Last Updated on November 10, 2022 by
Going into 2021, travel might not have been super high on your priority list, thanks to a global pandemic that’s taken the world by storm. Or perhaps you’re one of those people itching to get out, get away, and explore a new place — even if it doesn’t involve hours of travel.
If you’re part of the latter group and have some travel planned for this year, you might want to create a travel itinerary to squeeze the most you can out of your vacation. For three must-know tips on how to establish said itinerary, this blog is your travel buddy guide.
Why Create a Travel Itinerary?
There’s only so much you can see and do with a travel attitude that centers on ”winging it”. When you create an itinerary, however, this is your best chance to squeeze in all of your must-see sites, and then some.
When you’re traveling within a set timeframe your time is limited. This is where a loose travel itinerary template comes in handy. It outlines what you should and see and do, and by when, before you have to leave. In a nutshell, it’s the best way to ensure you don’t miss out on any top sites that make traveling worth your while!
So, where should you start when it comes to your itinerary? These three tips should help:
1. Research, Research, Research
If you’re not researching a destination before you get there, how do you know what’s worth seeing, and what’s not? Research is what you need to start with before you draw up your loose travel plan. And we say ”loose” because you should always leave room for unexpected opportunities (and delays!).
Depending on what you’re most fascinated by, i.e. history, food, architecture, or outdoor pursuits, break your research up into these categories. It’s worth doing a quick search of the most ”unique” things to do at a destination, too. This way, you can get more of a local, personalized experience versus an overly touristy one.
It’s also a good idea to research the country’s currency, the exchange rate, accommodation options, and the prices of local commodities. This way, you can also plan out your travel budget better.
All of this research should go into a master folder that you can refer back to.
2. Divide Your Destinations into Sections
If you’re visiting more than one city or destination along your travels, you want to divide them up into sections. How does this work? Well, the city of London, for example, splits up into boroughs. While some cities split up into quadrants, zones, or neighborhoods.
For each city you travel to, split them up into the main sections you’re visiting. Then, refer back to your master list of things to do and see and place them in the designated sections. This way, you know what there is to see and do when you visit each city and where to find each spot!
3. Create a Vacation Calendar
If you’re dead set on absolutely maximizing every day of your travels, then it’s best to plug all of the above information into a travel calendar. You want to create a to-do list calendar for each day of your vacation, but try not to be too stringent with it, either.
For each day of your travels, make a note of what you’d like to see and do the most. Then start off with those attractions/activities. Basically, you want to list your to-do items from ”most important” to ”not fussed” if you don’t get to see or do it!
Travel Hacks, Just for You
Remember, when it comes to creating a successful travel itinerary, you have to make room for spontaneous excursions and events, too! No one wants to feel like they cannot relax and enjoy themselves on vacation if it’s too well planned. Allow yourself some wiggle room.
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