Ask most people what is the best time of year for them and the answer might surprise you. Apparently it’s not Christmas, it’s not New Years and it’s certainly not Valentine’s Day. For most people, the best time of the year, the day they are most excited about, is the day they can finally take a break from it all… a vacation.
To make the most of your vacation, planning is the key. This doesn’t have to be a daunting task, in fact, it can be just as much fun as the vacation itself. To help you out, here are some tips on how you can plan the best vacation ever.
1. Set your mind
Start by setting your ultimate vacation goal. Do you dream of a honeymoon in the sun on secluded beaches of fine sand and wading through a pristine blue sea? Hawaii and Italy, among many other places, have spectacular beaches. Yearning for lovely ruins? Peru, Greece and Mexico are some of the places you can visit. Or would you rather go hiking, climb a mountain and commune with nature? Look out for Mount Toubkal, the Inca Trail, or the Matterhorn. Put all your ideas on paper so you don’t forget your options.
When you’re traveling solo, defining what you want to get out of your vacation is easy. When traveling with family, friends, or your significant other, make sure there’s something for everyone. There is nothing more disappointing than finally enjoying the vacation of your dreams and discovering that your partner, friends or family are not having a good time. When you’re traveling with kids, it’s always a good idea to fit a few “kid fun” days, like a water park or zoo, into your schedule.
2. Investigation, Investigation and more Investigation
Now that you have decided which destination to visit, make use of the wealth of information available on the Internet. Travel review sites will give you real accounts of other people’s experiences. You’ll also get tips on the best spots in your desired location and how other travelers enjoyed them.
If you really want to feel, feel, smell what your preferred destination is like, check out some travel blogs on the internet. You will be able to read unique travel experiences and get useful tips. Don’t forget to also check your government’s travel site. This is necessary so that you can obtain accurate data on eventual travel advisories, vaccination requirements, and passport and visa requirements.
3. Manage your budget
A good vacation is not cheap; unless you get lucky and win it in some contest. The essential things you need to prepare for are transportation, accommodation, food, and eventual tickets or excursions. You can choose to book with a reputable travel agency for hassle-free trip planning, or when you’re the more adventurous type, you can book your flights, accommodation, excursions, and other logistics directly. The latter, when done correctly, will usually save you some money. Money saved on booking means more money to spend on your vacation.
It takes some research to compare all possible accommodation or transportation options based on reviews or price from other travelers, but as mentioned above, some of the planning can be really exciting and almost as fun as the vacation itself. .
4. Set up your calendar
The more you plan your trip in advance, the better your chances of getting discounted fares on flights and hotels. Take a list of all the things you want to do or see in the area and create a detailed day-by-day itinerary. Be sure to plan plenty of time to relax and unwind. It is always a good idea to schedule a rest day on the day you arrive at your destination and another day on the way home. Try not to leave work with pending tasks so you don’t feel overwhelmed when you return. While you’re on vacation, put away your laptop, mobile or I-pad… you’re on vacation so forget about work for now.
5. Packing list
To go out stress-free, create a packing list containing essentials such as clothing, sunscreen, medications (first aid and personal medicines). Check the weather at your destination and plan your clothes accordingly. If you are traveling with children, be sure to bring things to keep them entertained during the trip, especially if it is going to be a long one.
Be sure to bring your travel documents. For safekeeping, it’s always a good idea to take a copy of all documents, including your passport, and email it to yourself before you leave. This way if something is lost; you will be able to recover at least the copies.
