"Planning a trip requires more than simply deciding where to go and when."
Rick Curtis, The Backpackers Field Manual

When planning for a trip you need to determine your group's size and ability. As a helpful tool come up with a list of questions to consider in discovering your group's ability and goals.

You must know the level of experience in each of the members of your group from the highest to the lowest. Plan the trip following closer to those with less experience. This will keep the trip educational as well and fun. This will give those with more experience a chance for leadership and those with less knowledge the opportunity to learn more.

To keep everyone entertained on the trip it is often good to plan some extra activities. You should ask your group: What activities do you want to do-backpacking, car camping, climbing or canoeing for example. Keep in mind the goals for the trip when planning activities. Also you will need to know what extra skills are needed for completeing these activities.

To be best prepared for unexpectible weather conditions plan for all possibilities. To best do this research your destination. Know what guidebooks and fieldguides are available. Consult with the ranger or other local experts or talk with others who have travelled the area. Know about the campsites, in occurence of floods or other weather hazards know how you will be able to react. It is good to find out if fires are allowed or not. Also it is wise to learn how the variety of weather conditions may effect the local animals, mosquitos, bear, etc. Some easy weather questions are:
How many hours of daylight is there? How is the weather in the season you are there? Are storms or other adverse weather conditions likely? Can you still do all activities depending on change of weather? Will change in weather effect the group safety? How does attitude change with the weather?

Stay flexible. ALways be prepared to change your plans to allow maximum enjoyment. It is very important to allow time each day for the group to chill. On long trips 10 or more days try to have a rest day every 5 to 7 days.

Keep contacts while your in the wilderness. Five is a good number of people to have as contacts. Contact people are a few persons that aren't going on the trip but that know your schedule. They will be able to help if there is a problem and know when you are ment to return. It is very important to have contact people who are not on your hike who know your plans.

Plan a good menu that everyone will enjoy and be able to eat. Know any dietary needs or prefferences from the members in your group. Try to plan a variety of things so you aren't eating the same thing every breakfast lunch and dinner.

Again know any health conecerns or issues within your group. Know who might need to take medication or is allergic to anything.

Know if you will need a permit. Camping permits are needed some places in order to hike or camp, know if your destination requires such a document.

Don't get caught without a Llama.