How to Plan a Trip
That Actually Feels Like You
Stop copying random Reddit recommendations.
Start with how you want to feel.
Traveling is a true passion for many of us. There's nothing quite like discovering new cultures, landscapes, and people. But let's be honest—planning can be a real headache.
The spreadsheets multiply. Browser tabs pile up. Every Reddit thread sends you down another rabbit hole. Without organization, what should be exciting becomes overwhelming.
Here's a simple routine that actually works.
Choose Your Travel Companions
This is the easiest decision, but it matters more than you think. Who you travel with shapes the entire experience.
- Solo? Maximum freedom, but you'll need to be comfortable being alone (or making friends quickly).
- Friends? Fun and familiar, but make sure you're aligned on budget and travel style. (Trust me, you don't want to share a room with a snorer.)
- Family? Meaningful memories, but requires more compromise and planning.
- Strangers? Great for meeting new people, but be ready for unpredictability.
Once you've decided, you're ready for the next step.
Know Yourself First
Here's what most people get wrong: they immediately ask "Where should I go?" without knowing what they actually want.
Asking on Reddit or travel forums will get you 50 different recommendations for 50 different reasons. Everyone's different. What works for them might not work for you.
Before searching for destinations, ask yourself these three questions:
How do you want to feel?
Calm? Energized? Inspired? Connected? Adventurous?
What do you want to see?
Nature, culture, food, nightlife, history, architecture?
What did you like (or hate) from past trips?
Learn from experience. Patterns matter.
"Here's the thing: You wouldn't buy a car by only comparing MPG and horsepower. Why choose a city that way?"
Most travel tools filter by wifi speed, rent prices, and weather. That's useful data, but it misses what actually matters—how a place makes you feel. That's why we built Novad: emotion-first matching for people who want more than just spreadsheets.
Find Your Destination
Now that you know yourself better, it's time to narrow down your options.
Use online tools to gather data: costs, safety, weather, internet quality, things to do. Tools like Numbeo and Novad are great for this. Compare 1-5 potential cities that match your criteria.
But don't stop at data. The best insights come from people who've actually been there. Join city-specific subreddits, Facebook groups, or Slack communities. Ask questions. Read recent experiences.
Pro tip:
Not sure where to start? Try our city matching quiz—it takes 2 minutes and suggests destinations based on your personality and preferences.
Take the QuizBy now, you should have a clear favorite (or two). Time to make it real.
Plan the Details
You know where you're going. Now for the logistics.
Book flights and accommodation. Trip.com is reliable for finding affordable options without sacrificing quality. Compare prices, read reviews, and book strategically.
Create a flexible itinerary. Plan your must-dos, but leave gaps for spontaneity. Talk to locals (or AI) for recommendations. The best experiences often aren't in the guidebook.
Pack smart. Less is more. You'll thank yourself later when you're not lugging around things you never used.
Don't book all your accommodation upfront—leave room for spontaneity and discoveries.
Join local Facebook groups or Slack communities before you arrive to get insider tips.
Your itinerary is a guide, not a contract. The best experiences often aren't planned.
And that's it. You're ready to go.
Helpful Tools
A curated list of resources that actually make planning easier.
Ready to Find Your Next Destination?
Start matching with cities based on how you want to feel. Join our waitlist for early access to Novad's emotion-first travel platform.
No credit card required · Launching Early 2026