🧳 How I Plan an Independent Trip: My Step-by-Step Travel Planning Routine
- netaleeh1
- May 8
- 2 min read
By Neta-Lee | Next Stop with Neta-Lee
Planning a trip on your own (without a travel agent or pre-made package) might seem overwhelming—but I actually love it. Over the years, I’ve developed my own little travel-planning routine that works whether I’m traveling with my girlfriends, my family, or my husband.
Here’s exactly how I start planning an independent adventure—from the first idea to choosing hotels and must-see sights:
✨ Step 1: Find the Right Destination
I always start by browsing travel blogs, vlogs, and photos on Instagram or Pinterest. I’m drawn to destinations that feel like a good fit for the kind of trip I’m planning.
👯♀️ Girls’ trip? I look for places with fun vibes, pretty cafes, and lots of photo ops.👨👩👧👦 Family trip? I need variety, easy logistics, and activities for all ages.💑 Couple’s getaway? Give me charm, romance, and unique local experiences.
✏️ Tip: Pinterest is a great visual tool to collect ideas for mood boards and destination inspiration.
🗺️ Step 2: Dive into Google Maps
Once I’ve picked a destination, I head to Google Maps and start exploring. I search for the main attractions and then zoom in on the map to see what else is around.
🛰️ Pro tip: Switch to satellite view—you can spot hidden beaches, scenic viewpoints, castles, and cool neighborhoods that don’t always show up in listicles.
I like to save interesting places as stars or custom pins—this becomes my base map for planning routes and daily itineraries.
🎥 Step 3: Watch Travel Vlogs
Next, I go to YouTube and look for recent vlogs about the destination. These are goldmines for:
Suggested day trips
Off-the-beaten-path gems
Real-life views of hotels and neighborhoods
What people really thought of certain attractions
It’s also a fun way to hear local sounds, see the weather, and get a feel for the energy of the place.
📱 Step 4: Search Social Media for Hotels & Restaurants
Finally, I turn to Instagram and TikTok to explore places to stay and eat. I search hashtags like #BarcelonaFood or #LisbonHotel and save the spots that catch my eye.
I also check out:
Stories and posts from other travelers
Restaurant tags and reels
Hotel accounts to get a vibe before I book
✨ Bonus tip: If a place shows up in multiple reels/posts—especially from locals—it’s usually a good sign.
🧡 Final Thoughts
Planning a trip independently lets you customize everything to your style—and honestly, it becomes part of the fun. This routine helps me feel excited, prepared, and confident before any trip.
Whether you're a planner like me or just getting started, I hope these steps help you create your own dream getaway.
👉 Ready to plan your next adventure? Start with a destination that sparks your curiosity—and take it from there.
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