5 rules for creating the perfect travel itinerary
Next to your passport and money, the most important thing you’re going to pack on your trip is probably your itinerary. But how can you know you have this right? We’re going to take a look at the five rules for crafting the perfect travel itinerary. In the end of the day this can be the difference between a dream holiday and a trip you’d rather forget.
1. Make sure your plans are realistic
While a breakneck journey covering 12 European cities in two weeks might have been fun in your younger years, nowadays we have to be a little more realistic. By slowing your pace a little you will make your holiday substantially more comfortable and be able to enjoy the sites you are visiting on a deeper level than if you were trying to hit absolutely everything.
2. Plan sufficient time at iconic sites
Anyone who’s tried to cram every important attraction in Rome into a few days would agree how important it is to allocate enough time for all the iconic sites. Research your destination and find out how much time is commonly needed to explore popular sites. If you haven’t set enough aside, it’s time to prioritise between stuff you are and aren’t willing to miss.
3. The key is in the detail
When you’re planning an itinerary it’s important to get it right from door to door. When organising flights, tours and other forms of transport be mindful of the time it will take between getting to and from hotels. Also be cautious when booking connections. It might make your trip a lot cheaper, but if a flight is delayed your plans can be thrown into turmoil.
4. Leave time for exploration
Part of the joy of travelling is being able to embrace your sense of spontaneity when you’re exploring a new city. Make sure you allocated plenty of time when you’re travelling to follow a whim or see something you might not get the chance to see. You can always alter trip plans on the fly, and the best memories are sometimes the random ones.
5. Follow your interests
Just because a guidebook says you should visit a specific site, doesn’t mean it’s actually the right thing for your trip. When you’re travelling don’t be afraid to follow your interests, even if they don’t fit into what’s considered the “norm” for travellers. In the end of the day it’s your trip and the only person you’ve really got to think about is yourself.
Do you agree with these itinerary tips? Are there any you would add? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Related links:
7 trips you should never book online
5 international cities you should never visit alone
3 most important things to do before you travel