travel Insurance<\/a><\/h3>\n
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\n <\/p>\nStep 16: Enjoy Your Trip<\/a><\/h3>\n
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\nAnd now, everything comes together. It’s time to go on your trip and have fun! Head to the airport, board your plane (don\u2019t forget your passport!), and enjoy the fruits of your labor. You’ve earned this!<\/p>\n
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\nHow to Travel the World on $75 a Day<\/span><\/h3>
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<\/div>\nBook Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks<\/h4>\n
\nFind a cheap flight by using Skyscanner<\/a>. It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned. <\/p>\n
\nYou can book your hostel with Hostelworld<\/a>. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com<\/a> as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels. <\/p>\n
\nTravel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:<\/p>\n\n
\nTravel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation \u2014 all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites<\/a> to get started and see the latest best deals.<\/p>\n
\nDiscover Cars<\/a> is a budget-friendly international car rental website. No matter where you’re headed, they’ll be able to find the best \u2014 and cheapest \u2014 rental for your trip!<\/p>\n
\nGet Your Guide<\/a> is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more. <\/p>\n