Plan your next trip in 60 minutes

MANILA, Philippines – These days, life is more fast-paced and getting online is the quickest and most convenient way to get things done. You can pay your bills, request for a ride, order food, or plan your next weekend getaway in just one sitting: all you’d need is an hour or so.

You don’t even need to take time off from your work or school schedule. Imagine counting down the minutes before your 1-hour lunch break. How do you plan on spending it? You have a few choices: take a well-deserved break and have lunch with your colleagues, catch up on work like the model employee that you are, or spend your time wisely, get online, and plan your next trip.

Today, set aside some time at lunch break (or after getting home from work) to make your dream destination a reality.

Here’s a guide on how you can save time (and money) as you plan your next trip online.  

1. Choose your destination (5-10 minutes)

For sure you have your list of “places you want to see before you die.” Why not cross off one destination? It doesn’t have to be the grandest item on the list, but if it were, then now is as good a time as any to make this trip happen!

2. Asses if you can you afford it (10 minutes)

One reason (and it’s a big one) why dream destinations remain elusive is budget restrictions. But hey, if you really wanted to go to one place you’d save up for it, right? If you have alternative options as to where to go and what to do, consider what you can afford best right now. As they say, great things – or in this case, great trips – take time.

3. Research (15-20 minutes)

Once you’ve decided on where to go and what your budget is, you can start your actual research. Browse through travel blogs, visit travel sites, or check out forums that talk about your place of choice. Check out tags on Instagram and be inspired by the beautiful photos of users who have something to say about a certain place. You can even consult itineraries for a tight budget and work around what you can spend.

Things you should take note of are: activities to do, how to get around, where to eat, where to stay, the nightlife, basic phrases in the local language (if you don’t speak it), and if there are any do’s or don’ts you must observe.

4. Do you need a visa? (5 minutes)

There are plenty of countries that don’t require a visa for foreign tourists. If your dream destination requires you to apply for one, then make sure you have enough time to prepare the paperwork and process the application before your departure.

5. What’s the weather like? (3-5 minutes)

Once you’ve picked the month or season for your travel, check out what the weather will be like. This will also help you determine what gear you should pack, if the activities you want to do are perfect for that season, and ensure your #OOTDs will rock.

6. Book your ticket and hotel (10-15 minutes)

Yes, all you need is a few minutes to lock it all down. Check out one-stop booking websites such as Traveloka.com. The site offers flights and hotels for countries like Cambodia, Philippines, Vietnam, Hong Kong, and Australia.

Affordable flights and hotels can be found on the site thanks to their lineup of airline and hotel partners. If you want to check promo fares, they have a “Promo Quick Finder” feature for cheap fares released in the last 48 hours.

You can also choose to filter your flight options in terms of airline, time and price. Another feature to check out is “Smart Combo” which allows you to save 40% in your ticket.

You can also download the app to book even on the go!

7. After 60 minutes: start preparing for your trip at home

Now that all the booking and research are done, it’s time to pack your bags and make a checklist of things to bring once you get home. For now, just enjoy the feeling of looking forward to a new adventure. 

Planning trips may seem complicated at first but with the latest technology, it can be done in a few clicks. So make that one hour count and check out a new place you can visit this year. – Rappler.com