Guide to Plan Your Dream Holiday

If you have taken to the internet with questions like “how to plan my travel”, chances are you are bombarded with options that can overwhelm you. However, you will be happy to discover that making a travel schedule is not as tiresome and boring as it sounds. What’s more? It will help you make an itinerary that is tailor-made to your preferences, so you don’t waste time doing things you don’t like or sit idle wondering what to do next. So, without delay, here is a step-by-step guide to planning your dream vacation:

Step 1: Choosing Your Dream Destination

Once you decide that you are ready to travel, decide the destination. Ask yourself whether you are planning a domestic or an international trip. Speak to people who travel frequently, and they will be able to help you choose a destination or come up with a couple of options so you can do some research based on personal preferences. If you are planning an international trip, make a list of the popular destinations and then shortlist them thereon. You can even make a travel bucket list so you can check off destinations as you explore the world.

Step 2: Make a Budget

A detailed plan of journey starts with perfecting the budget. While planning the finances for your trip, it helps to think outward-in. Think of the overall budget for your trip and then gradually come up with a daily spending budget. Here are some initial questions you can ask yourself to plan the finances of your journey:

• Are you travelling alone or with a group?
• Are you planning to go backpacking, or do you wish to be staying at luxury hotels?
• Does the location you have chosen fit your budget?
• What are the costs of food and accommodation to the destination of your choice?
• Will you have to bear the expenses of a visa?
• Almost every destination has its guidebook, and going through one can help you plan how much you will be spending based on what you would like to explore.

Step 3: Check the Passport and Visa Requirements

You don’t want to realise that your passport is close to expiry once you have already made a detailed plan of journey. Therefore, once you plan your destination, make sure that all your travel documents are well in place. If you need to get your passport re-issued or you don’t have a passport, then you need to get that sorted at the earliest because it will take at least three weeks to get the passport. Since the passport is an important travel document, ensure its security with travel insurance.

As for the visa, not every country needs one, so check the visa requirements for the destination you are planning to travel to. You can do this by contacting the respective embassy. If you do need a visa to travel to a particular destination, make sure you have all the necessary documents ready well in advance.

Also, maintain a checklist of the documents you will need so you don’t forget anything before your appointment. The official website of the embassy will have a section dedicated to international travellers enlisting the documents that will be needed.

Step 4: Secure Your Vacation with Travel Insurance

Whether you are travelling with your family and friends or solo, you must not take any chances with your safety. It is important to secure your trip with the right travel insurance plan. Travel insurance takes care of several unpleasant scenarios such as accidents while travelling, loss or theft of baggage, trip delays, loss of passport, etc.
Regardless of where you travel, a travel insurance plan will be your best friend in times of distress. Several countries even forbid you to travel without travel insurance. You can simply make a travel insurance claim by calling the insurance provider. In case you have opted for a travel insurance plan from Tata AIG, you do not need to worry about the claim process. We have a team of experts who will assist you in claiming your travel insurance.

Step 5: Make Reservations in Advance

Once you plan your destination and your finances, you can start by detailing your trip itinerary. Start with looking up flight tickets – the earlier you book, the cheaper the air tickets will be. Following this, start your search for suitable accommodation. For both travel and stay, check various websites to get the best plan for the cheapest. Don’t delay your bookings until the last minute, as it will lead to unnecessary hassle and expense.

Step 6: Make a Trip Itinerary

Every person has something in mind when they travel. You might want a relaxing vacation or an adventurous one. You can be a food enthusiast, or you may be travelling to explore history, culture, and art. Whatever your purpose, plan your trip itinerary based on your preferences.
Also, while planning your trip, make sure that it aligns with your budget. Several locations, such as museums and parks, might need you to pay for a ticket, so consider those costs and requirements.

Step 7: Pack Efficiently

Make a checklist of all the things you will need when you are travelling. This will ensure that you are not carrying unnecessary baggage. There are several packing checklists available online for you to get started. If you are planning on shopping, make sure there is room in your bag for extra things. Also, be sensitive to the weight of your luggage, as going above the flight limitations will need you to pay extra at the airport.

Now that you have planned your trip like a pro, the only thing that’s left is to wait for departure! An efficiently planned holiday ensures that you are relaxed throughout the trip. Make sure that you secure your trip with a travel insurance and stick to your budget.