First thing I do is pick a destination + Transportation. It could literally be the city next door to yours. For me, I like to take a fairly easy route so I don't get stressed. I will check what transportation are available for the journey, and all the possible routes to get there. Also, compare all forms of transportation to find the cheapest route.
Once that is all established, I time manage. I pick the dates suited for me. I plan when to get to the airport/train/bus, and how much time I will have to catch the next form of transportation. I always give myself the minimum of 2 hours to be checked-in and be through security as being early is waaaaaaayyyyyyy less stressful than being late. Trust me on this.
Once all that is done, book the dates. I always book the transportation first (personal preference). Google flight is great for comparing flights on different dates. Once that's booked, I book where I will be staying. Booking, Agoda and, Airbnb are my preferred sites. *The more sites you check, the higher chances of a better deal.
Before you actually book one or the other, check your budget. If the accommodation you booked was expensive, then find I cheaper route to travel (vice versa). I was lucky enough to stay with a friend for most of the trip, which in general lower the cost overall.
Everything is now booked and planned, time to budget everything else. This includes: food, transportation, touristy things, and 'treat yourself money'. For me, everything else was easier to budget, but the 'treat yourself money' can be thrown out of the window. Don't buy the first thing you see, but find something that you gravitate towards, and see if it 'sparks joy' - cliché I know. It makes sense though, you don't need five T-shirts to remember your trip; just the the one or two things you decide to get will be as meaningful.
Another tip, use cash not card.
Once your whole trip is sorted, set up reminders/notes to print tickets, pack, book taxi, an alarm for the the day etc. If I was totally honest, I set up an reminder for everything possible to make sure I am always ahead of schedule; it gives me great satisfaction if I've done something before the reminder alerted me.
Lastly and also very important, change your money at the post office. You don't pay commission.
Another tip, use cash not card.
Once your whole trip is sorted, set up reminders/notes to print tickets, pack, book taxi, an alarm for the the day etc. If I was totally honest, I set up an reminder for everything possible to make sure I am always ahead of schedule; it gives me great satisfaction if I've done something before the reminder alerted me.
Lastly and also very important, change your money at the post office. You don't pay commission.
So guys, this is my way to plan/book a trip. I know it sounds and looks stressful looking at my to-do list, but it works. Out of everything, my main advice is to be ahead of the clock...It always less stressful to be earlier than late; and it's not bad comparing to rushing and missing a flight. I'll see you next week for part two of this 'holiday planning' instalment.
I'll see you soon,
Bye ♥