Let me take you back to the first time I planned a trip overseas on my own. I had just finished my exchange program in Italy, and I decided to extend my stay to explore nearby countries. No help, no group tour, just me, my backpack, and a lot of questions. Where to go? How much will I spend? What if something goes wrong?
If that sounds like you right now—don’t worry. I’ve now traveled to over 12 countries and planned every trip myself. This guide is everything I’ve learned, written just like I’d explain it to a friend over coffee. It’s not a generic travel checklist—it’s practical, personal, and completely honest.
Here’s how you can confidently plan your own international trip, from the very beginning to the final boarding call.
Step 1: Choose a Destination That Speaks to You
Some people chase postcards. I chase experiences. The first step is to choose a destination that matches your personality and current priorities—whether that’s peace, adventure, culture, or just a well-earned break.
Things I consider when choosing a destination:
- Is it safe and solo-travel friendly?
- Will my budget stretch far enough there?
- What’s the weather like that time of year?
- Do I need a visa or special documents?
✨ Real tip: I once picked Slovenia on a whim because of its lakes and castles—and it turned out to be one of the most unforgettable trips I’ve ever taken.
Step 2: Build a Realistic Budget (And Actually Stick to It)
Let’s be honest—money is what makes or breaks a trip. I used to forget about hidden costs like airport transfers or foreign transaction fees. Now, I track every dollar before I even book a flight.
How to build your travel budget:
- Flight costs – Use trackers like Google Flights or Hopper.
- Accommodation – Hotels, hostels, or short-term rentals.
- Food – Daily meal budget based on local prices.
- Transport – Buses, metros, trains, car rentals.
- Activities – Tours, museums, events.
- Insurance – More on this below (don’t skip it).
- Buffer money – Minimum 15% of your total budget.
📱 My favorite tools: TravelSpend, Splitwise (if going with others), and just good old Google Sheets.
Step 3: Know the Passport & Visa Rules—Before You Book Anything
Here’s a lesson I learned the hard way: Never assume your passport alone is enough. Some countries require tourist visas, and others have strict entry rules, like proof of accommodation or a return ticket.
What to do:
- Check if your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your return.
- Research entry requirements on official government or embassy websites.
- If you need a visa, start early. Some take weeks to process.
- Print and save digital copies of your passport and visa (yes, both).
📎 My trick: I scan everything to Google Drive and also email it to myself under the subject “TRAVEL DOCUMENTS – [Trip Name].”
Step 4: Book Flights Strategically, Not Just Cheap
You don’t need to be a flight hacker to get great deals. But you do need a bit of patience and flexibility.
How I book smart:
- Always use incognito/private browsing mode to avoid price spikes.
- Be flexible with dates and airports—flying out on a Tuesday or Wednesday is often cheaper.
- Compare flights using Skyscanner, Kayak, and Momondo.
- Set up price alerts and jump on flash deals.
💡 Hack I love: Some budget airlines don’t show up in major search engines. Always check regional carriers on the destination’s official airport website.
Step 5: Reserve Accommodation That Matches Your Travel Mood
A place to sleep is more than just a bed. Your choice sets the tone for your whole trip.
How I decide:
- Solo trip? I prefer boutique hostels or guesthouses with social areas.
- Need quiet? Go for Airbnbs with strong reviews about peace and safety.
- Want comfort? Compare hotel deals on Booking.com and filter by verified guest reviews.
🗺️ Personal tip: Use Google Maps Street View to check the surrounding area. Once I booked a beautiful apartment that turned out to be next to a noisy nightclub. Never again.
Step 6: Build a Flexible Itinerary You’ll Actually Enjoy
You don’t need to see everything. Overpacking your schedule just makes you tired and anxious.
How I plan my days:
- Choose one or two “anchor” activities each day (like a museum or day trip).
- Leave space in between to get lost, people-watch, or change plans.
- Save everything in a travel app like Wanderlog or Google Maps lists.
📅 Lesson I learned in Rome: Sometimes the best moments come from wandering down a random street with no plan at all.
Step 7: Always Travel with Insurance
I’ll keep this simple: if you can afford to travel, you can afford insurance. Accidents happen. Lost luggage happens. I’ve seen it all.
What to look for:
- Emergency medical coverage
- Trip delay and cancellation
- Personal liability and lost baggage
🔒 My go-to: SafetyWing for long stays, or World Nomads for more activity-based trips.
Step 8: Prep Your Documents Like a Pro
Organization gives me peace of mind. Before every trip, I create a folder (physical and digital) with everything I might need:
- Passport
- Visa (if needed)
- Travel insurance
- Booking confirmations
- Emergency contacts
- Credit/debit card info (just the last 4 digits and bank contact)
📱 Tech trick: Save all important docs to your phone’s offline files or cloud drive with travel-specific labels.
Step 9: Pack Smart, Not Heavy
I used to bring too much and use half of it. Now I pack by outfits, not items. Think versatility and layers.
My non-negotiables:
- Lightweight waterproof jacket
- Power bank and universal adapter
- Travel-size skincare and medicine kit
- Good walking shoes
- A small day bag or backpack
🎒 Packing habit I love: I lay everything out 2 days before the trip and remove at least 3 things.
Step 10: Stay Safe, Stay Smart
Traveling responsibly is about preparation, not paranoia.
What I do before I leave:
- Register my trip with my country’s embassy (if available)
- Alert my bank about international card use
- Learn 5–10 basic local phrases (hello, please, help, thank you, how much?)
- Screenshot local emergency numbers and nearest hospital or embassy
📌 Pro tip: Share your itinerary with a close friend or family member and check in every few days.
Don’t Just Plan the Trip—Live It
Once you land, let go of the checklist a little. Order something you can’t pronounce. Say yes to a conversation with a local. Watch the sunrise instead of sleeping in. And take time to just be where you are.
You’ve done the work. Now it’s time to enjoy the journey.
Final Words from Someone Who’s Been There
Planning your first (or fifth) international trip doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Use this guide like a roadmap—but follow your own rhythm. You don’t need to do it perfectly. You just need to do it your way.
I hope these steps not only help you plan smarter, but also inspire confidence to travel more boldly. 🌍✨