A detailed, practical, and inspiring guide for those who love to explore the world freely.
For me, every journey is more than just moving from one place to another. It’s a discovery of people, culture, and even myself.
That’s why I often choose self-guided travel to have full control over my time, make my own choices, and truly enjoy every moment in each new destination.
1. It all starts with inspiration
Every trip begins with something small like a photo, a story, or a blooming season.
When I feel drawn to a place, I spend time learning more about it: the weather, the best season to visit, local festivals, signature dishes, and the way people live.
I don’t choose destinations because they’re “trending,” but because I genuinely want to be there, even if just for a few days.
2. Finding the best flight deals with Skyscanner ✈️
Once I’ve decided where to go, the first thing I do is look for a flight that fits my budget and schedule.
Skyscanner is my go-to app because it allows me to:
• Compare prices across hundreds of airlines
• See the difference between direct and connecting flights
• Track monthly fare charts to find the cheapest time to fly
• Get price alerts when fares drop or rise
Thanks to Skyscanner, I usually find flights that are both affordable and convenient.
After choosing a flight, I often book through a trusted travel agent. The small service fee is worth it. They provide instant support if issues arise, instead of leaving me waiting endlessly for an airline hotline.
When flying internationally, I always double-check layover times and baggage policies to avoid airport hassles.
3. Choosing destinations & building my itinerary
This is my favorite part, like drawing a personal travel map.
Research and gather insights:
• I look at travel agency itineraries to understand logical sightseeing routes.
• I read updated travel blogs and personal experiences with time and cost details.
• I join local or travel community groups on Facebook to ask for real advice from people who’ve been there.
• The Klook app helps me discover short tours (half-day, 1-day, 2-day) in and around each city. If public transport seems too complicated, I sometimes book a local Klook tour for convenience.
• Another valuable resource is the local Travel Maps, which visually highlights must-visit attractions in a clear, easy-to-understand layout.
Using maps to visualize the journey:
Once I’ve listed my must-see spots, I mark them on Google Maps to estimate distances and travel time.
This helps me balance the itinerary with my available days, energy, and travel style.
4. Understanding local transportation 🚆
Transportation plays a key role in how smooth and enjoyable a trip can be.
I start with Google Maps, selecting “public transit” to see what options the city uses: trains, buses, ferries, or trams.
Then I plan my routes realistically to avoid confusion or wasting time once I arrive.
I also check local transportation apps to view real-time schedules, buy tickets, or get alerts about delays, construction, or lack of elevators (very useful when carrying luggage!).
My go-to transport apps:
- MVV, DB Navigator (Germany)
- ÖBB Tickets (Austria)
- JR Pass (Japan)
- T-money (South Korea)
- Uber – for short rides or when public transport isn’t convenient
With proper preparation, I always feel confident navigating even the most unfamiliar cities.
5. Managing time & budget with travel budget 💰
A meaningful trip doesn’t have to be expensive, what matters is knowing your limits and spending wisely.
After finalizing the itinerary, I plan:
• Timing: Choose the best season, avoiding bad weather or overcrowded periods.
• Budget: Divide spending into transport, accommodation, food, entrance fees, and extras.
I use the Travel Budget app to record every expense, track daily costs, and review my total spending afterward.
This helps me stay within budget while still enjoying the journey comfortably.
6. Keeping the itinerary flexible: structured but free
I usually divide my day into three parts:
• Morning: Visit key landmarks before the crowds arrive.
• Afternoon: Explore local markets, museums, cafés, or bookstores.
• Evening: Stroll the streets, listen to live music, or simply enjoy the city lights.
But I always leave room for surprises because sometimes, the unplanned moments become the most unforgettable memories.
✨ Through every destination, I see more beauty in the world and especially in myself.