How Self-Publishing a Book Is Like Planning a Trip

Spoiler: It’s All About the Strategy, the Detours, and the Unexpected Joys

When I first set out to write Travel Smarter, I didn’t realize just how much the process would mirror planning an unforgettable trip. Turns out, writing and self-publishing a book has a lot in common with mapping out a journey to somewhere new. Both are full of unknowns, require a good dose of flexibility, and somehow leave you changed by the end.

Here’s what I mean:

Inspiration Came While On A Trip!

1. It Starts With a Dream—and a Bit of Doubt

Every great trip begins with an idea. Maybe it’s sparked by a photo, a conversation, or just the feeling that you need a change. Writing this book felt the same. I’d been sharing travel advice for years, answering the same questions from friends and followers. The dream to put it all in one place had been simmering for a while—but so had the self-doubt. Can I actually do this? Will anyone want to read it?

Spoiler: The only way to find out was to start.

2. You Need a Solid Plan—But Not a Rigid One

Just like trip planning, writing a book needs structure: outlines, timelines, and a rough idea of where you want to go. But just like in travel, the magic often happens in the detours. I scrapped chapters, rewrote entire sections, and had moments where things clicked that I never could’ve planned for. The key was building a flexible framework—and giving myself permission to adjust along the way.

This book has been instrumental in organizing my writing and publishing activities.

3. There Will Be Delays, Doubts, and Unexpected Costs

Oh yes. Just like that time your flight got canceled or your hotel turned out nothing like the pictures, self-publishing comes with surprises. Formatting issues. Rewrites. Amazon guidelines. Proofing. Launch-day stress. Much like travel, the process taught me patience—and reminded me that the best adventures rarely go 100% according to plan.

My New Book!

4. But Also—Those Magic Moments

Like watching the sunrise in a new place, there are moments during the process that stop you in your tracks. For me, it was reading the first print copy in my hands. Seeing readers post photos of the book. Or hearing that a chapter helped someone finally feel confident enough to book their first big trip.

Those moments? They make every bump in the road worth it.

5. You’re Never Fully “Done”—You Just Choose to Go

Just like hitting “book” on a trip, eventually you hit “publish” and let it go. There’s always one more thing you could tweak, one more review you hope for, or one more destination you could add. But perfection isn’t the point. Progress is.

If you're dreaming about creating something of your own—whether it’s a book, a blog, a new adventure, or just that trip you've been putting off—take this as your nudge. The journey might not be easy, but it will absolutely be worth it.

And if you haven’t grabbed Travel Smarter yet, it’s still FREE on Kindle until June 13. Just search “Travel Smarter Ina Moses” on Amazon.

See you on the road!

With Love, Ina