People Are the Destination.
Travel Is the Vehicle.
Hi, Neighbor. I'm Heidi.
Join me for travel inspiration, handy planning tips, AND you might just meet some new neighbors from around the globe!
Welcome to the Neighborhood.
However you arrived here—through a love of travel, music, culture, stories, or simple curiosity—there's a place for you here, and I'm so happy you stopped by. Take a look around and make yourself at home.
The Heart of This Place
At Next on the List, I believe curiosity opens doors, connection builds bridges, and shared humanity has a way of drawing us back to one another.
This is a digital gathering place for travelers, dreamers, music lovers, lifelong learners, and armchair explorers—a place to feel welcomed, inspired, and at home while discovering more of the world and the people who call it home.
Because here, travel may be the starting point, but people, stories, and connection are always at the heart of it all. After all, travel has a way of turning strangers into neighbors and faraway places into something that feels a little like home.
DIY Travel Made Simple
How to Plan and Book Your Own Vacation Like a Pro
Planning your own vacation doesn’t have to be complicated—or expensive.
The truth is, you don’t need to be a travel expert to create an unforgettable trip. If you can browse the internet, compare prices, and follow a checklist, you already have everything you need.
That’s exactly why I created Next on the List.
Think of this website as your friendly travel neighbor. I’ll provide the tools, resources, checklists, and insider tips so you can confidently plan your own adventure from start to finish.
Whether you’re dreaming of a weekend getaway, a family vacation, your first cruise, or the trip of a lifetime, you’ve got this.
Let’s get started.
Free DIY Travel Guide
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Step 1: Decide Where You Want to Go
Start with the fun part. Ask yourself:
- Beach, mountains, city, or countryside?
- Domestic or international?
- Relaxation or adventure?
- Road trip, cruise, train, or flight?
- Solo, couple, family, or group?
Don’t overthink it. Sometimes your next destination starts with one photo,
one story, or one conversation.
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Step 2: Pick the Best Time to Travel
If your schedule allows, travel during the shoulder season (just before or after peak tourist season). You’ll often enjoy:
- Lower airfare
- Better hotel prices
- Shorter lines
- Smaller crowds
- More authentic local experiences
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Step 3: Set a Budget
Decide how much you’re comfortable spending before booking anything. Include:
- Flights
- Hotels
- Transportation
- Food
- Activities
- Souvenirs
- Emergency money
A simple budget helps prevent vacation stress later.
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Step 4: Search for Flights
Use several flight search engines instead of relying on just one. Compare:
- Prices
- Layovers
- Flight times
- Baggage fees
- Cancellation policies
A slightly more expensive nonstop flight may actually be the better value.
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Step 5: Find the Right Place to Stay
Think beyond price. Ask yourself:
- Is it close to the attractions?
- Is public transportation nearby?
- Does it include breakfast?
- Are parking fees extra?
- Are the reviews consistently good?
Sometimes spending a little more on location saves money on transportation.
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Step 6: Plan Your Daily Adventures
You don’t have to schedule every minute. Choose one or two “must-do” activities each day and leave room for unexpected discoveries.
Some of my favorite travel memories were never on the itinerary.
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Step 7: Protect Your Investment
Travel insurance isn’t exciting… until you need it. Unexpected illnesses, weather delays, cancellations, and lost luggage happen.
Travel insurance can save you thousands of dollars—and a lot of stress.
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Step 8: Use the Right Credit Card
If you travel regularly, consider using a travel rewards credit card. The right card can help you earn:
- Airline miles
- Hotel points
- Free checked bags
- Airport lounge access
- Travel credits
- Trip protection
The goal isn’t to spend more. It’s to earn rewards on purchases you’re already making. Always pay your balance responsibly to avoid interest charges that can outweigh the value of the rewards.
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Step 9: Book with Confidence
Once everything looks right… book it. Waiting too long can sometimes mean paying more. Before clicking “Purchase,” double-check:
- Passenger names
- Passport information
- Travel dates
- Hotel location
- Cancellation policy
Five extra minutes can prevent expensive mistakes.
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Step 10: Stay Organized
Create one folder (digital or printed) for:
- Flight confirmations
- Hotel reservations
- Rental cars
- Cruise documents
- Travel insurance
- Passport copy
- Emergency contacts
- Tickets
Having everything in one place makes travel much less stressful.
Use My Free Travel Toolkit Resources
I’ve gathered many of the travel search tools I personally use into one
convenient place. Use them to compare prices and book:
- Flights
- Hotels
- Vacation rentals
- Cruises
- Rental cars
- Activities
- Airport transportation
- Travel insurance
They’re free to use, and comparing several options often helps you find the
best value. And, using my free trip planning worksheet will help you get your trip on your calendar!
My Favorite Money-Saving Tips
- Travel during the shoulder season whenever possible.
- Book flights on flexible dates.
- Pack light to avoid baggage fees.
- Use points and miles whenever you can.
- Compare several booking sites before purchasing.
- Read recent reviews—not just the overall rating.
- Leave room in your itinerary for spontaneous adventures.
- Always keep copies of important travel documents.
- Purchase travel insurance for major trips.
- Check passport and Global Entry expiration dates well before international travel.
Remember...
The best trip isn’t always the most expensive one.
It’s the one filled with meaningful experiences, memorable people, and stories you’ll be telling for years.
Travel has taught me that the world is full of kind people, incredible places, and unforgettable moments.
I hope this site gives you the confidence to plan your next adventure—and maybe even inspires you to venture past your comfort zone.
After all…
there’s a whole world of neighbors out there you simply haven’t met yet.
What You'll Discover Here
DIY Travel
Practical travel planning, destination inspiration, packing tips, and useful tools to make your adventures feel a little easier and a lot more exciting.
Connection Through Travel
Stories, reflections, and gentle reminders that we often have far more in common than we first imagine. From small-world moments to heartfelt encounters, this is where travel begins to feel deeply personal.
Global Soundwaves
Music has a way of connecting people across borders, languages, and generations. You'll find playlists, personal recordings, live radio streams, and sounds from around the world waiting to welcome you in.
Shared Humanity
This is where connection becomes celebration. Family traditions, recipes, cultural discoveries, and stories that remind us we're all a little closer than we sometimes realize.
Journeys Near and Far
Come along for the adventures still waiting on the horizon, and follow the stories as they begin to unfold one step at a time.
Around the World, Together
A place to share, taste, celebrate, and remember that the world grows warmer and smaller when we meet one another with open hearts.
Global Guestbook
Add your hello to the Global Guestbook and join this growing circle of neighbors from around the world.
Recipes Around the World
Explore Recipes Around the World and discover the dishes that welcome us in, tell stories, and bring people together.
Global Celebrations Calendar
Browse the Global Celebrations Calendar to discover holidays, festivals, and traditions that carry joy and meaning across the world.
A Blessing for the Roads Ahead
May every road open our hearts a little wider. May every story stretch the borders of our understanding. May every song remind us that we belong to one another in ways both small and sacred.
May we never lose the gift of seeing ourselves in one another, and may we always leave room at the table for one more. Because in this great wide world, we are still, and always, neighbors.
This is the heart behind Next on the List.
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Happy Customer