How to plan your dream trip

Do you dream of faraway places? Morocco, Indonesia , India, Canada, or perhaps a road trip through Southern Europe. When wanderlust starts to itch, you know for sure: I want to take my dream trip. Whether it's a year-long sabbatical, a month-long vacation, or an indefinite trip, we'll give you tips for planning your dream trip. So you can embark on your adventure worry-free.

Financial picture

A dream trip doesn't have to remain a dream, but it does start with a realistic financial plan. How much can you save before you leave? List your monthly fixed expenses (including home expenses, such as rent or health insurance) and your expected trip expenses. Think about transportation, accommodations, food, activities, and emergencies. Then set a savings goal and figure out how long it will take you to reach that amount.

💡 Extra tip : open a separate travel account and deposit a fixed amount into it each month. This way, your travel savings will grow steadily and remain manageable. Don't feel like waiting that long? In some cases, you can also use a personal loan (be sure to thoroughly inquire about the terms and conditions). This way, you don't have to postpone your dream.

The route planning

The world is your oyster! But where do you begin? Start with a list of countries or places you really want to see. Then consider the climate (when is the rainy season?) and any visa requirements. Also, try to map out a logical route to avoid unnecessary flights or travel days.

Decide whether you want to plan everything in advance or prefer to go with the flow. A general itinerary provides guidance, but also leaves room for spontaneous plans. Because sometimes you meet people or hear about places that make your trip even more beautiful.

Insurance and vaccinations

Not the most exciting part of your preparation, but very important nonetheless. Check if your current health insurance offers worldwide coverage. If not, supplementary or temporary travel insurance is a must. Also, consider coverage for adventure sports, medical assistance, and repatriation.

It's also wise to visit your local health service (GGD) or a travel clinic well in advance for advice on vaccinations. Some vaccinations are mandatory, others are strongly recommended. And for certain countries, you'll need proof of entry.

Meet others

Traveling solo doesn't mean you're alone. Quite the opposite: you're often more likely to meet people on the road than at home. Consider booking a hostel or joining an organized day trip or hike. Apps like Backpackr, Meetup, or Couchsurfing can also help you connect with other travelers or locals.

Don't forget to join some online communities at home, like Facebook groups or Reddit forums. This way, you'll get inspiration, tips, and who knows, you might even meet people before you even get on the plane.