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Trip Planning 101

An ongoing series about planning your future travels. 
(Not just for kayakers!)

How to Plan a Trip: A 6-Part Series

​This is a series about the awesomeness of spreadsheets for travel/trip planning. Each post describes another part of a trip planning tool that I've developed and tested over years of trips. At the bottom of this page you can access a template of the whole spreadsheet for your planning convenience/fun! Links to each of the posts are available here. I recommend starting with the introduction, which explains who the tool is for, and what makes it great!
1. Introduction to the Planning Tool
Start here! An introduction to the Best Trip Planning Spreadsheet Ever. What is it? Who needs it? What's so great about it?
2. Dreaming/Brain Dump Phase
When you're throwing ideas around with your friends, still deciding on a destination, date, activities, goals, etc.... 
3. Making Your Itinerary
How to get all those ideas into an itinerary that works for everyone. Picking dates, mapping a route, and keeping track of it all!
4. Estimating and Tracking your Trip Budget
Can't forget about the $! A simple spreadsheet to estimate trip costs, keep track during the trip, and split costs between travelers.
5. Outdoorsy Packing List
My favorite packing list, which has been tested for backpacking, kayak camping, roadtrips, hut-trips, and more!
6. Flights, Rental Cars, and Lodging
A few more templates for keeping track of flights, rental car reservations, and lodging. Especially useful for longer trips.

How to get your copy of the planning template:

1. Click the link below*
2. In the top left corner click File --> Make a copy
​3. Give it a name (e.g. Mexico 2018) and click "OK"
4. Share with your friends (optional) and start planning your trip!

*You'll need a Google account to save your own copy of the spreadsheet.  However, only the person hosting the sheet needs an account. Other travel buddies can access the sheet when you click "Share" and add their email addresses or send them a sharing link. ​
Get a copy of The Best Trip Planning Spreadsheet Ever!
If you use the trip planner and enjoy it, feel free to make a donation here! :) 

Travel Recommendations

Below are links to a few different services that I use regularly in my trip planning, and highly recommend!
Airbnb
Use this link to get $37 in travel credit for your first Airbnb stay!

(if you use this link to sign up, I also get some $ towards Airbnb bookings)
KAYAK
Super useful site for tracking flight prices. The explore function is always amusing.

Plus, it has the best name ever.

​(no affiliation)
Pagaja
The first booking portal for paddlesports!

I'm working with pagaja to spread the word to Paddling providers - contact me if you're interested!
AutoSlash
Automatically tracks car rental prices and rebooks if it finds a better price, with no work on your part!

​(no affiliation)
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