How to plan a holiday, step by step

Watch it done

Here are the same steps in the free planner, on a real example trip: a week in Lanzarote for two.

1. Set your budget first

Decide what you're happy to spend before you look at a single price. It's much easier to choose between options when you know the number you're working to, and it stops one exciting hotel from taking over the whole trip. Be clear about what the budget covers: just travel and the stay, or spending money too.

Our guide to how to budget for a holiday goes through it in more detail.

2. Choose where and when

Think about the kind of break you want (sun and sand, a city, the countryside, a road trip) and who's coming. Then look at when: prices often rise in school holidays and around bank holidays, so if your dates can move, it's worth checking a week either side. Look up the typical weather for your dates too.

3. Sort out how you'll get there

Compare the whole cost of each way of travelling, not just the headline fare. Many cheap flights are hand luggage only, with bags, seats and card fees on top, plus parking or transfers at each end. For UK trips, driving or the train can work out simpler, especially for a family or a short break.

4. Book where you'll stay

Location matters as much as the room: being close to what you want to do saves time and transport costs. Read recent reviews, check what's included (breakfast, parking, a kitchen) and look for free cancellation if your plans might change.

5. Plan things to do, but not every minute

Pick the few things you'd really hate to miss and book those, especially popular tours and shows that sell out. Then leave free days for the beach, a long lunch or whatever you find when you get there.

6. Keep every booking in one place

Confirmation emails, booking references, check-in times and flight numbers have a way of scattering across inboxes and screenshots. Put them all in one place, laid out day by day, and you'll always know what's booked, what's left and where you need to be.

7. Work through a before-you-go checklist

Passports, any visas, travel insurance, a GHIC for the EU, parking, currency and online check-in. Our holiday checklist puts them in the order you'll need them.

8. Keep an eye on spending while you're away

Note what you spend as you go, in the currency you paid in. A quick look at the running total before dinner beats a surprise when the card statement arrives.