Complete Schedule: From 6 Months Before to Departure
Proper timing is crucial for successful trip planning. This comprehensive timeline breaks down exactly when to book, plan, and prepare for your travels. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a round-the-world adventure, follow this schedule to get the best deals, avoid stress, and ensure nothing important falls through the cracks.
Our AI trip planner creates personalized timelines for your specific trip, sends automated reminders for key deadlines, and ensures you never miss critical booking windows or preparation steps.
Follow this schedule from dream to departure
Initial inspiration and broad planning
Narrow down to 1-2 top destinations
Making concrete choices and starting preparations
Book flights and accommodation
Securing flights, accommodation, and major activities
Plan detailed itinerary and activities
Fine-tuning itinerary and specific arrangements
Begin final preparations and packing
Last-minute bookings and preparations
Start packing and final preparations
Final packing and last-minute preparations
Final checks and departure
Last-minute preparations and checks
Enjoy your trip!
Quick reference schedules for different travel styles
2-3 days trip
5-7 days trip
10-14 days trip
3+ months trip
Pro strategies for staying on schedule
Stay ahead of these common timeline pitfalls
Some countries take weeks or months to process visas
Apply for visas 3-4 months in advance, check processing times
Have backup destinations ready, consider visa services
Waiting too long can result in much higher prices
Set price alerts, book 6-8 weeks for domestic, 2-3 months for international
Be flexible with dates, consider alternative airports
Popular places book up months in advance
Book accommodation as soon as flights are confirmed
Look at nearby areas, consider vacation rentals
Passport processing can take 6-8 weeks or longer
Check passport expiration 9+ months before travel
Pay for expedited processing if available
Coordinating schedules and decisions with others takes time
Set clear deadlines for decisions, use shared planning tools
Consider booking individually if group decisions are delayed
These dates are non-negotiable for successful travel
3-6 months before travel
6-8 weeks (domestic), 2-3 months (international)
As soon as flights are booked
Before booking non-refundable items
2 weeks before departure
More resources to perfect your travel planning
Common questions about travel planning timelines
Planning timeline varies by trip type: Weekend getaways need 2-4 weeks, week vacations need 2-3 months, international trips need 4-6 months, and round-the-world trips need 8-12 months. Start with the big items like flights and accommodation first.
Book domestic flights 6-8 weeks in advance and international flights 2-3 months ahead. For peak season or holidays, book 3-4 months early. Set price alerts and be flexible with dates for the best deals.
Apply for visas 3-4 months before travel, though some countries require 6 months or more. Check processing times and have backup plans. Always ensure your passport is valid 6+ months beyond your travel dates.
Critical deadlines include: visa applications (3-4 months out), flight bookings (6-8 weeks domestic, 2-3 months international), accommodation (as soon as flights are booked), and travel insurance (before booking non-refundable items).