I may not be able to travel anywhere right now, but I’m still planning future travels for whenever that may be. I like to thoroughly research everything before going on a trip from transport, accommodation to food, photo spots and important info. I never really had a list, just things I knew I needed to research.

I decided to take the time to organize everything better, and so ended up with a list of 115(!) things to Google before your next vacation. Some of these will apply for a domestic holiday, but my list is aimed at an international holiday (takes so long to get anywhere from Australia I only do big trips around 5 – 7 weeks to make the time / cost worthwhile) so there ends up being a lot to plan.

I have a printable version of the list (with checkboxes) and a blank checklist for you to add your own tasks – download link is at the end of this post.

Itinerary

Things you must see in [country / city]
Top things to see in [country / city]
Top things to do in [country / city]
Best viewpoints in [country / city]
Other people’s itineraries for 2 day, 3 day etc.
Maps that plot the main attractions at your destination so you don’t waste time criss-crossing public transport
High versus low season of the destination you are visiting

Phone

Compatible / sister provider to your home mobile
Cheapest option – is there a flat rate fee per day for data roaming? How much data does it include? Is it available in the countries you are visiting?
Sim card brands and where to buy + approx. cost

Transport

Best way to get to [your hotel, famous attraction]
Train directions from
Google maps
Rome to Rio (to compare cost)
If there’s a discount pass if you’re under a certain age, student, senior
How to get from the airport to your hotel
Cost comparison between joining a day tour and using public transport
Airport layover – what shops and attractions are in the airport
Is it cheaper to buy the ticket in advance or on the day?
Direct flight time and cost versus an indirect flight
Airline alliances with your home country’s airlines
Do you need to pre-buy train and bus tickets? Is it more expensive to buy on the day?
Seat selection – research the best side of the plane to sit on for a view of your destination on arrival in the plane, best train carriage
Round the world ticket cost versus booking individual tickets
Luggage restrictions – weight, dimensions, no. of suitcases

Attractions

Main attractions in [city or country]
Best day trips from [city] (go more detailed as well e.g. season, Christmas time etc.)
Best time of day to visit [attraction] to avoid the crowds
Is there a skip the line option? If so, how much is the ticket?
Opening hours for attractions and are they open on Sundays?
Cost of visiting attractions and are there days where the entry ticket are cheaper?
Special events at the attractions e.g. what time is changing of the guard at Windsor Castle
Age requirements for discounted tickets (student, senior etc.)
Parking / public transport options and cost to get to the destination

Accommodation

I have a separate process / list for this. See this post.

Neighbourhood

Is it safe?
Nearby restaurants
Distance from public transport e.g. walking time to nearest train station
Distance / travel time to attractions you want to visit

Room & Hotel Facilities

Free wifi (unlimited or how many GB per 24 hours?)
Microwave
Mini fridge
Bath or shower?
Room size
Extra cost for cot / extra bed
Is there a lift? (especially in older hotels and Air Bnb’s)
Private bathroom (some have see through ‘walls’ into the sleeping area)
Breakfast included?
Free cancellation?
Check in and check out time
Pool
Gym
Free parking / on-site parking
Kids club / childcare
Pets allowed?
Non-smoking room?
Airport transfer shuttle bus (free or paid? What times does it operate?)
Transfer shuttle bus to nearby attractions (free or paid? What times does it operate?)

Reviews

Tripadvisor reviews (especially for the time of year you’ll be visiting)
Hotel rating on:
1. Tripadvisor
2. Booking.com
3. Hotel Website
Check photos of the hotel room (especially from other travellers – refer Tripadvisor)
Travel blogs (not sponsored reviews)
Which room locations are less noisy (i.e. so you can request a room at the back of the hotel or from level 4 or above etc.)

Price

Price check
1. Booking.com
2. Hotel website (booking direct)
Price stalk (for approx. 2 – 4 weeks to check for price fluctuations, promotions etc.)

Language

Basic phrases e.g. hello, thank you, entry, exit, how much?
Foods e.g. chicken, beef
How to ask for bottled water
Medicine equivalents in the country you are visiting e.g. panadol

Photos

Free viewpoints
Best spots to photograph famous landmarks [e.g. the Eiffel Tower]
Best photo spots in [season]
Filming locations [TV show or movie you like to watch e.g. Emily in Paris]
Photography tutorials e.g. how to photograph the Northern Lights

Currency

One of (your currency) to (destination currency) such as 1 AUD to USD
Exchange rates (usually cheaper to get via your bank)
Tipping etiquette
Budget e.g. expected cost for 1 day in [city or country]
Banks that partner with your home bank e.g. less fees

Important Info

Time zone conversion. E.g. when it is 10am at home, what time is it at your destination (so you know when to book flight times and plan your itinerary around when you can call home if you need to)
Safety e.g. is it safe to walk around [city / country] after dark
Sunset times (if you want to visit an attraction at night or avoid being out at night)
Visa requirements
Vaccine requirements
Popular scams
What you are and aren’t allowed to take photos of
Things that are illegal or advise against doing
Nearby laundromats near your hotel
Check if there are any entry or exit fees for the country / countries you are visiting
Power point plug configuration and voltage
Monsoon season, risk of bushfire or other natural disaster
Research travel insurance

Shopping

Shops you want to go to e.g. stationery shops
Major department stores
Supermarkets
Pharmacies

Food

Chocolate shops
Gelato shops
Restaurants
Foods to try
Typical cost of a main meal in [city / country]
Where to find [food that is famous in that city or country]
How to order at a restaurant e.g. when to ask for the bill
Popular snack foods you can buy at the supermarket
Foods you are / are not allowed to bring in to the country you are visiting (and bring back to your home country)

Seasonal events

National holidays
Places to go (or maybe avoid if they’re busy) during holiday periods
Festivals

Packing

Packing list for [city or country] in [season]
Average temperature for [city or country]
Do you need to cover up? What is the dress code?

Gadgets

Useful tools e.g. read reviews of travel pillows, baggage weigh scales

Pre-Planned Itineraries / Group Tours

How many people will be on the tour?
Age group
Single supplement fee
Research the nominated hotels (reviews, how many star rating)
How much free time at each destination?
Cost of joining the optional tour excursions vs. going by yourself on public transport
Reviews (Google, blogs)
Compare itinerary and cost between tour companies offering the same (or similar) itinerary
Baggage allowance

Click here to download the list! (existing subscribers can login to the free printables library and download here)