A girl can dream! And that’s exactly how scouting your next jaw-dropping destination starts. I’ve honed in on a process over the last 20+ years that will help take you from day-dreaming to the trip of a lifetime. Follow these 7 steps and you will be well on your way to buying tickets and gazing out over the turquoise Mediterranean…oh that’s my dream. Time you find yours.

1. Choosing a Destination – You Have To See It To Believe It
Most people are visual. I have to visualize a destination before I can decide if it’s a priority. I do this is by perusing Pinterest….Everyone laughs when I tell them, but it’s true! I choose destinations based on Pinterest or Google images. This may seem crazy but stick with me….

My advise: If the pictures don’t sweep you off your feet immediately then move on. I have picked many a destination by seeing a picture and saying to myself, “I HAVE to see that!” And so the planning process begins.

I find Pinterest is a great tool for looking at multiple destinations and creating boards for each one. You can find a ton of relevant information to get you started. When you’re ready to pull the trigger on one, move onto the next phase of planning.

2. The More You Know- Picking Travel Companions
Always keep in mind who you might be traveling with because that will vary greatly on the destination and what type of trip it will be. If my mom is traveling with me, I choose the most exotic, out-of-my-comfort-zone trip I can think of! I know she’ll be up for it and we’ll have a great time. If it’s my husband, then I stick to first-world countries and small villages…no big cities allowed!

Travel Pro Tip: I could write a whole blog on picking travel companions, but generally pick someone you get along with well in close quarters and know that they will….at some point…drive you completely bonkers and vice versa! And then move on. Here’s some advise on How to Travel without Wanting to Wallop Your Partner!

3. Create a Must-See List
Once you’ve narrowed down the destination then you’ll want to dive in on the fun stuff. Make a list of what you HAVE to see and do. Keep the MUST-SEE list short, as in 3-4 things or less! You can make a much larger “wish-list” but you will set yourself up for failure and complete exhaustion if you try to cram in everything. Remember to relax, leave lots of time for wandering, exploring and enjoying local cuisine. Keep it short!

4. Google Map It
A. Location, location, location!
Once you’ve narrowed down the area you want to go… lets say Rome. Then you’ll want to take a good looonnnngggg look at Google Maps. Where are your MUST-SEE locations in relation to each-other ie. The Vatican, The Spanish Steps, The Trevi Fountain? Will you be able to walk from location to location? You will want your accommodations within close distance to most of your MUST-SEE locations.

Use Wanda Maps to create your own map and share it!

Travel Pro Tip: If you are a first-timer and you’re going to a big city, plan on staying in accommodations within walking distance of your MUST-SEE list. International travel will be a big shocker to the system so make it as easy as possible.

B. Transportation Types
I’m also cramming in transportation research to Google Maps. Basically you want to know where EVERYTHING is in relation to each-other so you can continue onto the fun part of plane-tickets and accommodations. Where is the nearest airport? Will you rent a car, uber, take public transit etc.?

Travel Pro Tip: I usually hire a transfer company to take me from the airport to my accommodation the day I arrive. It is a HUGE comfort to walk off the airplane in a foreign country to someone holding a sign with your name on it, who then whisks you away to your apartment or hotel! You will be tired, overwhelmed and you can usually find transfers for around $20-40/person in the city.

6. Plan for Time of Year and Weather
There is an entire art form to when you travel…aside from when you might have the obvious vacation days because of school or work. Let me introduce you to how it works:

• Off-Season Travel – cheapest time of year, usually the coldest time of year and you have the attractions all to yourself! There are some big advantages to Off-Season Travel like I found on my trip to Scotland in the Dead of Winter.
• Shoulder Season Travel – prices are on the rise but you can still catch some good rates. The weather is usually warm with hiccups (rain, wind, and cooler days). Attractions have people but generally lines are not bad.
• High Season – hold on to your hats! As most of you know high season is expensive, crowded, and hot. But it is also the times most people can get off school/work. It is what it is. If you have to travel in high season I suggest getting a head start by leaving a day early or going as early in the season as possible. Just know you will pay more and deal with crowds. Do some research ahead of time to skip lines and visit attractions later in the day.

7. What’s NEXT?

Buy a TICKET!!!!!! Here are some resources to help! A Starter-Guide for First Time International Travel, Travel Hacks for Booking Hotels, Purchase Airfare like a Travel Pro.

Next research some travel blogs. There are some great blogs out there that can give you a leg up when researching a location. The ones I put the most stock in are written by locals. Use their advice from anything to shopping, tours and restaurants.

I know this can seem like a lot for some. I enjoy this process immensely. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, shoot me an email, I’ll be happy to help. Tour companies can also do all of this for you for a price. Time to turn your destination dreams into reality!

Happy Travels!