Thereās nothing quite like the buzz of planning a trip. Whether itās a backpacking adventure through Europe, a sun-drenched escape to Dubai, or that bucket-list getaway youāve been daydreaming about forever, travel is personal. Itās your chance to do things your wayāand no two āultimate tripsā ever look the same.
But one thing every traveller has in common? Youāve got to be prepared. Because while spontaneous detours are fun, no one wants to be the person who forgot their passport, packed three coats for Bali, or blew their budget before day three.
So hereās your guide to getting trip-ready like a pro.
Do your research (but keep it fun)
Pinterest boards and travel TikToks are great, but letās get practical. Start by looking into:
- Accommodation options ā hotels, hostels, Airbnbs, or a mix.
- Transport ā trains, flights, car hire, ferries (yes, sometimes ferries are a thing).
- Must-see sights ā because no one wants to come home and hear āWait, you didnāt go there?ā
Research isnāt about planning every secondāitās about giving yourself enough info to make smart choices. And honestly, half the fun is imagining yourself there while scrolling Google Maps street view.
Pack smart, not stressed
Packing can either be a vibeā¦ or a full-on panic session. The trick is to keep it simple.
- Make a list (and actually stick to it).
- Pack for the climate, not for your fantasy version of it (yes, you will regret bringing jeans to Thailand).
- Think capsule wardrobeāpieces you can mix and match.
- Double-check your luggage allowance. Surprise airport fees are the enemy of joy.
Pro tip: Lay out everything you think you need. Then cut it by a third. Youāll thank yourself when youāre not dragging a 30kg suitcase up three flights of cobblestone stairs.
Get yourself ready
Itās not just about the bagāitās about you.
Before a big trip, lots of people love a little pre-travel pampering. Maybe itās getting fresh highlights, a manicure, a spray tan, or even investing in hair extensions that save you from spending hours styling abroad.
Book these ahead of time so youāre not running around the night before, panic-waxing at midnight.
Plan your must-dos (but leave space for adventure)
Every great trip is a mix of planned activities and spontaneous āletās just wander and see where we end upā moments. So sketch out a loose itinerary:
- One or two must-see landmarks.
- A foodie hotspot or street market.
- A day to just relax (beach, pool, spaātake your pick).
Think of it as a backbone for your tripāyouāve got the essentials covered, but thereās room for detours and surprises.
Budget like a boss
Letās be real: travel can be as luxe or as budget-friendly as you make it. But either way, youāll need a plan.
- Work out your daily spend (accommodation, food, activities, a little shopping).
- Add a cushion for emergencies or impulse splurges (because you will want that unexpected souvenir or fancy cocktail).
- Start saving early. Break it down into weekly or monthly goals so it doesnāt feel overwhelming.
Remember: itās better to have money left over at the end than to be broke halfway through your trip.
My travel glow-up moment
When I first started travelling, I learned this the hard way. Four years ago, I took a whirlwind trip to Australia and Thailand, and letās just say my packing list includedā¦ way too many ājust in caseā outfits. Since then, Iāve perfected the art of prepping: research, lists, budgets, and yes, a giant world map covered in pins.
Because the ultimate trip isnāt just about the destinationāitās about how ready you are to enjoy it.
Final thoughts
Your ultimate trip doesnāt have to look like anyone elseās. It could be hiking across national parks, spending winter in Dubai, or living your best city-girl life in Paris. What matters is that youāre prepared enough to relax and actually enjoy the ride.
So, research, plan, pack, save, and give yourself that pre-trip glow-up. Because when you step off that plane, the only thing you should be worrying about is whether your first drink will be a cocktail, a coffee, or a coconut.
