It’s time to plan your next big adventure! But where to start?
There are so many things to research when making a plan that it is easy to forget something.
This is why I’ve created this ultimate list of things you must research when planning your trip.
Just read the article and enjoy planning! 🙂
1. Transportation
Transportation is the first thing you should research. How are you going to get to your desired destination? Is it going to be by plane, by bus, by car or by boat? Or is it going to be a combination of different means of transport? Make a plan of most convenient options, check the prices and make your bookings.
Rome2Rio is a great website to help you figure out the most convenient way to get from point A to point B.
2. Accommodation
The second thing you need to research is accommodation. Where are you going to stay and sleep? Is it going to be a hotel, a hostel, an Airbnb? Are you going to use free accommodation options like Couchsurfing or house sitting? Decide on what you want and what you can afford and check the websites for available options.
3. Activities
Next one and probably the most fun of them all is doing your research on the activities you want to do. Do you want to attend some cultural and historical tours? Some culinary experiences? Or you want some outdoor activities? Check out the Activities category in my resources list and have fun picking the ones for you. 🙂
4. Food
Another fun thing to research is food! 🙂 What are the must-try foods in your destination? The restaurants that everyone recommends and the places you would like to eat at? Do your research and write them down in your notebook.
5. Attractions
What are the must-see attractions? The ones the place is famous by? And what are some less known but just as worthy to visit ones? Check some travel blogs for less known suggestions on attractions and write down all the places you would like to see.
6. Opening Times
Now when you’ve decided on the things you want to visit and the attractions you want to see it’s time to check the opening times for each one of them so you can plan your itinerary accordingly. It will also help you avoid coming to the place just to realise it is closed. While you are checking the opening times you can also check the prices of the entrance fees (if there are any) and write all of that down as well.
7. Average Prices
There is info on the average prices in places around the world on the internet. Just google average prices and the name of your destination country (or city) and you can see the average prices for common things like food, drinks, gas, rent etc. It will give you a feel of the destination’s standard and it will help you decide on how much money you need to take with you.
8. Vaccination Requirements
This one is very important. Don’t forget to check the health risks and the vaccination requirements of the country you are travelling to – especially if it’s an exotic one. You should get your vaccinations before travelling. Some countries won’t even let you in without the confirmation that you have been vaccinated. This is a great website to help you with this research.
9. Visa Requirements
Another extremely important thing to research and that you should not forget is to check the visa requirements of the destination countries you are travelling to. If you need a visa you should fix that in your own country before starting your travels. You can not enter a country without a visa if it’s required.
10. Common Tourist Scams
Check the common tourist scams if you want to be safer and to avoid getting robbed or ripped off. Each place has it’s own scams and systems so educate yourself on the subject by reading articles on the internet or watch some Youtube videos.
11. General Phrases in Local Language
Check and learn some general phrases like thank you, hello, where is.., how much does it cost etc. Not only will it make you connect with the locals but it will also make your travels easier. Also, local people always like if you try to speak their language and they are usually kinder and more willing to help you if you put in the effort. Plus it’s extremely fun and you learn something new! 🙂
13. Time Zone
Check the time zones and the time difference between your time and the time of the country you are travelling to.
14. Weather
Check the weather conditions as well. Many countries have a rainy and dry season so it is good to be informed about that before deciding on where you will spend your next trip or holiday. And when you do decide and you already know your destination check the weather again so you know what to pack. 🙂
15. Electrical Outlet
Another important thing that you could easily forget to check is the electrical outlet. There are many different ones and it differs from country to country so google about the electrical outlets as well as the voltage number in your destination country. Here is a great website to help you with this.
16. Culture Specifics
Check out if there are any culture-specific things you need to know about the place you are going to visit. For example, the way you need to dress or things that are considered disrespectful in that country.
For more help with planning your trips check out these articles:
So there you have it, the ultimate list of things you must research when planning your trip.
I hope you find this list useful and that it will make it easier for you to do your research for your next great adventure.
I am sure it will prevent you from forgetting something important. 🙂
Is there something else you would add to this list?
Let us know in the comments! 🙂
