Planning

The best-laid plans... lead to the most memorable travel experiences. Follow our planning tips to make the most of your trip

They say it’s better to travel than to arrive; they rarely add ‘and it’s really important to plan the details carefully in advance’. But they should. For most of us, the planning stage is mostly the dull bit before the fun starts – but by putting a bit of time and effort into travel planning before heading out, you can relax and enjoy the trip so much more.

Clearly, the degree of planning required will depend mostly on where you’re going, for how long, how you’ll get there and what you plan to do when you do. There are important things to consider – buying flights, getting visas, ensuring you’re up to date with jabs – and a few smaller but useful points to bear in mind.

Use our sample countdown checklist to help plan your planning!

3-6 months+ to go…

• Decide where to go!
• Find out the best times to visit – you might want to adjust your departure date to arrive in the best season
• Look into flights – the cheapest fares often sell out several months in advance (though may be available less than two months before departure – check out the specifics for your chosen route)
• Investigate and compare tour operators, if you’re planning an organised trip – again, popular departures can book out well in advance (read Wanderlust to find recommended operators)
• Sketch out a rough budget so you know if you need to save, or tailor your itinerary to suit your pocket
• Book your annual leave with the boss

1-2 months

• Visit your GP or travel health clinic to check what jabs or malaria prophylaxis might be needed – leave at least six weeks before departure
• Check your passport to be sure it will have enough validity and sufficient blank pages for visas – getting a new passport can take several weeks at busy times
• Check what visas will be required – some can take a week or more to obtain if they’re not available on arrival
• Book your first night’s accommodation if you’ll be arriving in the middle of the night
• Get a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) if you’ll be travelling in Europe and you’re a national of an EU country, to cover essential medical treatment

2 weeks

• Check your travel insurance is up to date and covers all the activities you’re intending to try
• Order currency online
• Charge the batteries in your camera etc

1 week

• Check the washing basket to ensure all your travelling clothes are clean!
• Do a final shop for last-minute gear, plus sunscreen, insect repellent, phrasebook, etc
  
• Tell your bank where you’re going so your credit and debit cards aren’t blocked when you use them overseas; check standing orders and direct debits are set up or cancelled, as necessary
• Copy/scan travel documents and email them to yourself, or store in a secure online vault
• Book the train, bus or taxi to the airport Start taking malaria pills, depending on what’s prescribed
• Check your mobile phone’s set for roaming, or unlocked so you can use local SIM cards
• Call Wanderlust and let us know so we can redirect your magazines or put your subscription on hold if you'll be gone for a long while

1 day

• Tell the neighbours you’re off and leave them catfood to feed the mog
• Water the plants
• Set your email out-of-office autoreply
• Set your alarm clock!

Every Wanderlust article features a detailed Footnotes section with planning information and tips for each destination.