It’s not a secret that travel is back. After two years of restrictions, quarantines, and uncertainty, people are desperate to travel. Social media isn’t helping either with all the travel FOMO. I’m sure you saw at least a couple of your friends flaunting their current vacation on your feed today.

With the current influx of tourists in every nook of the world, it is essential to prepare for your trip. Planning a trip though is not for everyone. You might have questions like: how do I start planning my itinerary? or how do I pick where to stay? should I get travel insurance? and will I know how to navigate the city? You might also not know what you don’t know. For example, did you know you can decline rental car insurance if you own certain credit cards?

All in all, it’s a lot to digest but here is my detailed 10-step guide on how to plan a trip. I do this before every destination and you can ask my friends and family about how great traveling with me is. I’m prepared and I have a plan in place. I see most of each city even on short itineraries and I come back a more well-rounded person from each trip. And you can too.

0. First things first, where should we go?

Personally, I have a general bucket list in my head of the places I want to see in this lifetime. But a lot of my trips end up being spontaneously planned too. I can’t tell you where to go, that’s completely up to your travel preferences. The only thing I do recommend though is visiting the more popular places in the shoulder seasons.

1. Research, research, research

As a former researcher, my background ended up spilling over into my passion for travel. Once I decide on my destination I will start my planning with a simple google search of the following terms:

• Things to do in X
• X itinerary for X days

This simple search allows me to gauge whether the destination I am about to visit offers what I imagine it does. It’s easy to see things on social media and have the wrong impression about a place and then feel disappointed on arrival. That’s why I prefer reading articles and blogs over quick reels or TikToks that give a very curated version of a destination. For example, I personally think Tulum is a complete scam, and traveling to Cuba is a lot more heartbreaking than portrayed.

A quick Google search goes a long way and gives me an idea of what’d I like to do and see in a destination. I also like to do this search a couple of different times. First, to get an idea of what’s there, then to choose what I like to do, and last, to keep things fresh in my mind right before the trip from the best resources I found.

2. Make a map

Once I do some reading and decide that indeed, this is a place that I would love to see, I pull up a map. The easiest way to do this is via Google My Maps. How to plan a trip on google maps? If you google things to do or find an itinerary that you like, pull up a map and start pinning the places you’d like to see. Having them in front of you will let you see in what order you’d like to explore them. You can even make multiple layers for each day and give your places colors or different icons. The nice thing about Google Maps is that you can find hidden gems by simply looking at the map.

Once you’re done saving your places, you can download the map offline if you know you might not have international service and still navigate from it. Other map apps I have used were maps.me and CityMaps2Go. They’re fine for offline but I noticed that sometimes the places are outdated on them and it’s harder to find certain landmarks.

Here is an example of my Madeira Map which is divided into a 5-day itinerary. Click on the little arrow next to my face and you’ll see the legend.

3. Make or download an itinerary

Once you have your map pinned out, it’s much easier to plan your days. After you plan your stops, make sure to check opening times, ticket prices, and other useful information from their websites. It’s such a rookie mistake to show up at a museum and find out it’s closed on Monday or Tuesday because you didn’t take 2 minutes to double-check that.

The best thing is though, that if you don’t like planning your trips, you found my website which has all that for you: a plan, a map, and all the research for free. My itineraries are always optimized when I get back. I go back to my original plan and if I know something could have been planned better, I restructure it so your trip is even more badass than mine.

4. Transportation logistics

• How do I get to the city from the airport? A lot of times an airport bus or the metro cost nothing compared to an Uber so I will certainly opt for that. In places like Lisbon, Uber was so much cheaper to use instead of the metro for 3 people but I would not have known that if I didn’t google it prior.
• How will I navigate the city? Does the city have a good metro/tram/bus system or is it walkable? If there is a metro, I will mostly use that to get from point a to point b. I will also check whether public transport is safe or not. Living close to NYC, I get too many subway horror stories.
• Do I need to rent a car? In cities, renting a car is usually not a good idea. In places like Tenerife or Santorini, I found it to be a lifesaver. If you rent a car, is there some weird insurance scam that will give you trouble at the airport? Mexico certainly did me dirty with that. Know that if you have certain credit cards like Chase Saphire, you have primary car rental insurance but you need to decline the one that’s offered at the rental place in order to use it. I filed two claims under it and had absolutely no coverage troubles.

5. Where should I stay?

I follow a simple rule. If it’s my first time in a city, I like to be close to the action. That means the city center, beach town or attraction. I will compare hotels to Airbnbs and see which ones make more sense for my group size and budget. For a second or third time, I can venture off a little further and save some money but also see a different side of town.

6. What’s the deal with hostels

Now the topic that scares a lot of people who have never stayed in one: hostels. Should you do it? Well, hostels are not for everyone and if the idea of a shared room and bathroom scares you then it might not be for ya. I stayed in a ton of hostels when I was younger and trust me, the shared concept is not as horrible as you imagine.

Now, I still stay in hostels but I will usually choose a private room. Hostels are amazing for meeting people, group activities, and just being with like-minded individuals. My best travel stories come from doing something spontaneous with hostel friends. I plan to stay in them until I cannot anymore (usually cut off is 35 🙂 ). Make sure to read reviews on Hostelworld prior to booking to know what kinda situation you’re getting yourself into.

7. Housekeeping things

Before traveling to any destination you should know the following:

• Do you need a visa? Are there any travel restrictions in place? Do you need to download an app to check into the country?
• What language is spoken at your destination and how to say hello, please, and thank you in it.
• What currency is used there and what’s the conversion rate?
  • Speaking of money, I almost always get money directly from the ATM rather than the money exchange.
  • I also try to inform the bank of my travel plans so I don’t get a surprise block on my card.
• What’s the weather like during the month of your travel? Sometimes that Caribbean ticket is super cheap because it’s hurricane season. Oh and don’t forget the opposite seasons in the southern part of our globe.
• What are some common scams in your destination? I see you Morocco.
• Are there any cultural customs I should be aware of? Religious or traveling as a woman for example. Again I’m looking at you Morocco.

8. Apps I use when I travel

Apps clutter our phones but they also make our lives so much easier when abroad. Here are some essential ones I always use:

• Airline’s app: You know that I won’t hold up the line because my boarding pass is lost in my purse. Rather it will be in my hand with the brightness up ready to scan and go.
• Booking/Airbnb/Hostelworld: My bookings are downloaded for offline use and my accommodation address is ready to go when I land.
• Google Maps: Downloaded for offline use and ready to navigate!
• Airalo: A digital sim card app that lets me purchase a phone plan right on my phone.
• Uber or Uber equivalent like Bolt: Another good idea is to check what ride-sharing service is most commonly used in a given city. No, it’s not always Uber.
• WhatsApp: The iMessage craze is big in the US but if you want easy contact with people anywhere else in the world, download WhatsApp.
• Viber: If I don’t have an international plan and no voice sim card, I need Viber to make phone calls.
• NannyBag or LuggageHero: These apps are basically Airbnbs for your luggage. I used these in situations where public lockers weren’t available or close by and they saved me some comfort while exploring luggage free.
• TripAdvisor: Eh, I take the reviews with a grain of salt a lot of times but it’s not a bad idea to read what people have to say about a restaurant, especially in touristy places.

9. Tricks I picked up on the road

Do not check a bag unless you really have to. Not only are they a pain in the ass to carry around, but they get lost all the time. With this kinda travel influx, this is probably the worst thing you can do too. You need less than you think. Pick outfit items that match each other and you’d be surprised how many outfits you can make from one pair of jeans and white or beige pants.

Things will go wrong. At some point during your trip, there is a chance your flight can be delayed, you could get robbed, the weather will be shit or you won’t be able to reach your Airbnb host for the lock combo. When things go south, just accept it and try to make the most out of your situation. Trust me, on this, don’t ruin your vacation over a small bump in the road.

Trust your gut. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. If people are trying to get your attention and distract you in the street, you could be pickpocketed. If a local is way too friendly way too soon, it’s likely you’re getting scammed.

It’s ok not to see everything. Seriously. It’s better to enjoy 3 spots than rush through 7. If you want to sit in the hotel, Airbnb or hang out with your new hostel friends do it! It’s your vacation and the goal is simply to have a good time.

Go with the flow. While I almost always have a plan in place for my trips, if something awesome comes up, or my new hostel friends planned something else, I try to be flexible and not turn things down if they seem fun. The best travel memories are always unplanned.

10. Last but not least: Plan a solo trip!

Seriously, there is nothing more awesome than traveling alone. You don’t have to follow anyone’s itinerary, preferences, or schedule. It’s uncomfortable at first for sure, but it gives you a new type of independence that you didn’t know you had.

A common misconception is that a solo trip means being completely solo! And while that’s true for a good chunk of your trip, if you’re staying in a hostel or are taking tours, you’re almost bound to meet another traveler. These on-the-road friends result in unplanned excursions and fun times! There are platforms like GoGaffl which also allow you to post about your trip and meet people who are traveling to the same destination!

Over many years I saved these a compiled a list of reliable resources. I value bloggers that bring their own personality to the table along with some informative and unique guides. What distinguishes a good blog from another, is the quality of advice. You can easily write a “10 Cliche Things To Do in NYC” guide nowaways and it’s been done adnauseum. Now is the time to stand out by working with unique brands, cool concepts and activities that put a twist on what’s been done thousands of times.

This list should also help you if you like planning your travels through travel blogs.

The first part of this travel blog directory is my personal favorites. This list is ever-growing and as I find new awesome pages, they will be added. The second part is my featured section to which you can be added. Who knows, maybe you’ll even be placed in my personal favorites 🙂

If you’d like to be featured here, I require a backlink of your choice to one of my posts on your page. Once you do that, please send a reference of where you placed the link with a brief introduction of what your blog is about to my contact page form. I will be happy to add you to my list.

Perfect Day Somewhere Favorite Travel Blog Directory

Blogs are listed in alphabetical order

24 Hours Layover

Catrina’s blog gives you all the travel inspiration you need. She also has a lot of social media resources.

Along Dusty Roads

This is probably one of the earliest resources I used and they came in clutch when I traveled to South America. Emily and Andrew share stunning photos too.

Amateur Traveler

Chris is a true travel expert, podcaster, and someone who has seen most of this planet. His travel advice is useful, informative and a resource you should be checking before every destination you visit.

The Broke Backpacker

I used this blog as a reference when my travel budget was much much smaller than it is today. I still use this blog because I still don’t have a big travel budget 😉 The guides are to the point, have no fluff, and give good travel advice.

Carmen’s Luxury Travel

Carmen’s blog gives me serious fomo because her luxury posts are my future travel goals. She gives awesome advice and if you already have the budget, go to her blog.

Heart My Backpack

Silvia’s blog is a huge resource for any female traveler. Although this fellow American made a home base in Norway, she still travels and continues to share awesome posts.

Laidback Trip

Lucie and Martin have an inspiring travel record. Their photography is beautiful but more importantly, their guides are pretty great!

My Life’s a Travel Movie

Alyssa is one of the earlier solo female travelers. Her content is always reliable and her Insta will also give you some serious wanderlust.

Nomadic Hustle

When I first came across this travel blog, I thought, this much be a joke. Despite its chaotic homepage appearance, Jake’s advice on travel is researched, thought out, and useful. Not to mention he is very entertaining to read.

Nomadic Matt

I don’t think I need to even tell you why Nomadic Matt is one of the best out there.

Practical Wanderlust

Not only do Lia and Jeremy have an eye-catching blog, but their travel advice is also one of the best out there. Visit their blog for beautiful photography and some awesome guides to download.

This Travel Lover

Claire shares her best tips and travel guides for safe solo female travel. It’s awesome to inspire other women to travel and I used her blog in the past to plan my trips.

Travel Hacking Mom

If I ever need any review or advice on reward travel, I visit this mother-daughter duo who bring the best and most up-to-date advice on this topic.

Travel Tipster

The simple and pretty aesthetic was what first caught my eye but now I visit this page for great travel advice.

Wandering Earl

Derek is a travel blogging legend and if you have not read his amazing travel stories. He is one of the first to launch a career in travel blogging. Whenever I need a dose of some traveling without the actual traveling, I visit his blog.

The Wanderlust Rose

I found Emily’s page on Instagram but she also runs a blog online. I love her videos and all her travel tips.

The Wayfaress

Alexandra’s blog is a total vibe. I visit it when I need to look at some amazing travel pictures. Her advice is also on point.

Whimsy Soul

A travel and lifestyle blog that I love to visit from time to time for some list-style posts on awesome things to do in awesome places.

Young Adventuress

When I read Liz’s blog, I feel like she’s my spirit animal. I love her honest and funny posts. She also takes some badass pictures too.

Perfect Day Somewhere Featured List

Bookmark Travel

A comprehensive directory of all things travel!

Romancing the Planet

And since you’re already here, check out some PDS content

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An amazing week in Spain: Madrid, Seville and Barcelona Itinerary

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My complete destination page

Note: I am an Amazon Affiliate so if you click any of the links below, I may or may not receive a tiny commission on your purchase which will not affect your price whatsoever. But hey, at the end of the day ALL my blog content is free for you so yo girl has to make a penny somehow to keep on traveling 🙂

The absolute packing basics

Depending on the type of getaway, you need a proper bag. Here are my bare minimum necessities.

• Carry-on: For quick weekend getaways, no need to stuff a backpack. I myself like a lightweight, durable and stylish suitcase and it never hurts when it has cute little gold rims too 🙂
• 40-liter backpack: When I travel somewhere that requires a lot of transport and rolling suitcases on cobblestones, I always reach for my backpack instead of a carry-on. This is obviously a must have for a backpacking hostel trip too. A 40 liter is safe size for carry-on dimensions and investing in a better brand is a must here. The last thing you need is your bag bursting open in the middle of your trip.
• Personal item: When I am trying to save some $ and all I’m allowed in a personal item on the most basic fare, I reach for this super basic bag that fits a ton more than you’d expect. I used this exact one for years now and despite its super cheap price, is has survived some pretty rough trips.

Must-have accessories

• Packing cubes: You’re either a cube person or you’re not. I love my cubes and I think they’re a game changer, especially if you’re backpacking.
• Jewlery case: I don’t like tangled necklaces or lost rings so I keep my stuff nice and tidy. I tried a couple different jewlery bags but this one is the best so far.
• Make up case: Less is more when you’re traveling with make up, get a small case a pack only the essentials. This one is the perfect size for what you need.

Additional gear

• Camera Bag: If I’m traveling somewhere where I need to pack my GoPro, camera lens, tripods and all other gear, I pack my pink camera bag in which I can make your own size compartments. Bonus points for you if you can find pictures of me with my pink pack in my guides 🙂
• Travel Pillow: How do even people sleep without these on the plane?
• Laptop Case: Your laptops needs extra cushion for all those bumps along the way. And a bonus pouch to keep your wires together is the perfect travel accessory.

Electonic accessories

• Travel Adapter: Because for some reason the whole world didn’t agree on a plug … I’ve had this little guy for years and he hasn’t failed me yet.
• Portable Charger: I bet that most of you asked a bartender at least once in your life to charge your phone behind the counter. Well guess what, that shit doesn’t fly as easily in other countries so don’t forget your juice when you’re on the road.
• Tripod: Especially needed if you’re traveling solo! If you’re just using your phone, a simple one with a remote will be your best friend.

Travel fashion basics

• Water resistant, packable light jacket: The most basic travel hack in the world is to wear your jacket on the plane to save packing room. Planes are cold anyway so you will be happy that you did. But most importantly having a jacket that you can easily pack in a pouch will make your life 10x easier. I like simple puffers that are a little longer to keep my butt warm.
• Neutral sandals: If I had to pick one piece of my wardrobe that traveled the most with me it would be my Steve Madden sandals. I swear these go with every outfit and every occassion. 6 hour of walking on cobblestone streets? No problem. Club until the morning? No problem. Legit the best sandals ever that go with every ocassion.
• Neutral sneakers: When packing, always priortize the following: is this cute and comfy and how many things will this match with. So whether white, beige or gray, good sneakers are a must.
• Black yoga pants: You need plane clothes and lounge clothes and these will be your life savers.
• Linen shirt: You can make it fancy, or dress it down or even make it into a swimsuit cover up.
• Simple black dress: Again, one of those things that can be worn in so many contexts.

Personal care items I never travel without

• Refillable containers: I used to always travel purchase tons of those little shampoo bottles but then I realized that I can just bring my own stuff in little containers 🙂 Game changer you guys.
• Dry shampoo: BUT I haven’t figured out how to tranfser dry shampoo into the bottles yet so I will stick with the world’s best dry shampoo, Batiste.
• Perfume atomizer: If you don’t feel like dragging your Carolina Herra shoe on your travels, this is the perfect solution.

Gifts for your travel obssesed friend or your travel obssesed self!

I love gifting my equally obsessed travel friends with new or unique travel gifts. I also love a good and well-deserved impulse purchase for myself.

Against all other advice you will hear in your life, do not buy scratch-off maps for your travel friends. Have you actually seen one hanging in someone’s house? No. Because it’s not cute and we’ve probably gotten like 6 of them from everyone who thought it was a great and unique idea for someone who travels.

Instead, here are some other random but useful and more importantly cute ideas to gift.

• Passport holder: Guys … talk about capitalizing on the new normal. These come with a little vaccine card holder!
• Drink holder: So you don’t have to say hold my beer, I mean coffee, to your travel buddy every two minutes.
• Reusable bags: Did you know the majority of the world gave up on plastic and you need to bring your own bags to the store? I have one like this and I use it nonstop!

• Neck pillow with a hood: Yes, I want to be that guy on the plane.
• Collapsable water bottle: It’s bad enough that I have to pay $15 for my airport beer in NYC, I don’t want to pay another $5 for my Dasani water bottle.
• Journal: The greatest thing you can do for yourself is to write while you travel. And no, leather-bound journals are not practical guys.

• Food swing: If you can afford first-class you’re probably not reading this blog so here is a simple pleasure to all us economy peasants.
• Card holder: I never travel with my full wallet, only the essential cards and some cash. This is ideal for that and it hides well in a purse.
• Travel picture book: For some inspiration or some reminiscing.

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