I organize my trips as much as possible. I like to be prepared beforehand even though some things will have to be spontaneous because you can’t control everything (although the perfectionist in me would love to be able to do that).
Before a trip I outline everything: places to see, the best times to see those places and nearby eateries (even make some reservations). I also check out public transport and distances. This saves us a lot of time and also saves us from wandering the streets in empty stomachs.
For today’s post, I’ve rounded up my favorite resources to make a trip itinerary which are the following:
PINTEREST
This is the first place I go to when I start planning a trip. Pinterest has all the cool places. Plus, you can read the article related to a photo so it’s an endless source of information.
THE NOTEBOOK
It may sound all fashioned but I love notebooks. I like handwritten pages and drawings and after the trip they look like scrapbooks. That’s where I write the full itinerary: it’s like a diary but before it happens. Having it written down also helps me organize photos and know what every place was once I am back home.
THE CITY MAP
Another oldie but goddie. After checking in our hotel we ALWAYS ask for a map. We have our phones for extra support but we use maps a lot. In fact, my husband loves saving battered maps after our trips.
THE COMPASS
This one is especially useful for photographers: know where the sun is. When you travel, you may only see places once so getting the perfect shot becomes quite difficult. Knowing the best time to photograph each place will raise your chances of getting the perfect photo and you won’t have to go back at a different time of day. Bare in mind that the best time to take photos is one hour after sunrise and one hour before sunset, also known as golden hour. Golden hour is great to take pics of people and places, your snaps will have lovely warm hues. The other important one to remember is blue hour, a period of twilight in the morning and in the evening that is a great time to take pics of buildings and landmarks because the sky has a pretty shade of blue, streetlights are on and buildings are still lit.
GOOGLE MAPS IS MY #1 ALLY
Even though we use the traditional map when we are at our destination, all my planning is done through Google Maps. The first thing I check is the hotel location. If it’s abroad I’ll also look for public transport from the airport to our accommodation. Then, the sights to see. I divide the map in areas and start working on the itinerary so that we don’t go back and forth. Because we are usually tired when we reach our destination, we see the places closer to the hotel first. My planning also includes checking what is at walking distance and what is not.
A great thing about Google Maps is that you can download maps to use when you are abroad and don’t have internet access. Maps.me is another great app that allows you to download maps.
EXTRA TIPS
- Start your research early! Don’t wait until the last minute.
- Check out as many blogs as you can. The smaller the blogger the better because that way you can be sure it’s an honest opinion.
- If a recommendation pops up in a few travel guides, book it.
xo Cristina
OUTFIT DETAILS
Claudie pierlot top and pants (last seen here)
TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
Wise advises for a successful trip 😉 I like to plan in advance as well!
https://4highheelsfans.wordpress.com/2018/03/05/transition/
For me it would be google maps any day I find it so easy to use, thanks for linking up #MondayEscapes
I really want to go on a good trip sometime soon. I keep hoping it will happen but I have no idea when.
These are all such great tips, I am totally the same way. I always start my search for trip planning on Pinterest. It is amazing some of the things you will find there that you never would have known about.
Such great tips! We love the google maps that you're able to download for offline use…such a lifesaver
That's a great guide to plan. Thanks for sharing. I love planning trips.
❥ tanvii.com
We just came back from a holiday trip and it was so fun organising everything! xx
http://www.bonjourchiara.com
i love Pinterest for gathering travel ideas
xo
http://www.laurajaneatelier.com
I love that you guys save the battered maps after your trips. What a special momento!
Your outfit looks great and chic. I am so obsessed with your style! Keep it up. <3
Cheers,
Alexandra Udinov
How to Wear Long Coat With Casual Style
These are great tips. Google maps is a must for sure.
http://sugarcoatedbears.blogspot.com/
I love the tip about downloading maps – I've never thought of that! x
Awesome tips! We do similar things and Google definitely ranks numerous uno on our end. I have started using Pinterest as I am liking it a bit better and the resources are endless! Yelp is also helpful regarding booking hotels or restaurants and reading reviews. I hope you had a great weekend! Happy Monday!
Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com
I also like to over plan my trips! I want to get the most out of the experience! Great tips!
Love the fun print on that scarf!
xo Kat
http://www.withlovefromkat.com
I am such an organization freak and this is such a great list! So comprehensive babe!
x
Shloka
http://www.thesilksneaker.com
You look so classy!
Thanks for sharing at https://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2018/03/orchids-endless-source-of-beauty.html
Great post! Thanks for the tips!
xx
Mademoiselle Coconath
http://mllecoconath.com
I'm a big planner too – I would love it if all the restaurants I want to try are picked out ahead of time, because sitting around the hotel room trying to find places on yelp is such a huge waste of time, and wandering into the first place you see might not result in the best experience.
Chic on the Cheap
These are great tips! I’m so big on organizing thatbthis would totally be me.
Such a cute guide dear. Thanks for sharing. Also, I like your lovely scarf!
Jessica | notjessfashion.com
Fantastic tips! As a type-A planner-fanatic, I love all of your strategies to plan ahead. And your suggestion to download google maps is a great one; so helpful if you don't have wireless abroad 🙂
Buenísimos los tips que nos has dado hoy, tengo un viaje a finales de mayo y me vienen genial.
http://www.simplysory.com/2018/03/07/waxedpantsandpinksweater/
Great tips! I am also a planner when I travel. I always scope out the best restaurants and save them in Google Maps. Then when we are hungry, I can quickly see what good places are nearby!
I’m officially taking all your tips into account when I plan my next trip. I’m the worst at this kind of stuff. I’ll have to put all your advice into action.
I LOVE that you mentioned a notebook right off the bat! I love journaling mytravel!!!
Those tips are really helpful. Thanks for sharing!
I'm a big planner and like to plan trips. I do have two little girls so we have to be pretty flexible as well. I've learned to give up on time structure or else I just get frustrated!
http://www.mylittlenest.org
Thanks so much, Kat! As a big fan of your blog, it's an honor to have you here 🙂
oh I LOVE THIS! I am a totallll OCD trip planner – definitely use GoogleMaps even more by putting pins/flags on things that I want to check out when I get there!
XO Sahra
Que Sera Sahra
Such great tips! Sharing your precious style and tips on The Blended Blog tomorrow for our weekly linkup!
Yes! These are such great tips (and one of the best travel posts I've read!) I like the idea of keeping the maps afterward as a souvenir!
Thanks for joining the Thursday Moda Link-up!
Mary
https://windandspindle.com/
You are so organized! I enjoyed your tips, especially the one about the notebook. What a great way to preserve memories! Thanks for linking up, Cristina.
Oh I love your scarf so much! I am a big fan of scarves so always on the lookout for new ones 🙂
<3
Mon
http://www.littlemissmonbon.com
I'm obsessed with scarves too! They are my favorite accessory, I can't have enough scarves 😉
Great tips! And I'm with you, there is just nothing like pencil and paper.