Planning an upcoming trip sounds like a dream in theory until…it’s suddenly 1am, you have 27 tabs open, your brain is overheating, and you still don’t know where you’re staying. At some point, “vacation” turns into a full-time job – and I refuse to let that happen.
So here’s my very realistic, slightly chaotic, but actually effective system for planning trips without losing my mind (or my will to travel).
Step 1: Pick the vibe, not just the place
Instead of starting with “where”, start with “what kind of life you want to live for a few days”. For example, ask yourself:
- slow mornings and beach walks?
- city energy and shopping?
- nature, silence, and a self-care reset?
- café hopping and pretending you’re in a movie?
Trust me, this makes everything easier later. Because, trust me, “Italy” can mean 10 completely different trips.
Step 2: Research, but make it fun
This is the only time I allow myself to fall into a social media doom scroll guilt-free. My favorite apps for trip planning are TikTok and Pinterest, but, honestly, any social media platform will do.
For example, some things I would search are:
- things to do in [city of choice]
- hidden gems in [city of choice]
- best cafes in [city of choice]
Next step is saving EVERYTHING (and I mean everything), that looks interesting.
And here’s the important part: I do NOT try to be efficient here. This is the “romanticizing/pinteresting my life” part. Let me dream.
Step 3: Turn chaos into a loose plan
After saving everything that looks even remotly interesting I organize them into a simple plan. Not a step by step schedule. Just this:
- 1–2 main things per day (must-do)
- 1 optional thing (if I’m not too tired)
- everything else aka spontaneous exploring
This is the secret to not burning out on your own vacation, because nothing ruins a trip faster than the feeling like you’re constantly “behind schedule.”
Step 4: Book the essentials early
There are only two things I take seriously:
- accommodation
- transport
That’s it. Once those are booked, I instantly feel like half of the work is already done, everything else can be figured out later.
BY THE WAY…leaving space for spontaneity is not “poor planning”–it’s where the best memories usually happen.
Step 5: Create a simple system
If I don’t put everything in one place, I will lose something. Probably important.
So, what I like to do is – make a mini system:
- bookings → screenshots
- places → saved in Google Maps
- notes → my notes app
Nothing fancy. Just accessible, because vacay mode me deserves less stress.
Step 6: Pack like a realist, not a fantasy version of yourself
This step used to humble me every single time.
You do NOT need:
- 7 outfits per day
- shoes you “might wear”
- that one top that only works in perfect lighting
You WILL:
- rewear outfits
- choose comfort over fashion at least once
- regret overpacking, because there will be no room for souveniers
So now I pack simple, practical things and accept reality.
At the end of the day, the goal is not to have a perfectly planned, aesthetic, productivity-approved trip. The goal is to actually enjoy it, because no one remembers the perfectly organized calendar. They remember the random café they found, the walk they didn’t plan, the moment they felt genuinely happy.
So plan enough to feel calm, but (PLEASE) leave enough space to feel free.
p.s. last quick checklist before you go:
- pick a vibe before a destination
- save ideas (don’t overthink yet)
- plan loosely (not every hour)
- book accommodation + transport early
- keep everything in one place
- pack less than you think you need
HAVE FUN!!🌴
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