3 Things We Stopped Doing When Planning Trips… And Now What We Do Instead
We’ve planned a lot of trips — for ourselves, and for our clients. And if there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s this:
Most trip planning mistakes don’t come from lack of effort. They come from the wrong starting point.
When we first started planning travel, we followed all the advice — make an itinerary, book early, map out every detail. But the more we traveled, the more we realized: even the most “efficient” trip can leave you feeling like something was missing.
That realization is exactly why we created Luxury Travel Black book.
But, before we get there, here are three mistakes we stopped making (and what we do instead).
Mistake 1: Planning the entire trip around logistics
What we used to do:
We’d start with flights, then fill in every hour — optimizing routes, travel time, and reservations to “make the most” of each day.
Why it didn’t work:
It left no room for the experiences we actually wanted. We were managing a schedule, not curating a trip.
What we do now:
We start with experience pillars — the 2–3 types of experiences we want to prioritize (like local culture, culinary deep dives, or nature-based adventure). Then we build outward. Logistics still matter, but they’re shaped around the experience — not the other way around.
Mistake 2: Starting with TikTok must do lists
What we used to do:
We’d search top 10 lists, save TikToks and Instagram Reels, and start collecting ideas — with no real filtering process.
Why it didn’t work:
We ended up with overstuffed plans that didn’t reflect what we actually enjoy. Just because something is “top rated” doesn’t mean it’s right for you.
What we do now:
We use a framework to define our experience personality first — a quick, clear way to understand the type of experiences that are actually going to feel aligned. Then we filter our options with intention. Not everything needs to be “the best.” It just needs to be the right kind of experience for the trip you want.
Mistake 3: Booking without vetting
What we used to do:
We’d find something that looked good online and book it — no real questions asked.
Why it didn’t work:
Photos can be deceiving. And a 4.8-star review doesn’t always mean it’s the right experience for a boutique, high-end traveler.
What we do now:
We ask better questions. We check for design quality, pacing, and who the guide is. We prioritize experiences that are already vetted — ones that are small-group or private, offer cultural connection, and are worth the investment. This is the difference between “just fine” and unforgettable.
Why We Created The Experience Curator
This isn’t another travel planner or itinerary template. It’s a decision-making tool — built for travelers who care just as much about how a trip feels as what it includes.
Inside, you'll get:
A quick travel personality quiz to understand your planning style
An experience framework to help you choose the right types of activities
A pre-vetted experience library built around our five anchor destinations (and flexible options too)
Our process for filtering, comparing, and curating experiences like a pro
It’s the framework we use— now in your hands.
Talk soon,
Jordan & Briana
