How to plan your overseas trip in 9 steps

  • 24 January 2020
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How to plan your overseas trip in 9 steps
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Now that we’re well into 2020, it’s time to plan and book your next holiday! So, whether it’s a weekend European city break or backpacking in South America, we’ve got you covered. Whip out your phone, follow our steps and get ready for your next big adventure..

 Step 1: Decide where you want to go

If you need inspiration, why not check out the free Lucky Trip app? Claiming to help you “find a trip in one tap” you just need to tell it your budget and it will suggest a place to go, a place to stay and an activity to make you happy. Then you can keep adjusting until you find your dream trip. Where will luck take you?

Step 2: Start saving money

Holidays cost cash, so why splurge on that flat white now when you could have a cocktail on the beach? There’s no need to take a pen and paper around to keep track of how much you’re spending – as there are loads of apps that can help you manage money. By tracking your expenditure, you can see where you could cut back.

Step 3: Stay focused and get inspired

Keep feeding your desire to travel. Travel planning can be daunting and a lot of work and, if your friends and family aren’t that keen to talk about your plans, you might even feel unsupported. Luckily, our amazing community of iDers are here to help. So whether you’re looking for info on roaming charges or the best travel apps, you’ll find loads of posts, conversations and tips about travel right here! Got a question, just ask the community…

Step 4: Check for last-minute deals

If you’re feeling inspired to drop everything and grabbing some winter sun, you can get some great deals for that last-minute getaway. Due to last minute cancellations and stiff competition, travel companies will often discount hotel rooms and aeroplane seats – which is great news for your travel budget! Check out travel bookers like Expedia, Secret Escapes or lastminute.com to bag that bargain.

Step 5: Book your flight/ accommodation

So, you’re saving for your holiday to your dream destination. So, what are you waiting for? Time to book! If you have a hotel in mind, it can be a great idea to book flights and accommodation together to save even more money. Sites that will do this include Cheapflights, Skyscanner and Expedia.

Remember to always shop around to get the best deal.

Step 6: Plan your activities

Holidays are all about relaxation, but that doesn’t have to mean just lying on a beach. It’s a big, exciting world out there and there’s tons of stuff to see and do. That’s why it can be a great idea to book some activities. So whether you hike the Inca Trail in Peru or take on a white knuckle rollercoaster ride in Florida, check out Lonely Planet or Lumle to find amazing activities and experiences in your destination.

Step 7: Tell your bank/ credit card companies that you’re traveling

It’s important you inform your bank that you are travelling especially if you will be using your bank card abroad. Notify your bank before using a credit or debit card when travelling. Banks do whatever they can to protect you from identity theft.

And if you’re looking for a card especially made foreign travel and currency exchange, check out Monzo or Revolut.

Step 8: Pack!

Packing is a nightmare for some people. What do you need to take? What if you forget something important? Fortunately, there’s an app for that. Enter dates, length of time, activities and destination and PackPoint will give you packing suggestions and a proposed packing list – it will even pull up the forecast to make sure you packed for the weather. You can then edit your packing list and share it with friends and family. Handy!

Step 9: Buy Travel insurance

It’s better to be safe than sorry. Travel insurance may seem like an extra expense, but you’ll be much worse off if you end up paying thousands in hospital bills. It’s really not worth taking the chance. Visit the Post Office to get a quote and find out how much your travel insurance will be.

Did we miss out your fave travel app or website? Share your picks with your fellow iDers below.


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