How we plan our trips
How we pick where to go, when we book, who does what and the apps we use once we’re away.
We’re not travel agents and we don’t have a system as such. This is simply how the two of us go from “we should go there” to a booked trip, and what we use when we get there.
Choosing where to go
We decide together. When a place is on both our lists, we look for cheap flights, check we’re both free, and book. We also keep an eye on where Karl Watson’s next group trips are heading. Three of ours have been with Karl’s groups: Thailand in 2022, Antarctica and Switzerland.
When we book
We start looking more than a year ahead. First we work out the best time of year to go, then we wait for the flights for that period to be released. When they are, we check the prices, and if they’re within our budget we book.
Who does what
Jen sorts the travel insurance and the money, and finds us somewhere to stay. Mark puts together the schedule and the places to visit, and edits the photos and films once we’re home.
The apps we use
- Flights: Skyscanner
- Hotels: Agoda
- Mobile data: a Nomad eSIM. With our code MARK58QY you get $5 off your first plan. It’s our referral code, so we get a small credit too.
- Money: Revolut when we’re abroad
- Getting around: Grab and Bolt for taxis, or public transport
How long we stay
It depends on the place and how much there is to do. We don’t rush: we’d rather have enough time in each place to enjoy it and meet the people than squeeze in as many stops as we can.
When plans change
Things don’t always go to plan. Bad weather kept us out of Taroko Gorge in Taiwan, and ten days of Covid quarantine took a big bite out of our first Thailand trip. When something becomes a problem, we change the plan and carry on.