I'm looking for a trip planning timeline, a 'what should I have done (ideally) by when' sort of list. Searching the internet, the best I've found is... http://www.kfvs12.com/Global/story.asp?S=1855423, but I think there must be a Fodorite with a better one!

I've been to Europe three times, and am completely comfortable with trip planning. I'm asking as I'm building a travel file for my traveling companions for next September, they've never been to Europe. I want them to have a basic schedule guideline on passports, flights, hotel bookings, packing trial runs...

Anyone have anything like this you're willing to share? Thanks in advance!

They should get their passports now.

They should start watching flights now.

Others differ on this point, but I say no hotel bookings until flights are selected. Then take a few days, or at least a few hours, get the best deals, and book. Depending on one's level of obsessiveness, they can then continue rechecking hotel deals until departure. (I admit there could be exceptions for really popular areas, and it might be worth booking these in advance of airfare if that's where you're heading.)


Packing trial runs - such an individual thing. I can't see this as a big deal. Even if they haven't been to Europe, they've probably visited a relative in another state, or have gone to Disneyland, or have done something that required packing a suitcase.

It just sounds like a formal plan is overkill. Anyone with sense should be able to construct a plan that works for them. If they can't figure that out on their own, how will they manage Europe?

Here's a packing list though:

Insurance
Tickets (if not e-tickets)
Money (if you get some in advance)
moneybelt (or other devices)
credit cards
ATM cards
ID other than passport
Foreign-language dictionary
Guidebooks and other books as desired
Folder with hotel/air info and tourist info
watch (wear it)
plastic rain ponchos
umbrella
decongestants/cold meds
plastic bags
cut-up moleskin
Bandaids
extra pair of glasses
deodorant
dental floss
toothbrushes/toothpaste
female products
extra comb

Snack foods
Bottle of water

Trousers
Shirts
Blazer and/or sweater
Underwear
Bras
Dress (optional)
Swimsuit (optional)
Socks
Nylons (if dress is taken)
Scarf
Gloves

digital camera
batteries

Thanks WillT... I'm not a deadline person, so I tell them the things that need to be accomplished, but they'd like more direction.

They will be fine travel partners, but don't use the internet, so the more information I can arm them with - the easier MY life will be in Sept!

They're on the passport task, I search flights and possible hotels everday, so I suppose I'm just complicating it by worrying about them!

Hi travel: Take a look at www.freetraveltips.com
You could print articles for them.Hope this helps.

Someone here recently posted a link to the site freetraveltips.com which has some good checklists for organizing your trip.

>Others differ on this point, but I say no hotel bookings until flights are selected. <

I have all of my hotels booked and am waiting on air fare to go down.

I can always get a ticket (at some price), but my hotels can be filled quickly.

Having done this sort of thing several times I agree w/ WillTravel. I'd just go w/ a simple list and not a formal plan/worksheet.

The largest group of friends I've taken is 13 - and that time we HAD to have a formal plan because I was doing the planning and was the banker - everyone had to pay me when deposits and other payments were due. It was practically an organized group tour because there were so many of us.

But for just a small traveling group, too much is overkill. I often find the more detailed instructions you give them the more things they will have to screw up

As long as they have their passports, ATM (linked to a checking acct) and credit card PINs, tickets and a way to the airport - anything else they forget is really no big deal and can be straightened out.

Give them gentle help and encouragement - but don't be the "mommy". You may come to resent it if you end up being chief cook/bottle washer/tour guide/ w/ them looking to you for everything.

I hate to say this - but you're making it sound more like the D Day invasion than a vacation. Are you sure you aren;t overintellectualizing this?

Planning timeline - start now - stop when you're finished!

Trial packing??? What is this the space shuttle? It's a suitcase - you put stuff in it - then you're done!

I'm sorry - but I just read this to my beau - and he is literally ROFL.