Why Planning a Trip Feels Harder Than It Used To (And What Actually Helps)

If planning a trip feels harder than it used to, you’re not imagining things — and you’re definitely not alone.

I hear this all the time:

“I want to travel. I just don’t have the bandwidth to plan it anymore.”

And here’s the thing - it’s not because you suddenly became bad at planning or lost your sense of adventure.

It’s because travel (and life) have changed.

Travel Didn’t Get Worse - It Got Louder

Ten or fifteen years ago, planning a trip meant a handful of guidebooks, maybe a few blogs, and a short list of hotel options.

Now?

• Endless Google tabs

• TikTok itineraries from strangers

• Conflicting advice

• Too many “must-dos”

• And a constant fear of choosing wrong

More information hasn’t made planning easier — it’s made it heavier.

Life Is Fuller Than It Used To Be

The other reason planning feels harder?
You’re carrying more.

Careers are demanding. Kids’ schedules are full. Parents are aging. Life has more moving parts — and fewer quiet moments to sit down and calmly map out a trip.

So travel planning gets pushed to late nights, half-attention moments, or “I’ll deal with this later.”

And later usually comes with fewer options and more pressure.

The Emotional Weight No One Talks About

Planning a trip isn’t just logistics — it’s emotional.

You want it to be:

• worth the money

• worth the time off

• something everyone enjoys

• something you don’t regret

That’s a lot of responsibility to carry for what’s supposed to be a break.

When people say planning feels overwhelming, what they often mean is:

“I don’t want to mess this up.”

What Actually Helps (Hint: It’s Not More Research)

Most people assume the solution is:

• more blogs

• more lists

• more comparison spreadsheets

But what actually helps is less noise and more clarity.

Here’s what makes planning feel lighter again:

1. Fewer, Better Options
   You don’t need to see everything. You need to see the right things for you.

2. Clear Priorities
   When you know what matters most — comfort, pace, food, experiences, ease — decisions get easier fast.

3. Someone Filtering for You
   Not every hotel, tour, or route deserves your attention. Having someone pre-filter options saves time and mental energy.

4. Confidence That It’s Handled
   The biggest relief comes from knowing someone is watching the details — before, during, and after the trip.

A Reframe That Changes Everything

Here’s a mindset shift I share often:

If planning feels heavy, that’s usually a sign you shouldn’t be doing it alone.

Needing support doesn’t mean you’re bad at travel — it means your time, energy, and peace of mind are valuable.

Travel is supposed to be the thing you look forward to — not another project hanging over your head.

Final Thought

If you’ve found yourself closing browser tabs, postponing decisions, or saying “we’ll plan it later” more times than you can count, that’s information — not failure.

It’s your sign that the way you used to plan trips no longer fits your life.

And that’s okay.

There is a way to travel that feels calm, intentional, and actually enjoyable again — starting long before you ever leave home.

If planning feels overwhelming, I help take the weight off — so you can focus on the part that matters most: enjoying the trip.