I spend quite a bit of time traveling during the year, and when I’m at home I like to think about places to go next. Besides planning for specific trips I make lists of important things to keep in mind. These are the some of the considerations.
The best time(s) of year to travel. I really like traveling in the spring, especially May. I don’t think I’ve been anywhere when it hasn’t rained at all, but at least in the spring the rain helps make the flowers prettier and everything greener! The autumn is a nice time too, particularly in places where it gets so hot in the summer. I always bring at least one umbrella and a poncho in order to be prepared for the weather.
Where to get currency for the place I’m going. I usually have money exchanged at my regular bank, but sometimes I’ll get some extra money – smaller denomination bills and coins – at airport currency exchange counters. I don’t use them as my main source because they aren’t always open when I’m there.
What to wear on the plane. I like layers because the temperature goes from hot to cold at any given time. And on international flights you’re usually provided with a little pillow and a blanket to keep warm.
What do I want to see? Mountains or coasts, cities or towns, lots of activity or mostly leisure time…
It’s really helpful to create one or more lists while I’m planning. Working things out in advance helps make the trip much more enjoyable!
Meg Travels 
I like when you write about travel plans, I get the impression that you really embrace the planning stage and the amount of time you give to thinking about your trips in advance is no doubt why you have such enjoyable experiences (although I’m sure there are challenging times, too, because that’s the nature of the beast, you can’t plan for every eventuality). Taking a poncho is a good idea, I’ve never done that myself, but I don’t often go anywhere without an umbrella. Mind you, there are places where an umbrella is next to useless. I was in the Shetland Islands once and my umbrella broke due to high winds, but because of the driving rain I felt I needed another one. So, I bought a replacement, and guess what, it broke almost immediately! A poncho would have been an excellent idea.
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I thoroughly enjoy the planning process and will start months in advance! But you’re right, unexpected things happen. And I understand your umbrella incident – the same thing happened to me during a storm in Madrid! I now bring a poncho just in case… :)
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Everyone in my family thinks I’m crazy because I love to plan and make lists, but I wonder if their school trips or our family trips would have gone as smoothly without my planning and lists? :)
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I think you’re very smart to make lists! Having a plan really helps – and it’s fun to think about the trip ahead of time :)
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Great list! I am a compulsive planner too and like you, enjoy the process almost as much as the journey itself :-)
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Thanks – it’s so much fun to plan and imagine what the trip will be like! It’s an enjoyable way to pass the time… :)
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Beautiful and nice town. Making plan is fun.
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I agree – it’s great making plans! And thanks, the pictures are from Italy.
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The planning is all part of the fun!
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It really is! I like having the opportunity to daydream while planning :)
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Oh how I wish I could travel in May (or September)! Not possible as a high school teacher, and although I’m sure nobody feels sorry for me since I have the summer off, the prices and crowds are so high (and often the heat) at that time of year that it can sometimes be a grueling experience. For that reason, I treasure my spring break vacations. I’m like you, I like to plan trips well in advance, even if I never take them! It’s fun to dream.
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It sounds like there are real challenges to traveling during the summer, like larger crowds and hot weather. But with some planning I’m sure you still have a wonderful time!
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Hey Meg, great article and photos, Tuscany is one of my MOST favourite places. I love the planning too. It is almost the best bit for me! What I would love to know from you and from others who blog about travel is how they fit it in with work and other responsibilities. I’m sure everyone has different approaches but I would love a few tips! Taking a few weeks each year as part of our vacation time is obvious. But what about slightly more travel and extended trips???? Any thoughts?
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Thanks Karen! Great question – I’d also like to hear from others about extending travel time. This can become another part of the planning process… :)
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For me, making a list is just as much fun as the vacation itself!
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I couldn’t agree more! It becomes part of the adventure… :)
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Oh I do love the planning stages. And the day dreaming!
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It’s a wonderful process, and looking forward to a trip is a good thing!
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These are all great considerations when planning a trip. So where are we going next?
:)
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Let’s see – perhaps the south of France or anywhere in Italy! And definitely many stops for gelato :)
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Great Advice – loving your photos! I love to plan and dream about places to visit as well as what to see and do:) Have a Great One! You have me thinking now – ha!
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Thanks! You take lots of exciting trips and I’m sure you have fun planning. It’s great following your adventures :)
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Great thoughts on travel planning. Love that last pic. Is it Italy?
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I appreciate that! And the last picture was taken in Italy (Orvieto). I thought it looked really cheerful… :)
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Very helpful list! I think planning is part of the excitment of travel. Thanks for sharing.
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I’m glad you liked the list :) It’s so exciting to spend time planning and thinking about travel!
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Great tips Meg, I think doing as much planning ahead of time means a stress free trip once you arrive at your destination.
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That’s a great point Karen – when you plan you can reduce stress and simply enjoy your trip! I knew there were lots of benefits to planning… :)
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Great tips…I find drawing cash on a debit card cheap and always a great exchange rate!!
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Thanks, and I like your tip about using debit cards! And you do get good exchange rates. I’ll have to add that to my list – thanks :)
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Love that first photo…I find drawing cash by debit card cheap with a good rate of exchange!
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Thank you – it was a scene I wanted to share!
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Stunning photos!
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Thank you Cindy! They’re all from Italy, one of my favorite destinations :)
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Great list and photos… I love that first shot.. Gorgeous. ;-)
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Thanks! Planning is lots of fun and when I see something like the first picture I know it was worthwhile… :)
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Great photos. We love planning of our holidays in advance carefully, but not too meticulously.
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Thank you. I think you’re right to plan and also enjoy the unexpected things that will happen!
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This is such great advice, especially for those of us who don’t travel so much and wouldn’t realize we need these things until it’s too late! Great photos – I love that first one!
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I’m so glad you found this list helpful! These are some of the things I really think about before I go on a trip. And thanks – the pictures are from Italy… :)
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Lovely!
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Italy is really photogenic and a great place to visit!
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I fully believe that whether it’s travel or a special project, sometimes the planning and anticipation is important in setting not just the pace towards being prepared, but also jumpstarting the experience itself. Planning can heighten the experience in advance! You are an excellent strategic planner and I think your list is very helpful! Thank you!
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Thank you so much Debra! And I agree with you about the importance of planning. It can enhance the whole experience, and when it comes to travel that’s a good thing :)
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I like layers, planning and I’m happy with a mix of urban, countryside, leisure and activities when on holiday – perhaps we travelled Italy together in a former life ;-)
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I think it’s really nice to have a variety of activities too! And I like the idea that we traveled around Italy – we definitely like the same places… :)
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Great post! Excellent tips – which I also follow myself! And I am already planning our next trip(s) the minute I arrive home because there is no such thing as “too much travel”! ;)
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Thanks and it’s great to hear from you! I’m looking forward to reading all about your South American adventures too :)
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Nice story Meg. And I agree…. a bit of advance planning can make for a nicer trip. Although lately I have been really lazy. :)
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Thank you! I’m taking my own advice and starting to plan for next year. I have lots of ideas – I never seem to run out of places to visit!
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Amen to that. I’m thinking about next year as well.
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It’s fun just considering all the possibilities… :)
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I love planning trips. I heard somewhere that it’s the most enjoyable part of a trip. I’m not sure about that, but it certainly sets the tone.
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I think planning is very enjoyable! And I agree about setting the tone, too. It’s fun looking forward to a trip :)
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