Thereâs nothing quite like the buzz of planning a trip. Whether itâs a backpacking adventure through Europe, a sun-drenched escape to Dubai, or that bucket-list getaway youâve been daydreaming about forever, travel is personal. Itâs your chance to do things your wayâand no two âultimate tripsâ ever look the same.
But one thing every traveller has in common? Youâve 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 hereâs your guide to getting trip-ready like a pro.
Do your research (but keep it fun)
Pinterest boards and travel TikToks are great, but letâs get practical. Start by looking into:
- Accommodation options â hotels, hostels, Airbnbs, or a mix.
- Transport â trains, flights, car hire, ferries (yes, sometimes ferries are a thing).
- Must-see sights â because no one wants to come home and hear âWait, you didnât go there?â
Research isnât about planning every secondâitâs 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 vibe⊠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 wardrobeâpieces 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. Youâll thank yourself when youâre not dragging a 30kg suitcase up three flights of cobblestone stairs.
Get yourself ready
Itâs not just about the bagâitâs about you.
Before a big trip, lots of people love a little pre-travel pampering. Maybe itâs 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 youâre 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 âletâs just wander and see where we end upâ 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, spaâtake your pick).
Think of it as a backbone for your tripâyouâve got the essentials covered, but thereâs room for detours and surprises.
Budget like a boss
Letâs be real: travel can be as luxe or as budget-friendly as you make it. But either way, youâll 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 doesnât feel overwhelming.
Remember: itâs 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 letâs just say my packing list included⊠way too many âjust in caseâ outfits. Since then, Iâve perfected the art of prepping: research, lists, budgets, and yes, a giant world map covered in pins.
Because the ultimate trip isnât just about the destinationâitâs about how ready you are to enjoy it.
Final thoughts
Your ultimate trip doesnât have to look like anyone elseâs. It could be hiking across national parks, spending winter in Dubai, or living your best city-girl life in Paris. What matters is that youâre 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.
