What are your initial steps when planning a trip ?

I do research on the location. I google it, I go on TripAdvisor, I look at FB pages. I read reviews. I look at distances between places on Google Maps. I’ll check schedules and hours of operation so I don’t plan to go somewhere when it’s closed. I don’t map out my vacations day by day, hour by hour but I like to go with a good idea of what’s in the area and what things I should see.

I stock up on beef jerky, chocolate bars and bottled water.

I buy the ticket first, and the whatever comes, comes…

Easy. Money. You need money before you can travel overseas. Money will solve all your issues (as unprecedented as they are) during the travel and in your new destination. You can even easily pay travel agency to prepare everything for you just the way you like it. Just bring yourself and money and you’re good to go.

Who’s going overseas?

Figure out the agenda, buy lodging and airline tickets (if necessary). If there’s a layover, make it at least an hour. Make sure I have a way to get to the airport at least an hour and a half in advance. If there isn’t public transportation at the destination, reserve a rental car.

Make sure I have enough of my medication to last the trip. If not, explain to the prescribing doctor / pharmacist that I’m about to take a trip and ask for a little extra. Only pick up refills at the destination as a last resort.

Make a checklist of what to pack ahead of time. Try not to check a bag if at all possible. Don’t put anything vitally important like medications into checked bags.

Too any variables. Planning for a trip to Tennessee (5 hours away) is far different from planning a trip to Europe or Asia.

Business or pleasure trip?

Flying or driving?

Myself or with someone?

Too many open questions.

@jca lol.Well I assume it’s overseas trip. Either way, money should be brought along as reliable problem-solver. Absolutely nobody need to plan a trip to grandma’s house or anywhere close enough to home.

First of all, where am I going? And why?

Then the route and method of travel. After that, I can decide if I need to make reservations or just wing it as a I travel.

And, a crucial step is being aware of weather and dress needs so I can pack efficiently. No need to take a parka and a toque to Chicago in August.

Ten years ago, I went to Italy for twelve days with a general idea of where I would be going, but without firm plans. That gave me the freedom to spend extra time in Cinque Terre and in Pisa, both of which I loved, and not so much in Siena, which was a medieval walled tourist trap.

But I am taking a long holiday weekend, and have my accommodations and rental car all reserved. Since I am going to a music festival, my schedule for most days is pretty well set.

1) Should we take Carstairs along
2) Does his attendance come out of his wages
3) Should we insist he wears uniform & rides on roof rack

When we go on a trip it’s usually camping. So Rick flips on the power to the camper two days before we leave to make the fridge cold. I plan a menu for each day, buy the groceries, stock the camper.
We make sure we have the dog’s collars, leashes and rope in case they need to be on a leash.
Then we pack n go.

I make sure my house will be maintained. I shut off water, check the sump pump, feed the fish, set the pond water timer, make sure the security camera batteries are charged and the recording device is empty and ready to go, set light timers. tell my neighbors the house is going to be empty and no deliveries are expected (so they have permission to shoot the tires out of any vehicle in my driveway taking stuff out of the house.).
I also stop the mail and newspaper delivery.

I make a list. I always start with a list.

I do some research first and create an Excel doc that lists the dates, where I’m going, where I’m staying, what I might want to do there. Information about whether I’ve pre-bought tickets, or where to book, when tours are etc. I print off receipts for accommodation and tickets and put them in a folder.

I do a little research on the location, but not too heavily. I pack according to the season. I make sure to have plenty of underwear. If we’re driving, I pack plenty of water, first aid kits, blankets, pillows, and snacks. I also make sure to have enough cash on hand for emergencies.