How I Plan Trips Without Losing My Mind
(Spoiler: I plan everything)
Some people throw a few things in a backpack and just wing it.
That’s not me.
I’m the girl with the color-coded itinerary, transportation schedules saved offline, and activity breakdowns that include prices, maps, and opening hours.
And honestly? That’s how I stay sane on the road — especially when travelling solo.
Before the airports and backpacks, it’s just me, a map, and a rough plan.
Why I Plan Everything (Yes, Everything)
When you’re on your own in a foreign country, planning gives you a sense of control. It eases anxiety, saves time, and helps you actually enjoy the trip instead of wasting your energy figuring out what’s next.
I don’t plan to limit myself — I plan so I have the freedom to make last-minute changes, explore hidden gems, or say “yes” to something unexpected… without losing my bearings.
Because half the fun is planning the adventure before it even starts.
My Planning Process
Here’s how I break it all down:
1. Start with the Big Picture
How many days do I have?
Which cities or regions do I want to visit?
Are there any must-dos that will require booking in advance (like the Louvre or scuba diving in Fiji)?
I sketch out a rough timeline with arrival/departure days, buffer time, and a few anchor activities.
The big picture — scribbles, dates, and way too many exclamation marks.
2. Build My Daily Itinerary
This is where the fun begins (at least for me 😄). I create a custom planner that includes:
Day + Date
Where I’m Sleeping
Main Activities (morning/afternoon/evening)
Location of each activity
How to get there (walking, tuk-tuk, metro, etc.)
Cost + Opening Hours
Any important tips (dress code, need to book ahead, best time to go)
This becomes my personal cheat sheet for the trip.
Organizing my itinerary in a simple Word doc — my personal cheat sheet for the road.
3. Save Offline Backups
Wi-Fi is not always guaranteed — so I screenshot:
My itinerary
Hotel/hostel booking confirmations
Google Maps directions
Entry tickets
Currency conversion cheat sheet
I also print a hard copy, just in case (that’s the Millennial in me).
Yes, I still print my flight confirmations — call it Millennial survival mode.
4. Leave Room for Magic
Even though I plan a lot, I never fill my days from morning to night. I leave space to wander, nap, or follow a local’s recommendation.
Some of my best memories came from spontaneous moments — but I wouldn’t have found them if I was stressed, lost, or scrambling for ideas.
Sometimes the best plan is no plan at all — just a seat, a view, and a little Greek magic.
Why This Works for Me
I don’t waste time figuring things out on the go.
I avoid getting scammed or overcharged because I know what things should cost.
I don’t miss out on popular experiences due to poor timing or sold-out tickets.
And most importantly, I actually relax when I travel — because I know I’m covered.
Proof that careful planning and happy accidents can coexist — both led me here.
