What a wonderful feeling it is to be (mostly!) free from the travel restrictions of the last few years due to the pandemic. Now is the ideal time to start planning your dream trip for 2023!
Where will you go this year? The tropics? The mountains? The answer is up to you!
In this guide, I’ll use my extensive traveling knowledge to help you choose your dream destination, along with how to make it a reality. Whether you want to know how to plan a trip abroad or are planning to stay within your continent, get all the information you need to plan your next vacation. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey.
How to Plan a Trip Abroad in 2023
You might wonder, “what’s the first step to planning my dream trip?” Ease any travel anxiety beforehand by ensuring you have a solid roadmap before you leave. As long as you follow this checklist of things to do when planning your next trip, you’ll be ready to jet set.
Not sure where to begin? Start here:
1. Choose Your Destination
Think about a place you’ve always wanted to go. Why haven’t you gone yet? Anything is possible with a bit of planning and budgeting. Visit a destination you’ve had on your travel bucket list (for dream trip ideas, check out my previous travel blogs!) Are you looking for a warm climate where you can relax at the beach? Or do you want an adventurous trek through mountainous terrain? Choosing your destination depends on your overall vacation vision.
2. Consider Your Budget
Now I’m not saying don’t leave room for splurging and spontaneity, but before you get too carried away with adventure planning, you’ll want to have a general budget in mind. Research the average costs of flights, hotels, transportation, and activities to get a rough estimate of what you’ll be able to spend on your trip.
3. Decide When You Will Travel
Once you decide where you want to go and how much you can spend, think about when and for how long you can travel. Depending on your budget and when you can take time off from work, you may want to consider an off-season visit. This is especially useful if you want to see fewer costs and fewer crowds! Be mindful of the seasonal weather at the destination and if it fits within the standards of your dream trip. Will you go during the winter for an enchanting Christmas market trip? Or explore beautiful blossoms in the spring? Pick the time of year that best suits every aspect of your trip!
4. Book Your Accommodations and Flights
When looking at flights, consider flight times, non-stop or connecting, and different airlines or airports. All will affect your overall trip cost and ease of travel to your destination. For accommodations, I much prefer to book directly with the hotel itself. Though you may find a lower price on a booking site, it’s much safer to book direct as your reservation is more protected. A luxe experience and central location are always the most important aspects of selecting my accommodations, as I love being able to walk around to as many places as possible and relax in the most comfortable spaces.
5. Research Best-Fit Activities and Must-See Sights
Now that you’ve got the essential items out of the way, it’s time for the fun part: trip itineraries! Whether you’re a planner who wants every minute scheduled, or a free bird looking to explore on a whim, having a general sense of your own must-see sights is crucial before taking off. Just because something is considered a popular tourist attraction doesn’t mean it’s something you have to have on your list. Do your research to find those activities that feel most aligned and also save some space in your trip itineraries for spontaneous and locally recommended exploration.
Other Important Details for Planning Your Dream Trip Abroad
If you want to learn how to plan a trip abroad, keep reading! Here are some other elements to consider when adventure planning.
Travel Documents
If you’re traveling abroad, first and foremost, you need to ensure your passport is up to date! You’ll also want to find out if you need a travel visa for the country you plan to visit. If you need to renew your passport or apply for a visa before your travels, ensure you have plenty of time to get this taken care of before your dream trip abroad! Delays seem to be the norm these days, so even if they give you a timeframe, give yourself a few additional weeks of padding or pay the extra fee to expedite those documents. I also recommend carrying another government-issued ID, like your driver’s license, just in case!
Foreign Language and Currency
If you’re traveling abroad, it’s likely you’ll be faced with a different currency and possibly a language barrier. Rather than feeling overwhelmed, embrace the uncertainty! Often times you can get foreign currency from your local bank before you leave home. If not, you can typically exchange money at the airport or even your hotel. In terms of languages, I always recommend learning a key phrase or two to show your appreciation for a new country and culture. Don’t worry though, with our phones these days you have access to an unlimited foreign language dictionary with a quick web search or translator app.
Start Your Dream Adventure Planning Today!
If we’ve learned anything over the past few years, it’s that we should never take anything for granted – especially time! Make 2023 the year you stop dreaming about traveling and start doing it!
If you’re looking for dream trip ideas and travel inspiration, be sure to follow me on Instagram to see my latest adventures and travel tips. Let me know what dream trip you’ll be taking this year in the comments below!
