Organizing a Trip with Notion
In this blog, I’ll share how I personally organize a trip. My goal is simple: I want to have all the information I need in one place and easily accessible whenever I need it.
Notion is a flexible productivity app that combines note-taking, task management, and file storage. You can use it on your phone or computer, making it straightforward to create a dedicated page for your trip—like “Indonesia”—and then organize everything into sub-pages.
Why Notion Works for Travel Planning
It’s an all-in-one tool where you can save tickets, plan itineraries, and keep all your notes organized. Everything is accessible offline too.
How I Set Up My Travel Workspace in Notion
This is my go-to system for organizing travel plans in Notion:
1. Tickets
I create a sub-page just for tickets. It includes:
- PDFs of flight, train, or bus tickets.
- Screenshots of booking confirmations—saved immediately after booking for extra security.
I make sure everything is saved in one place, so I can access it even without an internet connection.
2. Personal Contacts
Another sub-page holds essential details about my travel companions:
- Full names
- Birthdates
- Passport numbers
It saves time when booking for more than one person.
3. Packing List
I use Notion’s checklist feature to build a Packing List. Each item has a checkbox to mark what’s already packed. This keeps everything organized and reduces last-minute panic.
4. To-Do List
This is where I list everything I need to handle before leaving:
- Apply for visas.
- Book accommodations.
- Find driver contacts.
- Research hiking trails.
- Buy essentials like mosquito repellent or specific medications.
5. Schedule
Here’s where I create a detailed itinerary in table format. It helps me keep track of where I’m going, where I’m staying, and what’s planned each day.
Example Schedule for Bali (6 Days):
| DATE | FROM → TO | DISTANCE | ACCOMMODATION | NOTES | LINKS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16/11/24 | Denpasar 18:00 → Sanur | 12 km | SANUR | Staying here overnight to start early for Munduk. | |
| 17/11/24 | Sanur → Munduk | 3 hours (rent a driver for 8 hours) | Dangin Mangkalan Homestay, Munduk | Check Rosina's comments for activities along the way. | |
| 18/11/24 | Explore Munduk | Rent a motorbike | Dangin Mangkalan Homestay, Munduk | Visit waterfalls and hiking. | |
| 19/11/24 | Munduk → Sidemen | Jana's Homestay, Sidemen | Morning visit to Handara Gate & Ulun Danu Bratan Temple. | ||
| 20/11/24 | Sidemen → Sanur | Suka Homestay, Denpasar | Rice field hiking, waterfall visits. | ||
| 21/11/24 | Flight 11:45 → Labuan Bajo Flores | Drive 30 min to airport |
Notes for Each Destination
Every destination gets its own page with detailed notes. For example:
-
Accommodation Options:
- Puri Taman Sari: Quiet and serene.
- Bali Mountain Retreat: Remote but scenic; arrange pickups.
- Penestanan Village near Ubud: Jungle vibes, yoga, and bars nearby.
- Santra Putra Homestay: Run by a local family. Contact Komang (+62 813 37854799).
-
Travel Tips:
- Stay close to Ubud center for convenience but explore quieter areas for unique experiences.
-
Suggested Activities:
- Hiking trails in Sidemen.
- Waterfall visits in Munduk.
- Exploring local markets in Ubud.
6. Contacts
This page stores all the useful contacts I might need:
- Drivers
- Tour operators
- Local guides
- Hosts
I also update it during the trip with new contacts, so I can refer to them later or share recommendations with friends.
That’s the System
It works whether you’re traveling solo or with a group. Download Notion here.
