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Choosing your destination - Start by selecting a location based on interests, season, travel restrictions, or other motivating factors.

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Budget planning - Open up a spreadsheet and get to creating a budget. This will include all travel costs such as accommodation, food, and activities. Creating a budget allows you to plan accordingly.

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Travel insurance -

If you’re going to be exploring a new place, it’s important to consider travel insurance to cover you. Explore various policies as well as compare prices and coverage.

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Schedule planning - The key is to balance a flexible itinerary with must-see attractions. Depending on your personality type, you may prefer a jam-packed schedule or one with some freedom to explore.

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Accommodation options -

Where you’ll call home temporarily is important. Be sure to compare hotels, Airbnbs, hostels, and camping sites for different experiences.

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Transportation logistics - How will you get to the location? Also think about commuting within the destination: will you travel on public transportation, or rent a car?

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Day-by-day breakdown -

Draw up a simple calendar outline, noting where you’d like to be each day. This allows you to then break it down by hour or other smaller increments.

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Theme-based itinerary - Perhaps you want to plan your days around themes like history, nature, or food. Knowing the theme ahead of time can help streamline decisions on what to include within the itinerary.

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Must-visit landmarks -

Identify which landmarks exist and, of those, which you want to visit. Then, schedule visits to key attractions and purchase tickets in advance.

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Local experiences -

Is your destination of choice known for a certain activity or event? Incorporate experiences unique to the area, like a traditional dance show or a crafts workshop.

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Local cuisine - Becoming one with local cultures can be an exciting part of any trip. Hop online and explore local dining options and must-try foods and drinks, then work these into your itinerary.

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Cultural etiquette - While you're traveling it's important for safety and ease to understand local customs and specifically how to respect them.

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Weather considerations - Weather can drastically impact your trip including what you pack, so checking in advance and planning accordingly is key.

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Packing essentials - Jot down a list of what to pack for the trip in order to maximize space, efficiency, and minimize time spent packing.

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Health and safety tips - Before your trip, check into staying safe and healthy, including travel advisories and local emergency information.

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Travel apps and resources -

Do you know which apps are most useful to have for traveling and do you have them downloaded? Apps or websites for navigation, translation, and recommendations could serve you well!

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Solo travel tips - Traveling alone? Be sure to research tips and tricks for staying safe while adventuring solo, as you could be more of a target because you’re not with others.

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Group travel coordination - Research and sort out how to manage group dynamics and expectations when traveling with friends or family.

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Accessibility considerations -

Plan for any accessibility needs, ensuring that locations, accommodations, and activities are suitable for all travelers, including those with disabilities.

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Connectivity needs - Will internet or data be available before, during, or after you arrive? Evaluate the availability and cost of Wi-Fi or cellular service, especially if you need to stay connected for work or emergencies.

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Language challenges - Prepare for potential language challenges by learning key phrases or using technology such as a language translation app.

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Educational opportunities -

Look for educational opportunities like museums, historical tours, or lectures that can enhance your understanding of your chosen destination.

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Physical activity levels - Tailor activities to the physical ability levels of all participants, ensuring that everyone can comfortably participate.

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Special dietary needs - Account for any special or unique dietary needs by researching restaurants or markets that cater to specific requirements like vegan, gluten-free, etc.

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Shopping and souvenirs - Allocate time for shopping and focus on local artisans and markets where you can find unique souvenirs and gifts.

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Environmental impact - Consider the environmental impact of your travel choices, seeking sustainable options like eco-friendly hotels or tours.

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Feedback and reviews -

Use feedback and reviews from previous travelers to refine your plans, ensuring you choose highly recommended options and avoid common mistakes or pitfalls.

Sources: (TripIt) (Clumsy Girl Travels) (Wanderlog) (WP Travel)

See also: How many countries can you visit in one day

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