How to organize your trip abroad?

  • Travel guide
Written on03.07.25
Les rues colorées de Lisbonne

5 essential steps to prepare for your stay abroad with peace of mind

Everything you need to anticipate for a successful, stress-free trip

When planning a trip abroad, excitement mounts as departure approaches. But before you pack your suitcase, there are several important steps to take to avoid unpleasant surprises. Once all these steps have been completed, all that's left to do is wait quietly until departure day!

The basis for peace of mind

1. Evaluate your travel budget

Anticipating your budget helps you choose your destination better
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Transportation

Include the cost of plane or train tickets, airport transfers, local transportation (bus, metro, cab) and car rental.
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Hosting

From campsites to 4-star hotels, prices vary enormously. Calculate your budget according to duration, desired comfort and booking options.
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Meals

Think about breakfasts, restaurant meals and snacks, as well as shopping if you have a kitchen in your home.
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Activities and visits

Entrance tickets to museums, guided excursions, sports activities, events... These expenses can quickly mount up, so it's best to anticipate them in your overall budget.
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Travel insurance

It covers unforeseen events (illness, theft, cancellation...). Compulsory in some countries, it is especially recommended for a worry-free trip.
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Administration fees

Passport, visa, vaccinations, international driving license... These formalities can involve variable costs, depending on the requirements of the chosen country.
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Extras and contingencies

Think about souvenirs, tips, drinks, possible extra costs or unforeseen situations. A small safety margin prevents unpleasant surprises when traveling.
Vue panoramique de Lisbonne
Between desire, budget and reality

2. Choose the ideal destination

A few simple criteria will help you make the right choice.

Choosing your destination is often the most exciting part of a trip, but it deserves some thought. Start by defining your desires: beach, nature, culture, total change of scenery or city trip express? Then adapt your choice to your budget and the duration of your stay: going far away for a short period may not be very profitable. Find out about the climate, the health conditions, the entry formalities (visa, vaccinations), and any advisory areas. Also check the cost of living locally, which can have a major impact on your daily expenses. Finally, consider your level of comfort: do you prefer an accessible country or a more adventurous destination?

How to choose the right travel destination

3. Check your administrative documents

Formalities vary from country to country.
Plan ahead to avoid any unpleasant surprises when boarding.

Before going abroad, make sure you're in good standing with the mandatory documents. To start with, check the validity of your passport: in many countries, it must be valid at least 6 months after the date of return. Some countries also require a visa, which can be applied for online or via their embassy. You can consult the entry, safety and health requirements for each country on the official website of the Ministère des Affaires étrangères. On the health side, visit the official site of the French administration to know required or recommended vaccines. If you're planning to drive abroad, remember to apply for an international driving permit, essential in certain countries outside Europe. Finally, don't forget to scan your documents (passport, insurance, tickets, reservations...) and save them in a secure space (cloud or email) accessible at all times. Good administrative preparation saves you a lot of hassle once you're there.

Chambre avec une piscine privée

4. Book transport and accommodation

Transportation and accommodation are two major items to organize in advance, and their quality will strongly influence your experience on site.

On the transport side, plan ahead to take advantage of the best fares and avoid busy periods. For flights, compare prices on several platforms such as Skyscanner, Google Flights or our own air ticket booking platform. Don't forget to include transfers (airports, train stations, ports), internal travel (bus, metro, car rental), eventourist passes that make it easier to get around locally.

Accommodation,choose according to your needs: comfortable hotel, friendly hostel, homestay, rented apartment... Compare offers, read customer reviews, and favor well-located addresses, close to points of interest or well served. By booking early, you gain peace of mind and often savings.

5. Plan your activities

Organize your activities to make the most of every moment on site.
Personne dans les rizières dans un pays d'Asie

Cultural discovery and heritage

Visit museums, historic monuments, listed sites and explore local traditions to better understand the culture and history of your destination.
Amazonie vue du ciel

Nature and adventure

Hiking, safaris, diving or sporting activities: choose experiences that bring you closer to nature and give you a thrill.
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Local gastronomy

Taste culinary specialties, take part in cooking workshops or visit markets to savor the country's gastronomic riches.
Rues brésiliennes en train de célébrer une fête locale

Events and festivals

Find out about celebrations, concerts, local markets and festivals during your stay, for an authentic and convivial experience.
Boutique artisanale

Shopping and crafts

Discover local products, artisans and markets to bring back unique souvenirs while supporting the local economy.

Free time and relaxation

And don't forget to take breaks to stroll, relax on the beach or simply enjoy the atmosphere, without a rigid schedule.

Ready for your trip abroad?

Organizing a trip abroad requires a minimum of anticipation and preparation, but every step brings you closer to a rich and unforgettable experience. Assessing your budget, choosing the right destination, preparing your documents, booking your transport and accommodation, and planning your activities are all key to a successful stay abroad.

If all this seems too complex or time-consuming, we're here to support you. Our team will advise you,provide you with destinations to suit your desires and budget, and manage reservations and formalities for you. So you can leave with a clear head, and the certainty of a perfectly organized trip.

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