Different people have different trip-planning styles. If you want, come to the SF mega-DO and talk to various people about how they do it.

My "Normal" Trip Planning Routine

I start with a good air fare. Then I get a good guide book and figure out where I want to go and approx. how many days I want to spend there. I do not, however, write out what I want to do each of those days. That is left later for the plane trip.

If it's Europe -- I take trains/buses. Get a rail pass -- it allows for flexibility.

Usually I like to book all my hotels in advance, although not right after making my preliminary calendar. I wait until about a month or less out and then book. If you know there will be a problem with availiability (holidays, events, etc), book ASAP.

I then book hotels.

On the plane, I take my guidebook and a piece of paper, draw a calendar (or get a pre-printed one), and write specific things I want to see in each city/place on which days. I usually try to overpack my days with things to see, just so I have something to come back to if I ever go to the same city and if I don't want to see something, I can let it slip. It's much better than not knowing what to see/do.

I always do the trip coordination myself, as that's a part of the fun, making sure everything fits, and if it doesn't I have only myself to blame.

If your trip is heavy on sightseeing (like mine tend to be) make sure that you take "off" 2 days every 2 weeks (your number may be different) and just sleep in, enjoy yourself, wherever you may be, and take a break from your trip. This is essential in keeping your trip great.


Where are you thinking of going?