Around this time of year – when the beaches are sparse (and cold) but our Instagram feeds are full of happy travellers – our daydreams start drifting toward travel. Whether your next trip is next year or next month, close by or abroad, keep these unconventional tips for planning a holiday in mind.
Work backwards
Usually, planning a holiday starts with the destination. From there, you lock in the accommodation, transport, activities and even dinner reservations (if you’re super organised). But what if you worked backwards? Say there’s an incredible restaurant you’re dying to try, an AirBnB that’s sat in your wishlist for years, or a sporting event you want to tick off your bucket list. Build your trip around these smaller details, rather than the city or country.
Use social media
Yep, social media can be used for good – especially when it comes to travel inspo. A few of our top tips for planning a holiday using social media…
- Influence your algorithm by engaging with travel content: Follow and like travel related posts so that more of them start showing up in your feed.
- Search geotags: Look up locations on Instagram and Tiktok to see content posted in that area. It’s a good way to see what places are actually like, and find restaurants, activities and things to do in the region.
- Organise your finds: Found a place you’d like to visit? Create a new saved folder on Instagram or Tiktok that you can refer back to when planning, or enjoying, your holiday. ‘Guides’ on Apple Maps is a helpful feature, too.
Do a house swap
When you’re booking accommodation, there are probably two places you think of: hotels and AirBnBs. But did you know that there is a third, free option? Home exchanges. HomeExchange is the obvious go-to, but there are other websites like People Like Us and Aussie House Swap that can also match you up with homeowners all over the world. Do a straight swap if the dates work for both of you, or allow guests to stay in your home while you’re away to earn credits for your next trip.
Ask for referrals – from unlikely sources
One of our top tips for planning a holiday? Ask around – but don’t just ask your friends (that’s how everyone ends up going to the same place). Ask your parents, aunts and uncles and even your grandparents, if you can, about the best places they’ve ever visited. If you have kids, pitch a few options to them and let them choose. Search for tips from locals, either before your trip (places like Reddit can be good for this) or while you’re there.
Make it up as you go along
Looking for a real adventure? Lock in the basics – your departing/returning flights, a shortlist of potential locations, essential documentation – then head off, no itinerary required. Opt for a place with a great train system (like most of Europe) or highway network (like Australia and the USA) and buy a rail pass or hire a car/van. Chat to locals to find out the best places to visit in each area, stay longer in places you love and change your trip on a dime if something comes up. You’ll face some challenges (as you do on any trip) but it’s all part of the adventure.
Wondering why you should prioritise travel? Find out the mental health benefits of going on holiday right here (feel free to send it to your boss, too).