She Strengthens

Planning the Ultimate Overseas Vacation: A Step-by-Step Guide

After months of deliberation, you’ve finally decided on a destination for your dream vacation. With so many options to consider, it’s essential to plan carefully to ensure a stress-free and enjoyable trip. One of our readers recently asked us to create a comprehensive guide to planning a vacation, and we’re happy to oblige.

Step 1: Choose the Right Time to Fly

When planning your trip, it’s crucial to consider the time of year and day of the week you fly. Avoid peak tourist season and opt for mid-week flights to secure better airfare prices. I used Hopper, a handy app that predicts the best time to fly based on historical data and industry trends. For our example trip to Greece, I found that flying out on a Tuesday and back on a Thursday in early September resulted in a more affordable fare.

Step 2: Research Accommodations

When it comes to finding the perfect place to stay, I swear by Airbnb. Not only do they offer competitive prices, but you can also find amazing deals on unique accommodations. If you prefer traditional hotels, consider using Booking.com or Hotels.com. For our example trip, I priced out a seven-night stay at a centrally located apartment in Athens, which came out to $330, or $165 per person.

Step 3: Plan Ground Transportation

Before you arrive, it’s essential to figure out how you’ll get from the airport to your hotel. Research the local transportation system and have a backup plan in place. In Greece, I used the Metro/Bus system, which cost around $30 for eight days of unlimited transit.

Step 4: Create a Rough Itinerary

Plan out your daily activities based on the attractions that are near each other. Use Trip Advisor and travel blogs to research the best sights, restaurants, and bars. I like to book a walking tour on my first day to get a feel for the city. For our example trip, I budgeted around $75 for museum and historical site entrance fees, and $100 for three nights of drinking.

Step 5: Research Restaurants

Avoid tourist traps by researching local restaurants and bars before you leave. I look for the best happy hours, cheap eats, and bites on the go. For our example trip, I averaged out around $50 per day for food, not including alcohol.

Step 6: Organize Important Documents

Keep all your important documents, such as your passport, hotel confirmations, and travel itinerary, in a folder that you can easily access. Make copies of everything and carry a map and phone number of your accommodation.

Step 7: Review Your Plan

Before you leave, walk through your trip with your travel buddy to identify any gaps in planning. Discuss transportation, accommodations, and daily activities to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.

Total Cost: $1,643

While this may seem like a lot of money, remember that you’re traveling to Europe, and airfare is always expensive. By following these steps, you’ll be able to plan a fun, relaxing, and stimulating vacation that fits your budget. Don’t be afraid to walk everywhere, eat where the locals do, and talk to shop owners and cafe patrons for advice on where to go and what to do. Happy travels!