Good trip planning is a few decisions made in the right order. Do these eight and you're done — Trip Companion handles the busywork at each step.
Pick your destination and dates
The two decisions everything hangs on. Dates shape flight prices, the weather you'll pack for, and the crowds you'll meet.
Set a realistic budget
One total you can comfortably spend, split across flights, stays, food, and activities — plus a 10–15% buffer for surprises.
Book flights and a place to stay
Lock in the two biggest costs first. Stay near your must-sees to save daily transit time.
List your must-dos and must-sees
Type them once — “Big Ben” on a London trip resolves to the real attraction, not a guess — and they anchor every day of your plan.
Sketch a flexible day-by-day plan
A morning, afternoon, and evening per day, with nearby stops grouped together. Trip Companion's AI planner fills the gaps; you can reshuffle any day for a fresh, complete schedule.
Pack for the actual forecast
December in New York means a real coat, not shorts. Your starter packing list adapts to the live forecast — or historical averages for trips further out.
Track spending as you go
Log each expense in seconds and watch the running total shift from green to amber to red, so nothing surprises you at the end.
Leave room for the unplanned
Plan the first day or two in detail and keep the rest loose. The best moments are usually the ones you didn't schedule.