Bucket List trip planning
So, you’ve got the destination in mind. Maybe it’s the food, the scenery, the adventure, or the dream you’ve had tucked away for years. You know you want to go – but where do you even start?
That’s where we come in. At Make It Travel, our job is to take what feels overwhelming and turn it into something exciting, achievable and beautifully mapped out – so that the planning becomes just as enjoyable as the trip itself.
Here’s a look at the process we use to bring big, bucket-list holidays to life.
Step One: Travel Dates & Seasons
First things first – when can you travel? Is it the right season for your chosen destination? Are you planning far enough in advance to avoid sky-high peak prices or limited availability?
We also think about who you’re travelling with and how fast (or slow) you want to go. This is where we start to sketch out your trip – how many nights in each place, how much downtime you need, and whether you’ll be rushing from city to city or soaking it all in at a more relaxed pace.
Step Two: Define the Non-Negotiables
Grab a pen and make your “must-do” list. These are your non-negotiables – the places, experiences or events your whole itinerary needs to be built around.
Maybe it’s travelling only by train, meaning we stick to destinations with great rail connections. Or maybe there’s a festival or seasonal event that sets your dates in stone. These anchors help shape the trip and ensure we’re designing something truly personal.
Step Three: Make It Make Sense Logistically
One of the most important (and often overlooked) parts of trip planning is the flow. Do the destinations link easily by flight or train? Are you zigzagging across a country or moving through it in a clean, logical loop?
Sometimes a direct 4-hour train is much more relaxing than the rigmarole of a 1-hour flight. We’ll help you figure out the most time-efficient, enjoyable route – with plenty of advice on how long to spend in each spot. And yes – less is often more.
Step Four: Budgeting – Where to Splurge, Where to Save
Let’s get real about the numbers. You don’t have to splurge on everything – just the parts that matter most.
Whether that’s a boutique stay in a once-in-a-lifetime location or swapping a city-centre hotel for a peaceful apartment with a kitchen, we’ll help you make smart choices. It’s about prioritising – not cutting corners.
Step Five: This is Where Sara Works Her Magic
Once I’ve got the brief, I get to work designing a beautiful, balanced itinerary. I research, refine, compare pricing, tweak travel times, and handpick accommodation in the right locations. I’ll shuffle dates for better availability and map the logistics so it all flows smoothly.
When it’s ready, you’ll receive a clear, detailed proposal that brings your trip to life on paper.
Step Six: Lock It In, Eddy!
Once we’ve made the final tweaks, it’s time to book! We’ll confirm flights, accommodation, and major inclusions. You can start thinking about the fun stuff – like shows to see, restaurants to book, what to pack, and how many pairs of shoes is too many (hint: there’s no such thing).
I’ll provide a payment schedule and we’ll guide you through visas, connectivity, currency, and all the finer details.
Step Seven: It’s Nearly Go Time
As your departure gets closer, we’ll finalise travel documents and iron out any little creases. This is your chance to lock in extra day tours, experiences or upgrades.
From start to finish, we’re here to make it seamless – so you can head off feeling confident, calm and ready for your greatest adventure yet.
