As promised, I will share my thoughts on how to make an itinerary. Hmm, don’t worry it will be budget friendly, so pick up your pen and paper now and let’s start this exciting activity.

Note: If you are still undecided in which country you want to go, I am recommending to you to read the item no. 1 but if you already have one in mind then you can proceed directly in reading item no.2. However, don’t forget to secure a visa, if required e.g. schengen visa, etc.

1. Select your country of destination.

• List down the top countries you want to visit.
• Plot your tentative travel dates. It can be your annual and/or holiday leave.
• Now, identify the weather conditions of each country you listed earlier as per your tentative travel dates. If you don’t like the weather and/or you find out that it is not advisable to travel on that period due to some considerable factors, eliminate it from the list for safety.
• Pause. Calculate and know your allocated budget for this travel.
• Split the budget into five (5) sections: Airfare, Accommodation, Food, Transportation and Loose money for entrance fees, souvenirs, etc.
• Do a quick airfare checking on each remaining country. Remember that airfare go high during peak seasons. At this time, you may opt to remove the expensive ones.
• Review randomly the existing conditions and cost of living of each country (hotel pricing, food, public transportation system, taxi rate, etc.). Yes, you will be a researcher on this part of the selection process but the good thing is, as you go on your research, you will discover new things beyond your knowledge which might got your attention. Make sure that all items are still within your budget. You can cancel destinations that exceed your limit.

Note: Budgeting is essential when you do traveling. If your most preferred country of destination is quite expensive, this selection process will give you already a hint about the budget and will prepare you to save in advance for your next travels.

• Lastly, enumerate all attractions, activities and/or events that will happen during your stay. Now, it’s up to you on how to weigh in all of these options and finally decide the country you will be visiting.

2. Open the map of your selected country.

Note: You may download maps.me, an offline map available in App Store and Play Store.

3. Mark your point of entry/exit.

Note: It could be airport, seaport and bus/metro stations (if crossing via land border).

4. Plot all your listed attractions, activity sites and/or event venues.

Note: Check if your selected destinations require entrance fees. Mind also the opening and closing hours. Make a table list as per this order DESTINATION/WORKING HOURS/ENTRY FEE.

5. Split the map into four (4) zones: North, East, West and South.

Note: Before splitting the map into zones, verify first if this will be in one area/city e.g. most of your listed attractions are in Bangkok and you’ve also plotted destinations in Pattaya then it is clear that its two separate cities. So starting from this item no. 5 onwards, Bangkok and Pattaya will have a separate list.

6. Choose your right accommodation.

• Browse accommodations from the zone where you have the most list of destinations. This will save your time on traveling since you can visit more places all at once.
• Depending on your budget and preferences, make a list from a wide range of hotels, hostels and/or guesthouses present within the vicinity.
• Photographs can be deceiving. Do check reviews from previous guests. Take note on the following factors to be considered: visibility from the main road, proximity to cafes, restaurants, supermarkets, forex outlets, bus/taxi stops, wifi signal, etc. Hence, balance the pros and cons of each selected accommodations.
• Select from room options, assess the property facilities and read payment terms and conditions. Now, you can cross out others that will not satisfy your budget and preferences.
• Do a rundown check and select the best option for you.

7. Analyze routes and public transportation system.

I’m not worried getting lost but I am more concerned on the time being wasted. In order to avoid this from happening, its better to have an idea on their public transportation system.

• Check if there is an available unified card for public transports and know how much it will cost like NOL of United Arab Emirates, this is vital if most of your destinations can be reached through this means. In addition, download the taxi app commonly used by locals like GG of Armenia.
• Know the bus/taxi stops and/or metro stations near your selected accommodation.
• From your plotted destinations earlier, check if bus/metro will pass by near the place.
• Write down the bus route number/name of metro stations. If available, look for the schedule and corresponding fares online.
• Now, match the table list you’ve done earlier and make a path. It could be clockwise, counterclockwise, linear, etc. as you like.

Note: If your plotted destinations were located outside the city, its also a good option to hire/rent a car, but ensure you have a valid international driver’s license or you may also want to book for a short trip through local travel agency.

8. Assess all data collected.

Note: Form the Day 1 and so on itinerary as per the trip duration.

• Figure out all destinations and divide them as per your travel dates.
• Arrange the sequence as per their location and timings.
• Verify the sequence along with table list you’ve done earlier.
• Don’t forget to include your breaks.
• Put spare time in each location so you will not be in a hurry to go to another stop.
• Assume expenses in every destination or activity that you will take.

9. Wrapping up the itinerary.

Note: Finalize your itinerary by double checking on it. Once you’re ready, you may start to do the online bookings and don’t forget to print your itinerary on your travel date.

10. Again, double check the required documents before your trip.

11. Wait on your departure schedule.

12. Have a safe flight and enjoy!