Start planning a trip by determining where you want to go, how you will get there, what type of budget you have for the trip, and what other major considerations you will need to keep in mind to make the trip enjoyable and smooth. It is best to obtain accurate maps if you plan on driving, and you will certainly need to make sure your vehicle is in proper working order and able to handle the rigors of the trip. The specific preparations necessary for planning a trip will vary according to the type of traveling you will be doing.
Keep in mind how much time you will have at your destination when planning a trip. Avoid over-planning activities, as this can cause additional stress rather than making the trip an enjoyable one. Make sure to plan for adequate rest and relaxation, particularly if you are flying to your destination, since jet lag can be a problem if you will be traveling to a different time zone. Remember that traveling can be stressful, and planning too many activities can sometimes add to that stress.
Be sure to consider your budget when planning a trip. You may be able to afford the plane ticket and the hotel, but your budget for food and entertainment might be limited. Try to think about hidden fees and unexpected expenses, such as car rental fees, airplane taxes, parking fees, cover charges to clubs or bars, and so on. Make sure to allot enough money to the activities you want to do, and if your budget does not allow for those activities, consider trimming your itinerary to only the most important or enjoyable activities.
Traveling with a partner will require some attention when planning a trip as well. You very well may be fine with driving eight hours a day for two days to reach a destination, but your driving partner may not be. You may be okay with camping out, while your partner may want to stay in a hotel. Be sure to include any driving partners or traveling partners in the process of planning a trip to avoid conflict during the trip. Try to find out if your travel plans mesh with your partner's plans, and if they do not, try to find a middle ground to accommodate all parties.
Try to enjoy the spontaneity of a trip. Not everything needs to be planned, and sometimes the most enjoyable parts of a trip are the parts that are not planned at all. Allow for unforeseen circumstances, and remember that the weather can sometimes have an impact on your plans. Don't let this discourage you: very often there are many other activities to be done during inclement weather that you would not have otherwise considered.