Welcome dear travelers and adventurers!
When I first started traveling, I honestly had no idea how to organize my trips. For my first trip to Romania and Germany, I spent hours searching online — what sites to use, what to pack, which museums to go to. Over time, I figured out a simple way to plan trips that saves time, money, and energy.
This guide is the step-by-step system I use whenever I plan a trip — whether it’s a weekend getaway or a bigger journey.
- Step 1: Choose Your Destination
- Step 2: Decide on Time & Duration
- Step 3: Budget Your Trip
- Step 4: Book Transportation
- Step 5: Find Accommodation
- Step 6: Download Essential Apps
- Step 7: Research Your Destination
- Step 8: Make a Flexible Itinerary
- Step 9: Pack Smart
- Extra Tips!
Step 1: Choose Your Destination
The first (and sometimes hardest) part! Think about what excites you: do you want history, nature, nightlife, or a mix of everything?
- Inspiration sources: Pinterest boards, travel blogs, TikTok and YouTube videos.
If you’re a student, sometimes your budget decides for you — check the cheapest flight destinations first!
Step 2: Decide on Time & Duration
How many days do you have? A weekend, one week, or more?
- Check the best season for your destination — off-season can be cheaper and less crowded.
- Look at local holidays or festivals (sometimes they’re the highlight, sometimes they make places too crowded).
Step 3: Budget Your Trip
Money is always a big part of travel planning, especially for students.
- Write down expected costs: transport + accommodation + food + activities.
- Add a little extra for surprises.
- Use tools like Google Sheets, Notion, or budgeting apps.
- Apps like Revolut or Wise make money management abroad much easier.
When I went to Romania, almost everyone was using Revolut — it really surprised me!
Step 4: Book Transportation
- Flights: Skyscanner, Kiwi, Ryanair, WizzAir, Booking (always compare).
- Trains & Buses: FlixBus, Omio, RegioJet.
Book early for cheaper prices, especially around weekends and holidays.
Step 5: Find Accommodation
Where you stay really shapes your trip.
- Budget travelers: hostels or student dorms.
- Mid-range: Airbnb, Booking apartments, boutique hotels.
- Comfort/Luxury: hotels in central locations.
If you’re in big European cities, check which district you’ll be in — it really makes a difference.
Step 6: Download Essential Apps
Travel is easier when you have the right tools on your phone. My must-haves:
- Google Maps → routes + offline maps.
- Omio / Rome2Rio → compare trains, buses, flights.
- Booking / Airbnb → quick stay details.
- Revolut / Wise → cheap currency exchange.
- SafetyWing → affordable student-friendly travel insurance.
- Skyscanner / Kiwi → flight deals.
Step 7: Research Your Destination
Before you finalize your plan, take some time to research the country or city you’re visiting. This step will save you money, time, and stress — and it makes your trip way more fun.
What I usually check:
- Language basics → hello, thank you, cheers.
- Apps → transport, maps, taxi, bike/scooter sharing.
- Currency & money → local currency, exchange rates, how people usually pay.
- Transportation → airport transfers, public transport passes, night options.
- Culture & history → museums, traditions, important holidays.
- Reservations → tickets, restaurants, or tours that sell out fast.
I always make a Google Maps list and To do lists in my notes app for each city — it keeps everything in one place.
Step 8: Make a Flexible Itinerary
Now that you’ve done your research, you can put everything together into a simple plan. Don’t plan every single minute— leave space for spontaneous adventures, but create a structure that helps you see the most without rushing.
- Group must-see spots by neighborhood (so you don’t waste time).
- Add your researched things to do, cafés, restaurants, bars, and shopping places into the plan.
- Include local foods, drinks, and snacks you want to try.
- Add 1–2 relaxing activities (parks, coffee breaks).
- Keep some free time for random discoveries — they’re usually the best memories.
- Leave time for random discoveries — they’re usually the best part.
I also check TikTok and Pinterest for must-see spots — it saves so much time. Plus, I share my own city guides on my socials, so you can always check there too!
Step 9: Pack Smart
Packing can make or break your trip.
- Always check the weather!
- Essentials: passport + documents, chargers + powerbank, travel insurance, some cash.
- For students → don’t forget your student card (discounts almost everywhere).
Extra Tips!
- Double-check visa requirements.
- Save copies of your passport, tickets, and accommodation address.
- Book a walking tour on your first day — it’s the easiest way to get to know a new city.
- SIM Card & Internet → Staying connected is important, especially for maps and tickets. In Europe, I usually recommend getting a local prepaid SIM or using an eSIM app like Airalo.
- In Hungary, providers like Telekom, Yettel, and Vodafone have tourist-friendly packages .
If you’re traveling through multiple countries, an eSIM (like Airalo) is cheaper and easier than buying a new card in every country.
Planning a trip doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Once you get used to these steps, it feels natural — and you can focus on the fun part: actually enjoying your adventure. As a student, I’ve learned that with a little planning, even budget trips can be full of rich experiences.
If you enjoyed this guide, you might also like my other posts:
- Everything a Tourist or Student Should Know Before Coming to Budapest
- Things To Do in Budapest – 20+ Experiences for Every Traveler
- 15+ Best Places to Visit in Budapest – With Stories and Tips Only Locals Know
📌 Disclosure: Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you book or buy through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend services I personally use and love.
Site 
Leave a comment