A simple guide to planning your next adventure

Growing up, our family vacations looked a little different than most.

Instead of resorts or all-inclusive hotels, my parents packed us into a converted school bus and headed into Michigan's wilderness.

Those trips planted a seed in me.

A seed that loves rock collecting along Lake Superior, cool breezes coming off the water, and the thrill of finding everything there is to explore in the Great Lakes State and beyond.

Now, years later, adventure travel has become a way of life for us through Adventure Chasing.

But I hear the same thing from people all the time:

“I want to travel more… I just don’t know where to start.”

The truth is, research is the best travel companion you can have.

Once you learn how to plan a trip properly, the entire process becomes exciting instead of overwhelming.

Here’s the approach we use to research, plan, and book our adventures.

WHERE TO GO

The first step to planning any adventure is simple:

Start with inspiration.

Do you keep a list in your phone’s Notes app?
Maybe a bucket list saved on Instagram or Pinterest?

Perfect — that’s exactly where your planning should begin.

If you don’t already have a list, start by doing some light research. Ask friends or family about places they’ve loved visiting, or search online for destinations that match the kind of experience you want.

Once a destination catches your attention, dive deeper.

The Top 5 Travel Planning Tools

These are the tools we use most when researching destinations for Adventure Chasing trips.

1. Facebook Groups

Facebook groups are often the most current source of information about a destination.

Search for groups related to:

• National parks

• State parks

• Specific towns

• Fishing, hiking or camping areas

Look for groups with large memberships and recent posts. Members frequently share trail updates, weather conditions, fishing reports, campsite tips, and local recommendations. You may have to navigate through some chitter-chatter but it's worth it, I promise!

2. Instagram/YouTube

Instagram and YouTube are incredible for visual research for travel planning.

Create a Saved Collection folder specifically for your trip.

Search hashtags and keywords related to your destination and save posts featuring:

• scenic views

• hiking trails
  

• campgrounds

• hidden gems

• seasonal adventures

Many creators also link to blog posts, guides, or itineraries in their captions and bios.

3. Podcasts

Podcasts are an underrated way to research travel destinations.

Search for:

• location-specific travel podcasts

• statewide tourism podcasts

• outdoor recreation podcasts

When something catches your ear, write down the timestamp or take a quick note so you can revisit the information later. I planned almost a whole trip to Zion National Park using the Matt and Karen podcast.

4. Blogs

Travel blogs can provide honest opinions and real-world experiences that you might not find on tourism websites.

Many bloggers share:

• sample itineraries

• campground recommendations

• hidden gems

• seasonal tips

These can be incredibly helpful when building your own travel plans.

5. Government Websites

Official websites often contain critical trip-planning information, including:

• park permits

• reservation systems

• seasonal closures

• lottery applications

• shuttle or transportation passes

When planning trips to popular outdoor destinations, these details can make or break your trip.

One of my favorite ways to choose a destination is to start with a hobby I love and plan an entire trip around it.

Fishing.
Camping.
Hiking.

Trips built around activities you already love tend to become the most memorable adventures.

WHERE TO STAY

Choosing where to stay is one of the biggest decisions in travel planning.

When researching accommodations, consider:

• distance to attractions

• proximity to airports or transportation

• grocery stores and restaurants

• parking availability

• amenities like showers, kitchens, or laundry

A quick tip I use often:

Check the location using Google Earth or satellite view.

This gives you a better sense of the surrounding environment and helps you confirm the area feels comfortable and safe.

Tips for Booking Airbnb or VRBO

Before booking a short-term rental, always double check:

• whether it’s a private stay or shared space

• minimum or maximum stay requirements

• house policies and parking availability (really important with a trailer and pets)

One of my favorite things about vacation rentals is that they allow you to immerse yourself in the landscape.

If a property offers a great view, don’t hesitate to choose it.

Sometimes the most memorable part of a trip is waking up to the scenery outside your window or having home-like comforts.

Camping: The Best Way to Experience Adventure

If you truly want to immerse yourself, camping is hard to beat.

Michigan State Parks
Bookable online through their website.

County Parks
Often booked online or by phone and usually well maintained.

Private Campgrounds
Frequently family-run and booked by phone.

Hipcamp
A great platform for finding unique camping experiences on private land.

WHEN TO GO

Timing can make a huge difference in how enjoyable your trip will be.

When choosing travel dates, research:

• seasonal weather patterns

• sunrise and sunset times

• peak tourism seasons

• seasonal attractions

Some locations are only accessible during certain months due to snow, flooding, or seasonal closures.

Others might be technically open year-round, but the experience may be dramatically different from season to season.

Planning ahead ensures you see the destination at its best for your adventure.

Travel Tips for a Smooth Adventure

Before leaving for your trip, double-check a few key things:

• confirm time zones

• check road closures or construction

• review packing lists

• research the climate and expected weather for your destination

Also consider whether you're traveling with dogs or kids and make sure your destination is friendly for both.

Watch the Full Adventure

Planning the trip is only half the fun.

If you'd like to see how our adventures actually unfold in the wild, you can follow along on our YouTube channel.

Watch our latest Adventure Chasing episode here:
Latest Episode

We share the real side of outdoor adventure, the beautiful moments, the hard work, the unexpected surprises, and everything in between.

Because the truth is:

Adventure rarely goes exactly as planned.