13 Helpful Ways To Plan Your Trip
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If you’ve visited my blog before, you know I’m a travel planning enthusiast. Honestly, I might love the planning just as much as the trip itself—maybe even more! Finding the best ways to plan your trip can be overwhelming, but having a solid strategy makes all the difference, especially when traveling with kids. A well-thought-out itinerary ensures a smooth, enjoyable, and stress-free experience for everyone.
Want to create the best travel itinerary for your family? Here are my top 13 ways to make it happen.
Note: This guide assumes you already have a destination in mind. Need some inspiration? Check out 14 travel experiences to give your family. You’ll also find fresh ideas from resources like Pinterest and the documentaries below.
One of my go-to tools for trip planning is Pinterest. Whether I’m scouting out new destinations or refining an itinerary, Pinterest is packed with ideas. And dads—Pinterest isn’t just for moms. My husband and plenty of other guys use it for research too!r research.
Read More: How to Use Pinterest for more than Travel Wanderlusting.
Travel Bloggers
Pinterest will likely lead you to travel bloggers—just like you found me! Bloggers are passionate travelers who seek out unique experiences and share them. Browse their sites; chances are they have multiple articles on your destination.
Want insider tips? Reach out to bloggers via email, Facebook, or Instagram. Most are happy to share recommendations!
Instagram is another fantastic travel planning tool. Search hashtags, follow visitor bureaus, and check out fellow travelers’ posts. You don’t even have to follow someone to get a feel for restaurants, attractions, and hidden gems.
Have questions? Drop a comment or send a direct message—you’d be surprised how often people respond.
Read More: How to Use Instagram Hashtags for Travel Planning
Guidebooks
Even in the digital age, guidebooks are invaluable for both inspiration and planning.
For ideas, I love books like 500 Places to Take Your Kids Before They Grow Up or 1000 Places to See in the USA and Canada. These books often uncover spots you wouldn’t have considered—like when my son and I discovered the USS Constitution in Boston.
Already have a destination in mind? Get a guidebook specific to that area. They’re great for bookmarking, taking notes, and having a handy reference on the go.
Read More: Guidebooks That Go Beyond the Basics
Documentaries
Have Netflix or Amazon Prime? Use them for travel planning! Search for documentaries or travel shows about your destination. We once discovered the Spy Museum in Washington, D.C., thanks to Mysteries at the Museum.
Travel Memoirs
Ever read a book like Eat, Pray, Love and felt inspired to visit a place? Travel memoirs offer a rich, immersive feel for a destination that guidebooks often can’t match.
If you haven’t explored travel memoirs, check out some of my favorites—they might just spark your next trip!
Read More: 5 Epic Travel Memoirs to Inspire Your Journeys
Facebook Recommendations
Have you used Facebook’s Looking for Recommendations feature? It’s an easy way to crowdsource travel tips from friends and family. When we visited Savannah, I asked for restaurant recommendations and ended up discovering Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room—one of the best tips we received!
Visitor’s Bureaus
Don’t skip visitor’s bureaus when planning a trip! Start by searching for your destination’s official visitor’s bureau website. Then, drill down to the city level. Sign up for their mailing list and request brochures—you’ll often get insider tips and even exclusive discounts.
Fly or Drive?
Once you know your destination, it’s time to figure out how to get there. The Fly or Drive calculator helps estimate costs, but convenience plays a role too. Running the numbers can help you decide whether the time saved flying is worth the extra cost.
Read More: Fly or Drive for a Family Vacation? How to Decide
Where to Stay
After choosing your destination, it’s time to figure out lodging. Are you looking for a hotel, vacation rental, or something unique? Use Pinterest and Instagram for ideas, but also ask friends and family for recommendations.
Entertainment Guide
Have you heard of Entertainment Guides? They used to come as big coupon books, but now you can access them via an app. For just a few dollars a month, you can score discounts on dining and attractions—even in cities you don’t live in. We used this to save on meals and discovered the oldest pub in Philadelphia!
Groupon
Similar to Entertainment Guides, Groupon helps you find deals on activities and dining at your destination. Just change the location settings to where you’re traveling, then browse discounts on things to do and places to eat.
Google Maps, Yelp & TripAdvisor
Google Maps, Yelp, and TripAdvisor are essential for trip planning. Save your accommodations in Google Maps, then search nearby for restaurants and attractions. Use reviews on Yelp and TripAdvisor to narrow down your choices.
No matter how you plan, the most important thing is to get out there and travel! Want to make more family memories? Grab my free guide here.
