Plan the Perfect Trip: A Step-by-Step Guide

Over the years, we’ve fine-tuned our planning process, making it simple and stress-free while still leaving plenty of room for adventure.

Planning a trip is one of the most exciting parts of travel, but let’s be honest—it can also be overwhelming. With so many details to consider, from picking the right destination to sorting out logistics, it’s easy to feel lost before you even take off.

Sydney Harbour Bridge on a Blue Sky — ***Sydney Harbour Bridge***

#1 Choose Your Destination Wisely

This is the obvious starting point—where do you want to go? But beyond just picking a place that looks nice on Instagram, there are a few key things to think about:

Seasonality – This is crucial! We’ve learned the hard way that arriving in a dreamy destination during monsoon season can mean spending most of the trip stuck indoors. Always check the best time to visit.
Budget – Some places are much cheaper to travel to than others, so consider what kind of experience you want and what you’re willing to spend.
Personal interests – Whether it’s an island escape, a city full of culture, or an epic hiking adventure, choose a place that fits the experience you’re after.

#2 Set a Budget

Budgeting is personal, but having at least a rough idea of costs can help avoid financial stress. We break it down like this:

Flights
Accommodation
Food (because let's be honest, we love eating our way through new places!)
Activities & entrance fees
Local transport
Travel insurance (if needed)

A quick search can give you an idea of daily expenses for your chosen destination. Knowing this in advance helps us decide how long we can stay and what kind of experience we can afford.

#3 Book Your Transportation

Once we’ve set our destination and budget, it’s time to figure out how to get there.

For flights, booking early usually saves money, but sometimes, waiting for a deal pays off—set up fare alerts!
If traveling by bus or train, check the best booking platforms for that country. In Asia, we love RedBus or 12GoAsia for convenience.
Renting a car? Always double-check local driving rules, insurance requirements, and whether you actually need an International Driving Permit.

#4 Find the Right Accommodation

Where you stay can make or break a trip. We always:

Search "best areas to stay" – We want to be in a convenient, vibrant spot (without paying tourist trap prices!).
Check amenities – Some places don’t always have hot water, Wi-Fi, or air conditioning, so don’t assume!
Read reviews – Not just on the booking site, but also on Google—past travelers can give great insight.

#5 Planning (But Not Overplanning) the Itinerary

We love spontaneity, so we never plan every minute of our trip. Instead, we:

List the must-do experiences – The things we’d regret missing.
Leave gaps for flexibility – Some of the best travel experiences happen when you least expect them.
Book activities last-minute if possible – This helps with flexibility, plus prices are sometimes better on the spot.

Tip: Talk to locals or other travelers! A quick chat can lead to incredible recommendations that you’d never find in a guidebook.

#6 Check Travel Requirements

This one can be a trip-saver! Before booking, we always:

Check visa requirements – Some countries allow visa-free entry, while others require applying in advance. Rules change, so check close to your departure date.
Look at passport validity – Many places require at least 6 months of validity left on your passport.
Check vaccinations & health requirements – Some destinations require proof of vaccines or specific health documents.

#7 Pack Smart

Ever packed way too much and regretted it? Same. Now, we stick to these rules:

If we’re moving around a lot, we pack light—a carry-on is easier than dragging a suitcase across cobblestone streets or hopping on buses.
Layers are key – Even in tropical places, aircon on buses and malls can be freezing. A light jacket is a lifesaver.
Leave space for souvenirs – We’ve learned this the hard way—trying to stuff new purchases into an overpacked bag is no fun.

#8 Stay Connected and Informed

We don’t always get a SIM card in every country we visit—sometimes hotel Wi-Fi is enough. But to stay connected, we always:

Download offline maps (Maps.me is a favorite!) – So we never get lost, even without the internet.
Use a currency converter app – To avoid being overcharged or confused by exchange rates.
Have emergency contacts saved – Just in case.