Hi Friends!

It’s Make My List Monday once again… but since I’m headed off to Chicagoland this week, my “regular to-dos” are a bit shorter. Thus, I thought I’d share my trip planning list with you guys. After all, my mama doesn’t call me her little Travel Agent for nothing!

Travel Agent Meri’s Trip Planning Checklist (in chronological order)

1. The place: Whether its a monthlong trek through Asia or a day long road trip close by, you need to choose the location! After all, for all of your hard work ahead you need to be inSPIRED!
2. The timeline: How much time off do you have? What time of year is best for your location? Consider festivals, weather, tourist seasons, and more. At this stage, you can start pricing out tickets to see what a good price is, and when the prices drop…
3. Buy those tickets: (Plane, train, boat…)Because once you’ve committed financially, you will be able to plan everything else. It helps to feel like things are set in stone before you can relax and plan the details! If you like, you can sign up for ticket companies’ emails for info about flight sales.
4. Preliminary neighborhood research: Because to choose a hotel, or do any further planning, you need to know the best place to stay and where you will mostly be during your days… get thee to a library to check out a guidebook or two!
5. Secure lodging: You can wait a bit longer for this… and check into friends/ family you may be able to stay with. If you choose hotel or hostel, I like tripadvisor and lonely planet for recommendations.
6. Sightseeing: Make a “top 5” list (or longer list for longer trips) of things you CAN’T miss when you go. Assure your other traveling buddies have made their own needs known up front too. All other time outside of the “must sees” is up for grabs/ flexibility. That way you can be organized without being an annoying itinerary drill sergeant.
7. All the rest: Start asking fellow travel lovers about their favorite restaurants, bars, coffee shops, parks, concerts, and more. Get advice from fellow bloggers about ways to save money or where to grab that vegan food you’re craving.
8. MERI SAYS RELAX, MAN! I’ve gone on trips before where I barely knew what language they spoke, much less where I’d be staying or where I’d be going. And I had a blast. At the end of the day, keep your head screwed on straight and take a deep breath. and maybe grab a glass of wine.

What do you do to plan a trip? Any tips for other fellow travelers?

Meri