As the first step to my planning I will be creating a checklist in preparation for my trip. Here it is:
- Arranging my documents
- Such as Passport, ID, credit cards etc.
- Developing a budget
- My budget is going to range from $3000- $5000 max
- Choosing a destination
- As of now we are planning to visit Rome, Venice, Florence, Paris, and London; that though, could change
- Planning the dates
- We want to leave right after my graduation so probably the second week of May; Probably May 11- 25; I'm probably spending my birthday in Italy
- Flights Information
- I'm using travelzoo and Kayak
- Booking accomodations
- I'm using AirBnB, Hostelworld.com, and Bookings.com
- Currency exchange
- Thinking about getting my money exchanged in the U.S. or abroad; I've heard exchange counters charge an insane percentage on exchange so banks will probably be my go-to
- Look for a credit card with no foreign exchange purchase fee
- Capital One and Discover are the ones I have applied for
- Travel Insurance
- I'm not sure if I will be purchasing this but I'm using Insuremytrip.com or Worldnomads.com
- Getting an International Student Identity Care Card (ISIC)
- A $25 "membership" card that offers discount at local shops and hostels around the world. It also has a minimal travel insurance
- Rail Pass
- I'm using EuroStar, RailEurope. I will need to check out the routes and plan our trip based on that
- Phone arrangements
- Decide if I will be using my phone only in Wi-Fi spots or if I should use my international roaming (expensive!)
- APPS
- Translators, maps, transit schedules, currency conversion, weather
- TripIt (a travel organizer; Itinerary)
- RailPlanner (train information with city maps and arrival and departure times)
- GuidePal (tours, landmarks
- TripLingo and FastTalk (translation)
- LonelyPlanet (guide)
- Making a copy of important documentation
- Passport etc.
I might purchase an entire trip package. This will make things ALOT easier. I'm looking at websites such as Groupon and Trafalgar.
Hmm... wonder if I'm missing anything.
I've used guides like RickSteve.com, Lonelyplanet.com, and thesavyybackpacker.com. These are all great guides I've been using to help plan my trip and get advice from more experience travelers.
As always, comment below if you have any suggestions or if you think I'm missing anything.
Ciao~
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