Analysis paralysis is the enemy of travel. We often spend so much time researching the “perfect” hotel that we miss the good ones. Here is a 20-minute sprint method to get a trip on the books.
Step 1: Set Your Anchors (5 Mins)
Don’t start with “what should we do?” Start with “when and where.”
Pick your dates. Pick your destination. Commit. Once these anchors are set, 90% of the infinite choices disappear, making the rest of the planning easier.
Step 2: The One-Click Bundle (10 Mins)
Open Expedia. Enter your destination and dates. Select “Bundle and Save” (Flight + Hotel).
Why? It’s faster than searching separately, and you often get a discount. Sort by “Guest Rating” (4.0+) and “Distance from Downtown.” Pick the first option that fits your budget and looks clean. Don’t read 50 reviews. Read the most recent 3. If they are good, book it.
Step 3: The Fun Fillers (5 Mins)
Now you have a flight and a bed. You need one “Hero Activity” per day.
Google “Top things to do in [City].” Pick 3 distinct things (e.g., one museum, one park, one famous landmark). Book tickets for them immediately if possible. Boom. You have a structure.
Leave the rest of the time for wandering and eating. You don’t need to plan every meal. Ask the hotel concierge for dinner recommendations when you arrive.
The Tools We Use
We rely on consolidation. Using a single app for flights, hotels, and car rentals keeps your itinerary in one place. No hunting through emails for different confirmation numbers.
Done is Better Than Perfect
A “pretty good” trip that actually happens is infinitely better than a “perfect” trip that stays in your imagination. Book the trip!
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