Planning a trip

Planning a trip can be just as exciting as the journey itself – but without a system, it can also feel overwhelming. Over the years, I’ve developed a method that’s helped me research, organise, and execute trips confidently, whether it’s a weekend UK family holiday, a European getaway, or a long-haul adventure.

Below is my step‑by‑step guide to planning a trip – from flights and accommodation to itineraries and travel hacks.

✈️ Step 1: Find the Best Flights with Skyscanner & Google Flights

Flights are often the most expensive part of any trip, so I start here:

Skyscanner

Skyscanner is my go‑to for comparing flight prices across multiple airlines and booking platforms.

Use the “Everywhere” search if you’re flexible on destination.
Check the price calendar to find the cheapest dates within a month.
Set price alerts so you’re notified when fares drop.

Google Flights

Google Flights is brilliant for spotting trends and discovering cheaper routes:

Use the Date Grid and Price Graph to compare prices on different days.
Check nearby airports — sometimes flying into a secondary airport saves you hundreds.
Once you find a good price, click through to book directly with the airline or a trusted agent.

Tip: Book flights 6–12 weeks before travel for the best prices, especially for summer or holiday travel. For peak family travel periods (e.g., school holidays), start searching even earlier.

🏨 Step 2: Book Accommodation on Booking.com (and Cross‑Check)

I use Booking.com to find hotels, guesthouses, and apartments because:

Flexible cancellation options
Great filtering tools (family rooms, breakfast included, beachfront, etc.)
Guest reviews from real travellers

However, I always check the hotel website directly too — sometimes hotels offer:

Exclusive deals (free breakfast, room upgrades)
Lower prices than what online travel agencies show

Pro Tip:

Look for free cancellation rates until you’re sure of your plans.
For family trips, filter for family rooms, kid‑friendly hotels, and connected rooms.
Use the hotel’s own loyalty program if you travel often — sometimes the perks are worth it.

📅 Step 3: Build Your Itinerary

Now that flights and accommodation are sorted, it’s time to plan the fun part: where you’ll go and what you’ll do!

Travel Blogs

This is where real‑traveller advice shines. I read destination guides, day plans, and honest reviews to help shape my ideas. Some bloggers even share pitfalls to avoid, which is priceless.

Look for full itineraries, not just single posts.
Pay attention to seasonal tips (best time to visit beaches, festivals, weather warnings).

ChatGPT

I use ChatGPT to quickly generate detailed itinerary ideas based on:

Destination
Trip length
Travel style (relaxed, active, cultural)
Family needs (kid activities, stroller‑friendly routes)

Example prompt:

“Create a 7‑day family‑friendly itinerary for London in summer, including budget tips, attractions, travel times, and recommended lunch spots.”

ChatGPT is great for:

Pulling ideas together fast
Creating sample day plans
Suggesting hidden gems

Once I have a rough plan, I go back to blogs, travel forums, and official tourism sites to refine and confirm timings.

🧠 Step 4: Research Practical Details

Your itinerary is shaping up — now add the practical bits:

Transport

Where are you flying in/out of?
Do you need train tickets?
Are buses or ferries part of your route?
Do you want a rental car?

For UK family travel, check:

Train times (National Rail /Trainline)
Driving times (A‑road routes vs scenic routes)
Parking options near attractions

Tickets & Passes

Some attractions sell out in advance — especially family favourites or popular tours — so I book ahead when possible using the official sites or reputable providers.

Weather & Packing

Check weather forecasts closer to travel, and set up packing lists based on climate:

Beach holiday → sun protection, swimwear
UK weekend → waterproofs, walking shoes
City break → comfortable day shoes, evening wear

💼 Step 5: Organise Your Travel Docs

Make sure you have:

Valid passports (check expiry dates!)
Visas (if required)
Travel insurance (always essential)
Copies of bookings (email + screenshots)
Vaccination or health certificates (where applicable)

Keep all docs in one folder and share backups with someone at home.

📱 Step 6: Use Tools to Stay Organised on the Road

Here are my favourite organisational tools:

Google Docs & Sheets

Perfect for planning and sharing with family:

Itinerary
Accommodation details
Daily plans
Budget tracker

Google Drive

Store PDFs, tickets, maps, and insurance info in the cloud.

Note‑Taking Apps (OneNote /Notion / Evernote)

Great for capturing ideas, restaurant lists, packing lists, and quick reminders.

✈️ Bonus Travel Planning Hacks

Flexible Travel Windows

If your dates are flexible, most flight search engines show cheaper times to travel — even mid‑week can be significantly cheaper than weekends.

Local Transport Passes

Look up city cards in advance — they often include attraction entry + transport discounts.

Tours & Experiences

Use GetYourGuide or Viator to book:

Day cruises
Cultural tours
Family experiences
Skip‑the‑line tickets

Always read recent reviews before booking.

🧳 Final Thoughts

Planning a trip doesn’t have to be stressful or time‑consuming — with the right tools and process, it can be part of the adventure!

From comparing flights on Skyscanner and Google Flights, to booking hotels with Booking.com or direct hotel sites, to shaping your itinerary with travel blogs and ChatGPT, this method gives you a roadmap without overwhelming you.

Travel planning is about turning excitement into action — and every great journey starts with a great plan.

Want more travel planning tips or printable checklists?
Drop me a message or comment below — I’d love to help!

✈️🗺️✨