Plan a Holiday: Step by Step Guide
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Holiday planner: plan your holiday with Expedia
The anticipation of holiday planning in 2024 and researching is almost as good as actually being there. Start dreaming today and craft your perfect itinerary. When you book with Expedia, you can plan a holiday with access to the latest deals for thrilling destinations around the world. Choose from solo adventures, romantic couples escapes, family-friendly holidays or city breaks for the ultimate weekend trip with friends.
Whether you crave tropical beaches, winter adventures, active trips through the wilderness, or simply want to relax in luxury, select your stay and flight options and create a holiday to remember.
You can also add optional extras to make your holiday truly memorable. Why not choose a classic car to cruise around, make special requests to help celebrate birthdays or book excursions to get your adrenaline flowing?
Expedia brings you our latest holiday planner guide, an all-in-one travel companion that makes your holiday easy to research, organise and share. Track flight prices to make sure you get some of the best deals and keep all your reservations and bookings in one place. You’ll also have access to our personal travel advisor powered by ChatGPT technology to answer any travel-related or destination-specific enquiries. Once your booking is complete, the app serves as a real-time record of your holiday, including up-to-date notifications on any changes to your reservations.
You’re the architect of this holiday, and with Expedia, you’ll get to plan it exactly how you want. Let’s get started.
How to plan a holiday with Expedia?
Holiday planning with Expedia is simple and fun. Just follow these steps and get closer to your departure:
- Decide where to go
- Decide when to go
- Research on the Expedia app
- Share your travel plans with your group
- Book your flights and accommodation
- Book excursions or activities
- Enjoy your holiday!
1. Decide where to go on holiday
When you think, “I need to plan my holiday”, the first choice you need to make is where to go. Find a holiday destination in 2024 that matches the type of holiday you want to have and who will be joining you. For inspiration, check out Expedia’s travel guides and choose somewhere new to explore or a favourite spot you’ve been waiting to revisit.
2. Explore trip ideas with ChatGPT on the Expedia app
Expedia’s holiday planner travel app is powered by ChatGPT, offering you all the services of a mobile travel planner in your pocket. Not only can this technology suggest places to stay and visit and how to navigate a new destination, but it also saves hotel recommendations and itinerary points of interest, helping you stay organised.
3. Save your trip ideas and invite people to your trip
Save all details of your holiday, including reservations and itineraries, and then invite others to the app to share your holiday details. If you’re the holiday planner in your family or friendship circle, your life is about to get much easier. Imagine quickly sharing all the details of a large family holiday or group holiday with every person attending. You’ll never have to chase people up to remind them of flight times and hotel details again.
4. Decide when to go
Deciding when to go on holiday in 2024 will depend on the type of holiday you want to experience, where you’re going, and practical considerations like the weather conditions at particular times of the year. Sometimes your travel dates will be set due to your holiday dates from work or when your children are off school, but being flexible with your travel dates, if possible, is one of the best ways to save money on your holiday. Travelling off-season, for example, can save you hundreds of dollars.
5. Book flights, hotels and car hire, bundling your trip for even more savings
Enjoy even more holiday savings when you book your flights and hotels together in a holiday package. Bundling your travel bookings, including car hire, is convenient and can help you save money.
6. When to book your holiday
According to Expedia’s latest research and insight into air travel hacks, the cheapest day to travel is, generally speaking, Fridays for international trips and Saturdays for travel within Australia. Booking your trip on a Sunday can save up to 20% off the cost of your next holiday. Booking in advance, up to 4 months before international travel, results in cheaper flights. It’s also best to travel in the morning to avoid cancellations or delays which can snowball, affecting more flights later in the day.
7. Choose your way to pay
Expedia has teamed up with Afterpay to give you more flexibility when planning your holiday. With the “Buy Now, Pay Later” feature, you can book your travel with Expedia and pay in interest-free instalments, thanks to Afterpay’s “Pay in 4” product, which lets you pay over six to eight weeks, making your 2025 holiday planning a whole lot easier.
8. Book activities and things to do
Pre-booking your activities and excursions helps you plan your holiday budget and gets you excited about your trip before you even leave. Choose from a huge range of things to do at your destination, including tours, special events, theme parks, museums, and more.
Top tips on how to plan a holiday
How to organise a holiday?
If you want to organise a holiday effectively, you need to start with thorough holiday planning. Start by deciding what exactly you want out of your holiday. Define your travel goals and your budget. Consider the diverse experiences that your destination offers. It’s easier to plan if you use a reliable holiday planner or travel apps like the one from Expedia to streamline your process. There’s no need to reinvent the wheel. These tools can help you create a foolproof holiday plan, covering every aspect of your holiday.
How can I plan my holiday with Expedia?
If you need inspiration for your holiday planning and can’t decide where to go, then check out Expedia’s travel guides. They give you the lowdown on the various locations, along with a wide range of accommodation options. Let’s say that you want to go to Europe, but you’re not sure where. The travel guides will give you a better idea of the various attractions in different European cities and the type of accommodation available, as well as the price range. Expedia’s holiday planner app, powered by ChatGPT, can also help you hone in on a destination. It can also suggest places to stay based on your needs and your wallet and how to navigate a destination that’s new to you. It’s a comprehensive mobile planner at your fingertips.
Can I create my own holiday package?
Expedia lets you customise your holiday planning because one size doesn’t fit all. With Expedia’s travel apps, you can plan your itinerary to include some quality time with your cousin. Once you’ve decided on where to go, start by selecting your flights and adding the accommodation options that suit you at each destination on your travel route. You can also book excursions or activities, as well as car hire if you need it. This flexibility lets you tailor your holiday plan to your exact preferences, ensuring a personalised and memorable experience.
How do I plan a family holiday?
Use Expedia’s holiday planner app to map out your itinerary, ensuring a smooth travel route that accommodates the interests of both adults and children in your family. For instance, Japan offers a unique blend of cultural richness and modern attractions, making it an exciting destination for all ages. You can use a wide range of filters to find accommodation that’s family-friendly, and for certain amenities, for example, a pool.
How do I plan a holiday on a budget?
Planning a holiday on a budget is easier than you think with Expedia’s handy tools. Start by picking a destination that offers heaps of fun without the hefty price tag. Use the Expedia app to kick off your holiday planning. It’s got an ace ChatGPT feature that helps you find some of the best deals on places to stay and things to do, all while keeping your budget in mind. Plus, being flexible with your travel plan can really pay off, especially if you travel outside peak times. When you bundle your flights, hotels, and car rentals on Expedia, you could be in for some serious savings. Keep an eye on flight prices and book your activities early to stay on top of your budget. With a little smart holiday planning and Expedia’s help, you’re all set for a memorable and affordable 2025 getaway.
What factors should I consider when choosing a holiday destination?
When you embark on holiday planning, consider a few key factors that will make sure your holiday is as enjoyable and stress-free as possible. First, think about the type of holiday you’re after. For instance, if you’re dreaming of pristine beaches and a laid-back vibe, Bali could be your ideal destination. Next, consider who’s coming along. Planning a holiday for a family requires different considerations compared to a solo or couples trip. Budget is another important aspect. Use tools like Expedia’s holiday planner or itinerary planner to manage your expenses effectively. These tools help you find the best deals on flights, accommodation and activities so you get the most out of your travel plan.
How far in advance should I start planning my holiday?
If you’re planning a holiday, timing is everything, especially for Aussies looking to explore popular destinations like New Zealand. Using Expedia’s holiday planner app, powered by ChatGPT, can make this process a breeze. It can help you map out your travel plan so you don’t miss out on any must-see spots or experiences. Remember, the early bird catches the worm, or in this case, some of the best holiday deals! So, start your holiday planning early and look forward to an unforgettable trip to New Zealand.
How can I find some of the best deals for my holiday?
First up, let’s talk timing. Booking on a Sunday can save you up to 20% off your trip. And if you’re flexible, travelling in the off-season can mean big savings and fewer crowds. Use Expedia’s journey planner to map out your travel route and activities so you get the most bang for your buck. Booking your flights, hotels, and even car hire together through Expedia can lead to some serious savings. Plus, with our travel apps, you can keep track of your plans and grab those hot deals as soon as they drop. With some savvy planning and Expedia’s tools at your fingertips, you’re all set for an unforgettable holiday without breaking the bank.
Is it better to book a holiday package or plan everything individually?
When it comes to holiday planning, the choice between booking a holiday package or planning everything individually depends on what kind of traveller you are. If you’re the type who loves having everything sorted without the fuss, then a holiday package is your go-to. On the flip side, if you’re all about tailoring every aspect of your holiday, then planning each detail individually is your jam. This approach is perfect for people who love diving deep into itinerary planning, ensuring every part of the journey, from flights to hotels, aligns with their unique travel plan. For instance, if you’re dreaming of sipping Chianti in Italy, you might want to handpick vineyards and boutique hotels that aren’t typically included in standard packages. The key is to plan travel that suits your style. And with Expedia’s holiday planner app, you can mix a bit of both, getting the convenience of a package with your own personal touches.
How do I budget for my holiday?
Start your holiday planning with a clear idea of what you want from your holiday. Let’s say you’ve always dreamed of visiting Hawaii. It’s possible, but it’s all about balancing what you want with your wallet. First, use a holiday planner like Expedia to get a handle on costs. A pro tip: Book your flights and hotels together on Expedia to potentially save some serious cash.
Does Expedia have a flexible cancellation policy?
If you need to change or cancel your travel plan, Expedia offers various options depending on your booking. Many hotels and flights booked through Expedia come with the option to cancel for a full refund or change dates without incurring hefty fees. However, it’s important to check the specific terms of your booking, as policies can vary. Remember, when you’re using Expedia’s holiday planner tools, always look for the ‘free cancellation’ or ‘reserve now, pay later’ options. This way, you can plan your travel route with peace of mind, knowing that if plans change, your booking can, too.
Why should I plan my next holiday with Expedia?
If you’re ready to kickstart your holiday planning for 2024, you’ll love Expedia’s ultimate itinerary planner. Whether you’re dreaming of a solo adventure, a romantic getaway, a family holiday, or a fun-filled city break with mates, Expedia’s got you covered with the latest deals for destinations around the globe. Keep track of flight prices for some of the best deals and manage all your bookings in one place. And here’s the cherry on top: our holiday planner app, powered by ChatGPT, is here to answer all your travel queries. With Expedia, you’re the architect of your holiday, planning it exactly how you want.