The Designated Trip Planner

“PLANNING LIKE A PRO”

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All right, fellow adventurers! Gather ’round! If you’re the friend who always gets the text, “So, what’s the plan?” or if you just love crafting the perfect trip itineraries, this post may be for you. I’m not an expert, but I’ve learned a few things over the years as the trip planner of the squad. So, grab your travel diaries, if you will, and let’s dive into the wild world of making plans!

Please note that these tips are only based on my own experiences (and a few misadventures along the way). You can change them to fit to your own travel style and sense of excitement.

1. Get to know your travel companions

Talk to the people you’re traveling with before you even open Google (or, nowadays, Chatbots). Are they looking for thrills or merely beach bums? Do they like museums or restaurants with Michelin stars? To make a plan that everyone will enjoy, you need to know who you’re planning for or who you’re traveling with.

Don’t forget about yourself either! If you don’t like getting up early, you might want to skip the sunrise hike at 6 AM. Your future self will be grateful.

2. Accept both the “Must-Dos” and the “Maybes”

Every place has its own “highlights”. For example, the Eiffel Tower, Mt. Fuji, Grand Canyon National Park, or that cool little cafe your friend saw on Instagram. Follow these “must-dos.” But don’t forget to leave some room for anything to happen! There should be some “maybes” in your list, like secret gems or random things that interest you.

3. Balance is the Key (Like, Don’t plan for every minute)

It’s easy to fill every waking moment with things to do, but please don’t! Leave some time in your schedule for relaxation, adventures that you didn’t plan, and the usual problems that come up during travel (delayed flights, anyone?).

4. Google Maps is your best friend, but don’t forget the Old-School map.

Without a doubt, “Google Maps” saves lives. But don’t be afraid to go old-school and grab that tourist map available almost everywhere. Sometimes, the best discoveries happen when you get a little lost.

5. Think about how to get there (a.k.a. Don’t plan to visit 5 museums in one day).

Be realistic about how long it takes to get to places, what the opening hours are, and how often you and your companions need food and bathroom breaks. If you don’t want your traveling buddies to stage a mutiny, don’t try to visit five sites in one day.

6. Read reviews, but don’t believe everything they say.

You can find useful reviews online, but remember that everyone has a unique experience. Don’t let one bad review keep you from going to a place that might be great.

7. Have a backup plan (because things do go wrong)

Even well-thought-out plans can go wrong. Plan a few other things to do or restaurants to go to in case the weather doesn’t cooperate or the restaurant you really want to go to is full.

8. Be open to what might go wrong (and laugh at the misadventures)

Bad things will happen. It will rain, you’ll miss a train, or the food you order will not look anything like the picture. Embrace the chaos, laugh it off, and create travel moments that will last a lifetime.

9. Don’t forget to take it easy and enjoy the ride!

Remember that the point of a trip is to have fun and create lasting memories. So, don’t worry too much about the plan. Take it easy, let it go, and enjoy the ride!

BONUS TIP: If nothing else works, bribe your travel buddies with delicious local food treats. It will make them forget about a ruined day.

So, have a great trip ahead! May your plans be filled with fun things to do, laughter, and tasty food.

As a final treat to y’all, I’m sharing this 17-day jam-packed itinerary that I created for our EU trip.

And oh, by the way… If you have hilarious itinerary-making stories or tips, share them in the comments below! Let’s create a community of happy, well-planned travelers.