Planning a multi-destination trip is typically one of the more exciting travel challenges—finding a balance between the thrill of adventure and the intricacies of logistics. While it may seem overwhelming at first, planning gives your trip fluidity in transfers and therefore helps you get the most out of your adventures. Here is a way to get the best multi-stop experience.
Choose Your Destinations and Set a Route
Start with a list of your must-see destinations, then plot them out geographically. You want to try for a logical route to reduce backtracking. Programs like Google Maps or Rome2rio can help you get an idea of your route. If you are flying between cities or countries, look if they offer a multi-city ticket which could save you significantly and avoid additional layovers. If your destinations are relatively close, consider trains, buses, and even renting a car, each of these options has pros and cons depending on the area you are traveling.
Balance Time and Priorities
It is natural to want to see as many things as possible in your schedule, but in reality, less is more. Allow enough time at each stop so that you can appreciate them, and not feel as if you are rushing from one thing to the next. Be sure to factor in travel time, and always leave a little margin for error, breaking up travel days with rest days or allowing for potential delays. Ultimately, it’s more fun to prioritize quality over quantity—three days completely engaged in one single city is better than travelling through three on the same day.
Book Strategically
When booking flights, accommodation and transport try to look for options that are flexible in case something changes. When it comes to booking multi-city flights, platforms like Skyscanner and Kayak are fantastic. For accommodation, booking.com or Airbnb will provide options for all types of accommodation. If you are travelling in regions/areas of great train/bus connections (for example Europe or South East Asia), consider buying passes that provide unlimited travel during a timeframe.
Stay Organized
While your itinerary is indefinite and can change, it’s important to keep all of your reservations, tickets and itineraries in one location. Apps like TripIt or Google Travel can help put everything in order and are very convenient to use. Also, remember to check visa requirements for each destination and make sure that your passport is valid for the duration of the trip. It is also a good idea to budget for any unforeseen costs—multi-destination trips usually have surprises!
Embrace Flexibility and the Unknown
Planning is important, but the beauty of a multi-destination trip is often in the unexpected. If a local offers a recommendation that sounds like fun or you stumble across what appears to be a hidden gem, be open to changing your itinerary. Planning a little spontaneity will ensure that your highly regimented trip turns into a memorable adventure.
Your multi-destination experience can become a dream vacation complete with amazing experiences when planned with care and wonder. Bon voyage!