Travel Planning for Real People (Not Robots)

The travel industry…hell, the world – is shifting fast.

People aren’t just chasing the next destination anymore – they’re chasing connection, balance, and value. Travelers want authentic experiences, not just perfect photos. And destinations are having to work harder than ever to cut through the noise and prove their worth.

After spending years in tourism marketing – helping destinations tell their stories, inspire visitors, and build meaningful brands (and teams) – I’ve seen this evolution up close. Travel today isn’t only about where you go; it’s about how it changes you, how it supports communities, and how it redefines what “escape” really means.

That’s what The Travel Enthusiast is here for:
To bring you real stories from the road – from unforgettable places to the messy middle parts in between. To talk about what’s working in travel, what’s changing, and how travelers (and the industry itself) can keep growing in smarter, more intentional ways.

If you’re interested in contributing, please email me! This is just the beginning — and it’ll keep evolving right alongside the industry (and…well, me.) We’re all a work in progress here, but I needed to finally launch this MVP. Nothing like the old phrase, “building the plane while flying it,” right? Okay, I’ll stop.

And now, for some insights…

How I Actually Plan My Trips (Without Overcomplicating It)

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from years of both working in travel and living it – it’s that planning doesn’t need to be complicated. I’ve tried all the latest tools, but honestly? I always come back to the basics.

Confession time: I don’t use fancy software or paid travel apps. I still plan most of my trips with a pen and a sheet of paper – unless I’m working for a client (or in my previous role), where we had a full suite of snazzy Google Docs and templates that I humbly built myself. I’m slowly bringing those back into my personal life – in a much simpler, less “corporate deck” kind of way.

I start by drawing squares for each day – literally blocking out where we’ll be, how long the drives are, and what we might want to see in between. It’s my visual way of connecting the dots before anything ever hits Google Maps.

Here’s essentially what I use when I’m mapping out a trip – spoiler: it’s incredibly straightforward and uncomplicated:

Google Maps: I drop pins, color-code must-sees, and use the “Your Places → Lists” feature to plan routes and save restaurants or attractions. Here are some of my most robust!
iCloud Notes or your phone’s Notes app: Ideal for jotting things down quickly – confirmation numbers, packing lists, or “don’t forget the kids’ headphones.”
Google Sheets: My holy grail for group travel. It holds everything – dates, flight numbers, hotel links, and a running budget. (My goal is to put together a Google Sheets template that anyone can use and repurpose – for a small donation ;).
Google Docs: I build my itinerary here day by day, then share it with my family so everyone can comment (or ignore it – let’s be real).
Google Photos + Shared Albums: Perfect for keeping everyone’s photos in one place after the trip.
ChatGPT/Claude: My modern-day brainstorming buddy. Whether it’s comparing routes, finding scenic stops, or translating train schedules, it’s the fastest way to get ideas organized – but user BEWARE. It hallucinates, make sure you Google each place recommended.

Planning doesn’t have to mean spending hours of research or downloading five new apps. Sometimes, it’s just about using simple tools better – and letting technology work for you, not overwhelm you.

Because travel isn’t about running away from everyday life.
It’s about living it differently — with curiosity, creativity, and a little more purpose each time you pack your bags.

What tools do you use when planning your trips?
xx,
A

I’ll leave you with a little breadcrumb (or a trail of them) from our California road trip — the next stop in this storytelling journey.