The short answer: plan a trip in this order: set the budget and dates, book travel and lodging, plan your days, then pack from a list. How to plan a trip gives the 12 steps and a trip planning checklist.

Guides

  • How to Plan a Trip Start hereHow to plan a trip step by step: set a budget, pick dates, book travel and lodging, plan your days and pack, plus a trip planning …
  • Budget travel tipsBudget travel tips that save real money: when to book, how to cut flights, lodging and food costs, set a daily budget and avoid th…
  • Holiday travel budgetBuild a holiday travel budget for your family in 8 steps: list every cost, compare driving and flying, pack gifts the TSA-friendly…
  • Vacation budgetHow to make a vacation budget: a copy-ready template, every cost to count, a worked example and a simple way to save the money bef…

Ideas and how-tos

  • Packing ListA complete packing list for any trip: a master checklist by category, TSA liquids rules, lists for kids, beach and cold weather, a…
  • Sudoku packing methodThe sudoku packing method fits folded and rolled clothes into a tight grid. Step-by-step how-to, a starter grid, carry-on rules an…
  • TSA PreCheck vs. Global EntryCompare TSA PreCheck and Global Entry costs, benefits, kids' rules and wait times, plus how to apply before holiday travel and whi…
  • Travel Itinerary TemplateFree travel itinerary template PDF: trip overview, day-by-day plan, budget and packing checklist, plus sample itineraries and an i…

Templates

  • Camping checklistA free camping checklist printable with 70+ check-off items for gear, kitchen, clothing and the ten essentials, plus a camp meal p…

How to use this page

Printables on this page cover the paperwork of a trip: the packing list, the day-by-day itinerary and the camping checklist.