TOURIST IN MY TOWN - HOW I PLAN A TRIP

I decided I want to plan a trip to Houston- Yep, you read that right. Before Cody & I embark on an adventure I spend hours boning up on the city & everything it has to offer but I never thought to do that for our own stomping grounds, & it made me wonder, "Just what have we been missing?"  To answer that question, we're going to "plan a trip to Houston" as if we were tourist and not as though we've lived here our entire lives.  Should be fun!

First things first, when I'm in the beginning stages of trip planning I like to do the following:

1. Create a Pinterest board

I find multiple blogs, articles, event calendars, etc... 

Follow JEANNiE's board Travel: Houston, TX on Pinterest.

2. Create a Spreadsheet

This is where I house all the attractions, shops, restaurants, bars, dog friendly places, etc... that I find while researching.  It helps make sure we get the most out of our trip

Houston: Attractions & More+Itinerary
File Size:	3184 kb
File Type:	xls

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BLANK: Attractions & more+Itinerary Template.xls
File Size:	53 kb
File Type:	xls

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3. Map it 

I utilize this the most, it's one of the most helpful tools that I use.  Everything we want to see, do, & eat all mapped in one place!  It helps me decide the location we stay at, plan our daily itineraries, & since it's through Google, I can access it on my phone so I don't have to remember addresses

4. Take it to Facebook

The best suggestions we get are from friends that have experienced it first hand

OPINION! Hey FB friends, we're planning a trip to Houston & I need some suggestions {seriously- yes, Houston} :)

Posted by Jeannie Miles on Friday, February 19, 2016

5. Google the City

I find the most helpful sites are usually the cities own page, Tripadvisor.com, & the Travel Network {we like to look up where "Man VS Food" and "Diners, Drive-Ins, & Dives" visited}.

*Click the button below for an example

GOOGLE

6. Visit Eater 38

Eater 38 is a site that dishes out top restaurant suggestions for major cities. Click to view Houstons

During all that research I learn the best time of year to visit a location, and in Houston's case it looks like it's March.  I guess we're going to Houston for our anniversary!

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