How to Plan a Trip: 7 Easy Tips for Your Next Adventure - Guide to Effectively Planning Your Upcoming Holiday Excursion Overseas

While the planning stage might be the most frustrating and daunting stage of enjoying a seamless holiday, it is a necessary step that requires research and attention to detail. Regardless of the location of your next vacation, organising a memorable trip involves more than simply making hotel and flight reservations. From finding the perfect activities to bide the time to signing up for some real downtime, here's a 7-step formula anyone can use to plan the getaway of your dreams.

Settle on a Budget 

Although it may seem unusual to decide on a budget before selecting a destination, it is important to keep in mind that we all have finite resources as holidaymakers. Knowing how much you can safely spend on your yearly or twice-yearly getaway frees one up to explore destinations, activities and luxuries that may have been considered beyond reach while it can also help manage one's expenses overall. It is crucial to make allowances for emergencies, illnesses and other extras during this calculation stage and not arrive at a number that only reflects the cost of flights, accommodation and activities. 

Image via Anantara Chiang Mai Resort 

Select a Destination

Depending on your trip's budget, the next step is narrowing down your destination. When it comes to deciding where to go, it is crucial to keep your holiday priorities and goals in mind. Some visitors may want rest and relaxation to be the focus of their getaway while others may desire recreational pursuits, outbound adventures or thrilling new experiences in exotic lands. Culture buffs might want their holiday to be filled with visits to ruins and museums while foodies may want to centre their vacation on the culinary heritage of certain parts of the world.

Decide on the Time and Duration 

The next order of business is deciding when to travel and for how long. Although the budget plays a role in how many days you can spend at a destination, it is also important to consider the types of activities, sightseeing opportunities and adventures that can be packed into a number of days or weeks. The timing of the trip, on the other hand, must coincide with the dry season or sunnier months of the year in most destinations as inclement weather can put a damper on how much time can be spent outdoors. 

Do Your Homework

After the initial aspects of the trip have been decided, then it is time to dive headlong into research mode. Using online and offline travelogues, vacationers can get a better understanding of what each destination has to offer and what specific elements are of interest.  

Create a Daily Itinerary 

Based on your findings, it is then time to allocate the hours and days of the trip accordingly. Planning out each day of your holiday may seem tedious and unnecessary but it is essential if you wish to make the most of your time. Even if you do not follow this itinerary to the letter, it can serve as a useful guide or a reminder of the things you were most excited to experience in any particular country or city. Make your itineraries as practical as possible and don't overcrowd each day with too many activities and tours. 

Make Reservations 

Now is the time to look for affordable flights and accommodation options. Book your flights first as advanced bookings can help one save on airline tickets. When it comes to choosing places to stay, make sure your hotels and resorts are conveniently located. If you are choosing to stay at a property such as Anantara Chiang Mai Resort, let it be because it is close to some of the best things to do in Chiang Mai.

Sign up for Activities and Excursions 

Lastly, it is time to find tour operators for water sports, hikes, temple tours and other cultural excursions in your chosen destination.