How I Plan Every Trip - Part 2 (Stay, Food & Fun)

How I Plan Every Trip - Part 2 (Stay, Food & Fun)

How I Plan Every Trip — Part 2 (Stay, Food, & Fun)

 

Welcome to Part 2 of my trip planning series! Now that your travel dates, destination, and transportation are set, it’s time for the exciting details — where you’ll stay, what you’ll eat, and all the amazing things you’ll do once you’re there.

 

 

Step 4: Choose Your Accommodations

Hotels vs. vacation rentals — here’s how I decide:

Hotels:

  • Best for short stays, city trips, or when you want hotel amenities

     Vacation Rentals:

  • Great for longer trips, groups, or when you want a kitchen and more space

Bonus Tip:

Split your stay! A few days in the city, a few days in nature = two trips in one.

This was the view out the back of our VRBO in Charleston, SC!

 

Step 5: Find Places to Eat

Don’t settle for boring chain restaurants unless you want to. Here’s how I find food worth traveling for:

Tips:

  • On the road: use apps to order ahead (Starbucks, Panera, etc.) for ease of continuing your drive.

  • At your destination:

    • Search Instagram with local hashtags

    • Use Google Maps to find what’s open and nearby

    • Save everything to a “trip eats” list

This is a great seafood risotto from The Blackbird in Asheville, NC!

 

 

Step 6: Book Experiences

This is what makes a trip memorable. I always book 1–2 activities in advance, then leave time to be spontaneous.

Ideas:

  • Tours, hikes, spa days, food tastings, boat rides, and more

     Where I Look:

  • Airbnb Experiences

  • Viator or GetYourGuide

  • Instagram for inspo

  • Google Maps for museums and attractions nearby

This is from a Land Rover Off-Roading experience with 4x4 Adventures Scotland in Loch Lomond!

And that’s how I plan every trip — start to finish. These six steps keep me organized, excited, and ready to make the most of wherever I’m headed. Have questions or want a printable checklist? Let me know in the comments!

 

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