Do you feel like the trip of your dreams is out of reach?
A bucket list trip is more attainable than you may realize, but it requires making sacrifices, taking time to make it a priority, and planning.
I’m sharing practical tips for planning a bucket list trip.
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Determine What’s on Your Travel Bucket List
Start with ideas on your list, but also be open to destinations that may be under the radar.
Get input from friends and family about their favorite experiences and what they loved, and what they would change.
Also, consider invitations from friends, family, or group trips to join others on a bucket list trip.
Consider which of the bucket list trips you may need to prioritize because they are time-sensitive.
Physical limitations, seasonal windows, or specific events taking place during that time can also be factors for which destination you need to move up the list.
Where Do You Want to Go and Who Do You Want to Go With?
This is a big factor for planning purposes.
The more people involved, the more factors and planning you need to figure out.
This can be especially challenging if you’re trying to determine dates that work for everyone’s school and work schedules.
Take holidays and upcoming milestones into consideration and possibly incorporate them into your trip.
Experiencing a first-time adventure with family or friends makes memories that last a lifetime.
You may need to initiate the invitation. Many times, people want to experience something epic but don’t know where to start, so invite them to share the journey.
Do Your Research in Advance
You can choose to do your own research, book directly, or with a travel agency, depending on where you’re going and what you’re doing.
Be on the lookout for articles, reviews, and social media posts by previous vacationers to help give you insight and tips before you go.
For example, I joined a private Facebook group where previous guests of the Royal Clipper shared tips and asked questions about upcoming cruises.
The information in that Facebook group was very helpful for my planning. Members provided practical tips for what to pack and excursions to book.
Sign up for newsletters and follow social media for destinations, cruises, etc. Many times, companies offer incentives in the off-season or upgrades for booking in advance.
Get Your Bucket List Trip on the Calendar
Don’t put your life on hold for waiting for someday. It’s easy to push things off until after you graduate, once you’re married, when you have kids, when you retire…
Health and time aren’t guaranteed for anyone. That’s a hard lesson I’ve learned from losing family members who didn’t get to cross off places on their list.
My all-time favorite quote by Jim Rohn is “If you want to do something bad enough, you’ll find a way; if not, you’ll find an excuse.”
I’ve never regretted a trip with loved ones. My only regret is not sharing more experiences together.
Designate Gifts For Your Future Bucket List Trip
A big part of the bucket list experience is the excitement and anticipation of the trip, even if it’s a year away.
If you have birthday or holiday gifts coming up, ask for something you can use on your trip instead. It could be a physical item, such as snorkel gear or a gift card to go toward an experience.
Evaluate Your Expenses
I know that it can seem impossible to plan for a trip if your budget is already tight.
Start by finding ways to save on what you already purchase.
Shop around for car insurance/homeowners insurance every 6 months.
Evaluate what online subscriptions you still want to keep and check for discounts on additional services through your credit card or cell phone provider.
Reduce going out to eat and designate those savings toward your trip.
Look for additional ways to trim where you can and make frugal fun. Cook themed meals at home and watch movies or documentaries about the destination on your list in anticpation of your bucket list trip.
Purchase Travel Insurance
If you’re investing your money and time in a bucket list trip, you need to purchase travel insurance.
It’s a non-negotiable. Take it from someone who’s experienced almost missing two cruises, two years in a row, due to airline cancellations. I even had an extra night booked at each destination the night before as a buffer.
I was stuck in the Atlanta airport for an additional night on our way to an international destination. We were also stuck in Atlanta for another night for my connection flight returning home on the very same trip. What are the odds?!!
Travel insurance can cover those big expenses and trip interruptions.
Keep All of Your Travel Confirmations in One Location
I like to use the notes feature in my phone to copy/paste confirmation, addresses, and other important information. You can also have paper copies of documents that you’ll need and may not have access to a printer later.
Take screenshots of important documents and your passport.
Hiccups are part of travel, so save your stress and have your documents on hand in more than one place.
Decide Which Experiences Are Worth the Splurge
A helicopter ride to a glacier in Alaska to go dog sledding with my boys was absolutely worth the splurge, in my opinion, for the opportunity to share that experience together.
If the experience doesn’t get you really excited, save your money to use toward one that does.
Be on the lookout for unique tours on Viator and Get Your Guide.
Use Airline Miles and Hotel Points When Possible
Save money where you can by using airline miles and hotel points toward your trip, especially if you need to arrive a day before.
I always start searching for flights with Google Flights in incognito mode first and then compare prices with other airlines directly. You may also find that your miles go further with partner airlines going to the same destination.
Budget For Gratuities and Incidentals
Both gratuities and incidentals are part of the experience. Most service workers in the tourism industry rely on the generosity of tourists as part of their income, especially tour guides.
Keep cash on hand for guides, drivers, and other hospitality staff.
Evaluate Your Luggage
It may be time to upgrade your suitcases if it’s been a while since you traveled. Consider where you’re going and what you’re going for, and the types of luggage, day bags, and backpacks will best suit your needs.
Keep in mind that many accommodations in Europe may have steps without ramps or elevators, and uneven streets, which can be challenging for rolling a large suitcase.
A digital luggage scale can save you from overage fees at the airport for overweight luggage.
Tips For International Travel
Verify that your passport is current several months in advance if you plan on traveling internationally. You can even renew your passport online before it expires.
Download Google Translate and Google Maps before you arrive.
Check with your cell phone provider if the country you’re visiting is included in your plan or what your international options are.
Use WhatsApp or purchase a SIM card for your cell phone.
Order currency from your bank in advance. Many banks don’t charge for this service, but you need to allow a few weeks.
Looking For Bucket List Trip Inspiration?
Check out these trips for inspiration for your next adventure.
- Relaxation & Adventure at Villa Selena by TradeWinds in Belize
- An Unforgettable Alaskan Cruise With Celebrity Cruises
- Sail Away on the Royal Clipper – The Largest Sailing Vessel in the World
- Why Inclusive River Cruises are the Best Way to See Europe
- An Attainable Adventure on the Emerald Azzurra Luxury Yacht
- Who Needs Your Invitation to Stir Up Bravery For Adventure?
