Why a Holiday Planner Makes Organising the Perfect Getaway Easy

It’s June, a month when globetrotters and armchair adventurers alike get itchy feet.  Especially when you live in the UK and the summer weather is….let’s just say, unpredictable at the very least!   There's a world out there teeming with twinkling city lights, lush green landscapes, vibrant street markets, quaint cobblestone alleys, crystal-clear oceans, and snowy mountain peaks.  It's one just waiting to be explored.  But don’t start packing a suitcase just yet!  Rather, take time to create a dedicated holiday planner – because good preparation will enable you to embark on the holiday of a lifetime, without any mishaps!  

Now, you might be wondering, "Why do I need a holiday planner book?" Well, imagine having a trusty sidekick, an ally in your mission to conquer every corner of the world.  It soon becomes a friend who's with you every inch of the way - from daydreaming about foreign lands to actually stepping off the plane.  This sidekick isn’t a cape-clad superhero – it’s something better; something practical that can be entirely personalised to your taste and style – it’s a humble notebook, with can be transformed with a little imagination and few journal pens.

You see, anyone opening up a blank A5 journal will see that it has the possibility to be so much more than just a bundle of pages.  In reality, it is the ultimate travel planner book; one just waiting to be filled in.  

This is because blank pages, be they in a dotted journal or a lined notebook have the potential to transform into something amazing – your very own, unique holiday organiser; one that contains all travel plans as well as becoming a permanent record of your trip. 

Dotted paper is a great medium for an effective travel planner.  This is because it provides the perfect, yet discrete background to create your personalized journal.  The dots become something youtransform.  They are like an all-knowing, all-powerful tool that speaks your language, understands your desires, ready to adapt to every twist and turn of your journey.

This is why a dotted journal notebook is no ordinary note book!  These tiny, pale little marks fade into the background of your planner journal, yet allow you to create outlines, tables, charts and lists, easily.  It means pretty notebooks with their magical dot grid paper are perfect for when you want to monitor holiday funds, research countries, sketch out itineraries, add colour to day-to-day trip visions, and even for those late-night doodles inspired by travel aspirations.

A custom diary, is designed to be a faithful companion; a repository for wild travel fantasies and a chronicle of unforgettable adventures.  So, if you’re ready to escape the mundane and dive headfirst into a well-planned adventure, you're in the right place.  

It doesn’t matter if you’re dreaming of a serene Balinese villa, a buzzing New York high-rise, or even just a camping trip on the South Downs in Sussex, it’s never too late to start a holiday planner 2023.

 

Photo credit @plslars

We’ve put together some great suggestions to get you started, so you too can feel that tingle of excitement as holiday plans start to take shape.  Find out how you can turn one of our cute journals into the perfect travel planner – so that you won’t fall into the traps caused by failing to pre-plan a holiday properly.

Plan, Plan, Plan

Part of the excitement of any wellplanned travel is choosing where to go. Whether you're a history buff, food enthusiast, nature lover, or thrill-seeker, chatting with friends and searching online can help you find, and note down, the right destination that caters to your interests.

Photo credit: @boostingbujo

The goal is not just to tick countries off a list, but to immerse yourself in different cultures, customs, and cuisines.  

Why not include a section in your notebooks for the top places to visit, interesting local customs, and must-try dishes!

Smart Budgeting

Keeping track of holiday savings and setting a realistic holiday budget is always fiscally smart.  It's all about balance: you want to create an unforgettable experience, but without breaking the bank.  

The first step is to jot down any expected expenses you can think of, and start to divide them into categories.  For example: flights, accommodation, meals, souvenirs, and miscellaneous costs.  

Start with a budget you're comfortable with, then work to find the best deals and options that fit within it.  Not only are you setting the tone for a holiday that is both fun and financially responsible, it gives you a realistic savings target.

 

Photo credit: Pinterest

Flights and Accommodation

Finding the right flights and accommodation is the next step for any holiday plan.  Do not forget to check the office holiday planner, before researching flights that suit your schedule and budget, so there’s no date conflicts.

As for accommodation, consider all options.  Do you prefer a high-end hotel, a cosy bed and breakfast, or a unique Airbnb experience?

Custom notebooks can be vital tools for comparing prices and amenities across different platforms – as they offer a place to record relevant information.   One top tip, when it comes to finding a good place to stay, is don't forget to pay attention to location.  Being close to attractions can save you time and money on transport.

To-Do-List

In the weeks leading up to your trip, we suggest creating a pre-trip planning page and a to-do list in your personalised notebook.  In this way, nothing will be left to chance.  

 

Photo credit @nohnoh.studies

Even before you’ve started to pack the sun cream, there are more important details to remember.  From arranging travel insurance, checking passport validity, to booking airport transfers, and reading through local COVID-19 guidelines - your holiday planner has space for all these crucial tasks.

Shopping List and Packing List

Shopping lists and packing lists are lifesavers.  Unlike pre-printed travel planners a blank notebook allows you to create your own dedicated sections for both these – so you will never forget all the essentials.

Photo credit: @morninglinedesign

Because, if you’ve ever left your house only to realise you've left something, behind, you know this can blight a holiday!   With a comprehensive packing list, that's a thing of the past.  

This list should include everything from climate suitable clothes to necessary toiletries, books and music to upload to your phone.  And, don’t forget your favourite note books for capturing things you’d like to buy while ON your holiday.

An A5 bullet journal or a B5 bullet journal are both perfect for noting down a list of things you need to buy and pack. 

Day-to-Day Itinerary

Now, we're onto the fun stuff – planning what to see and do on your trip!  A luxury notebook with 160gsm paper shines in this department.  It allows you to chart your day-to-day itinerary with finesse.  Use whatever bullet journal pens appeal to sketch out your plans.  Personally, we like to add a touch of colour to our trip notes using Tombow brush pens. 

Another top tip is: be sure to reserve spots for notable restaurants, tourist spots, and local gems, before you leave home….to avoid disappointment!

Things to See and Do

One of the best parts about travelling is stepping out of your comfort zone and trying new things.  Use your holiday planner to note down unique activities, local food, and cultural experiences.  

Photo credit @journalspiration

Is there a unique sport in the area? A quirky local festival happening? From bungee jumping in New Zealand to tasting sushi in Tokyo, there's a whole world out there waiting to be explored!

Keep track of these experiences in your A5 dotted notebook or B5 journal.  Remember, your journal is not just a boring notebook, but a time capsule recording your holiday adventures.

Keeping a Journal of The Trip

After all the pre-travel work and meticulous planning of each day of your holiday, documenting your actual journey becomes a part of the adventure.                                                                                       

This is where your A5 lined notebook, a couple of gelly roll pens, and some Washi tape come into their own.  These tools can help you transform a regular note-taking exercise into a creative outlet.

 

Photo credit @aim4adventure

Record every highlight and stick instant photos, tickets, postcards, or any other memorabilia from your travels onto every page.  After all, your travel journal is your personal storyteller, filled with memories that will last a lifetime.

A Holiday Planner is Forever

Embrace your inner journaler and the joys of compiling a holiday planner.  Not just because good planning is essential for a successful trip.  It’s more than that. 

The journey of planning your trip can be almost as fulfilling as actually arriving at your destination - from the researching and budgeting to boarding the plane.  You'll soon find yourself transformed from an ordinary holidaymaker into a seasoned holiday organiser, equipped with all the tools and tricks to plan a holiday like a pro!

And once the trip comes to an end, your travel planners will serve as a record of every moment – something to be looked through and enjoyed over and over again.  Each one standing as a reminder that you navigated the complexities of planning and embarking on a journey that was entirely your own.

 

Photo credit @misfit.plans

So, what are we waiting for?  Treat yourself to some pretty notebooks and dive headfirst into the exhilarating endeavour of planning the holiday of your dreams!