How to plan your next trip: 12 recommendations

1. Set your budget

The first thing is to decide how much you're willing to spend. That will help you decide whether it's going to be a low-cost trip or a more luxurious one. If you go for a budget trip, choose cheaper destinations. If you want to visit expensive places, consider taking a shorter trip. For more advice, see our post with tips for traveling cheap.

2. Choose your destination

Think about the kind of trip you'd like to take: adventure, nature, culture, relaxation or food? Also keep in mind the dates you can travel, since some destinations have bad seasons. For example, we wouldn't recommend the beaches of Southeast Asia during monsoon season. Do your research so you choose the perfect destination at the right time.

3. Check visa and vaccine requirements

Before you travel, check the visa and vaccine requirements and any other paperwork your destination calls for. Some countries require specific visas or vaccines, such as yellow fever.

You can quickly check whether you need a visa at this link.

4. Buy your flights

You can use flight search engines like Skyscanner and Google Flights to compare prices and find the best deals. Once you've found the right flight for your trip, we suggest checking directly on the airline's website, since prices are sometimes lower if you buy there. You can also consider flights with long layovers, which cost less and let you see another destination.

5. Research your destination

Once you've chosen your destination, research it thoroughly. Read travel blogs and check our guides to all sorts of places. You can also use Instagram and Pinterest to find places to eat or little-known spots.

Once you have the places you want to visit, something we find really useful is adding them to a favorites list in Google Maps. That way, when we arrive, we already have every place we want to see marked, we don't waste time, and we can see what's close to what to plan each day's route.

6. Put together your itinerary

With your destination decided and your research done, it's time to put together a rough itinerary. Break your trip down day by day, with a rough idea of what you want to visit each day. This plan will help you use your time well and get the most out of your trip.

7. Buy local transfers and tours

Research and book the local transfers and tours you want to take ahead of time. On Civitatis you can book everything from free walking tours to a wide range of day trips. For transfers we recommend platforms like 12Go, where you'll find trains, buses and private transfers. You can also use Omio for transfers in Europe.

8. Book your accommodation

Make sure you book your accommodation ahead of time to get the best prices and guarantee availability. Booking.com, Hostelworld, Agoda and Airbnb are excellent options for finding anything from guesthouses to apartments.

9. Buy travel insurance

Don't travel without insurance. Good travel insurance protects you against unexpected medical problems, cancellations and other issues. We recommend Heymondo and Assist 365, which offer complete, flexible coverage.

10. Set up an eSIM for internet

Stay connected during your trip with an eSIM. Holafly offers eSIMs in more than 100 countries, which makes it easy to have internet from the moment you land. For extra convenience, you can manage everything from its app. We have a post with more information. With our coupon CHAROANDMARCOS you get 5% off.

11. Pack your bags

You can make a list of everything you need to take. It's best to pack ahead of time so you're not rushing around later. Look into the weather so you bring the right clothes, plus toiletries, a book, important documents, personal medication and any special gear you may need.

12. Go over your trip details

Before you leave, go over all the details of your trip: confirm your bookings, check the weather, review any travel restrictions and make sure you have everything you need. This final check can save you a lot of trouble during the trip.