How to Plan a Trip to Japan or Anywhere Else

Trip Planning is the key to any successful trip. Specifically, if you are asking, “How to plan a trip to Japan or anywhere else”, you need our help. Consequently, since Robin and I are both former business executives, each with over 40 years of planning experience, we can conclusively say that “everything works out better when properly planned”. This is certainly true when it comes to travel. Therefore, the first set of steps in DIY Travel is to follow a well thought out planning process.

Small Group Travel Planning has its own challenges. For specific information about Small Group Travel Planning please see out post on that topic.

How to Plan a Trip to Japan or Anywhere else? Cos and Robin in Las Vegas

How to Plan a Trip to Japan or Anywhere else – Cos’s 6-Step Planning Process:

Explicitly, based on our experience, we are recommending that you follow this simple six-step planning approach:

Step One – The Trip Planning “W” Questions

Question One – Why do I want to travel?

If you are asking, “how do I plan a trip to Japan or anywhere else”, then you may want to ask another question first: Why do I want to go there? This may seem like a simple question, but you may not have a simple answer, or you may be surprised why people travel, so check our post “Why Travel?”.

Resource: Why Travel?

Question Two -Where Do I want to go?

This is probably the most important question. To prove this point, Yogi Berra said, “You gotta be careful if you don’t know where you are going, because you might not get there”.

Resource: Destinations

Question Three – What are my transportation and lodging options?

Altogether, depending on your travel budget and where you plan to travel, you have many travel transportation and lodging options.

Resources: DIY Travel Choices, Airlines, Trains & Other Transport Options or Lodging

Question Four – What do I want to do on the trip?

Regardless, if do or do not have all the answers now, you can often do many different types of activities on a single trip. But it is important to know in advance a general idea of what you are planning to do, as this will certainly impact what you need to bring, clothing and possibly equipment. When it comes to bringing large items, e.g., skis, or golf clubs, etc., an option to ship in advance may be a good idea.

Resources: Our Favorite Activities

Questions Five and Six – When do I want to go and what will the weather be like?

The better question might be, “When should I go?”, but you don’t always have a choice.

Once you answer the “what and where” questions, then it is important to check the normal weather conditions for where you plan to travel at that time of the year. One tip that Robin and I learned the hard way is that it is best when going to multiple locations, to try to pick places with a similar climate. Specifically, if you go to a winter place and a summer place on the same trip you will find that you have way too much clothing to pack and drag along. Although, if you do plan such a trip you might want to send some clothing home during the trip.

Step Two -How Much do I want to Spend?

Resource: Vacation Budget Template

It is critical for any travel plan that you set a budget. Specifically, our Vacation Budget Template can be very helpful to help set the budget.

Step Three -Plan the Details of the Itinerary

  • Start by answering the following questions.:
    • How long do I want to travel?
      • Altogether, Robin and Cos prefer a minimum of two or three weeks and a maximum of ninety days. However, you might not want to travel as long as Robin and Cos. On balance, 90 days is a long time.
    • How many people are traveling? How old are they?
      • This can really impact a lot of your plans. If you are traveling solo, then you might want to focus on cruises, tours etc. that cater to solo travelers. If more than two people are traveling you may have to book multiple rooms, etc., and if you are travelling with children, you will need to see if there are any restrictions and also look into programs that are designed for their age groups.
    • Decide where you want to go and plan your itinerary. Book your transportation modes of travel and your lodging preferences. Please see the following posts to help you plan these important steps:
  • Furthermore, if you want to find some tools to help you plan you may wish to visit our travel planning spreadsheet post.

Step Four – What do I Need in Advance of Travel?

  • Passport – Is it valid for at least six months?
  • Vaccinations? – This became very important during the Covid era, but Covid and other vaccinations are still recommended or required in other places.
  • Travel Insurance? – See our post Passports and Travel Insurance. Particularly for information on our recommendations for travel insurance and for more information on travel documents.
  • Travel Agent? – See our post: When to use a Travel Agent.
  • Tour Guides? – See our post: Small Group Travel Tours.
  • House Care? – See our post House Care While Away
  • Visas? – Am I traveling to places where I need a visa? Specifically, most countries in Asia/Pacific and other places require you to obtain a visa. In 2025, Americans looking to travel to Europe will need a visa. Specifically, check out iVisa.com for specific countries.
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Step Five – What do I Pack?

Basically, the biggest question of them all. We have recommendations on a number of topics, and we also recommend other travel sites for good packing recommendations. Please see DIY Travel Tips for Luggage and Packing.

Step Six – Plan Activities and Meals

Once the itinerary is planned, a budget is set,

What do I need to know about where I want to go if I am asking “How to Plan a Trip to Japan or Anywhere Else”?

Great question and we have the answers for you, just follow the following links.

How to Plan a Trip to Europe

Plan a Trip to Asia or Oceania

How to Plan a Trip to the Americas or the Caribbean

How to Plan a Trip in the United States

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