Tips for Planning Your Dream Vacation
Are you dreaming of planning the perfect vacation? Whether you are looking forward to a deluxe holiday experience or a fun and more budget-friendly trip, there are many considerations to take into account when planning for your dream vacation. From researching destinations, budgeting for travel, and choosing activities, planning a perfect vacation does not have to be a daunting task. To help make the perfect dream vacation a reality, here are some helpful insider tips and tricks.
Do Your Research
Doing your research beforehand will help you figure out where and how to plan the best holiday for your budget and wishes. Before you book anything and begin planning, here are a few points to consider:
• What can you afford? Calculating your budget and deciding what you can and cannot afford will help you determine appropriate travel and lodging plans. Determine a total budget and decide on a proportional amount to allocate for transportation, food, activities, and lodging.
• Which destinations have captured your interest? Consider various types of destinations including beach/coastal towns, historical cities, metropolitan areas, nature reserves, and more.
• How much time do you have? A long-term vacation or a short weekend getaway?
• What types of activities will you and your travel companions enjoy? Explore family-friendly attractions, restaurants, nightlife activities, outdoor opportunities, and more.
• What climate and season should you travel in? Consider geographical location and the best time of year for the region you plan to visit – this will help select an ideal time period for your trip.
• What vacation style fits you and your companion’s budget and interests? Select between all-inclusive, luxury, active, offbeat, and eco-friendly trips.
Book Transporation and Accommodation
Once you have decided on the destination and budget for your dream vacation, the search for transportation and accommodation can begin.
• Research airline travel to and from your destination. Include travel times, connection options, and baggage fees.
• If flying, focus on the cost of each flight plus any additional fees, such as boarding and carry-on baggage costs.
• When booking lodging, consider different lodging styles, such as:
• Hotels
• Airbnb or Vacation Rental Sites
• Hostels
• RV Parks
• Consider each lodging style in relation to cumulative costs and the benefits that best suite your vacation plans.
Explore and Budget for Activities
Once you have your flight and accommodation booked, research the activities available at the destination.
• Look for local attractions that fit in with the vacation style you chose.
• Use specialized trip-planning sites and apps to find attractions, restaurants, parks, and stores.
• Look for discounts or promotions that may be available for local attractions.
• Reduce costs by planning activities you can do for free.
• Evaluate each activity to determine if you can save money with budget-friendly alternatives.
• Make reminder lists of any items you need for activities, such as swimwear, extra shoes, sunscreen, or any essentials.
Create a Packing List
As the date of your dream vacation approaches, create a list of all the items you will need to pack.
• Research the climate of the destination, dress codes of activities, and guidelines of places you plan to visit. Dress accordingly pack clothes (and shoes) that are appropriate for the climate, activities, and sites you plan to visit.
• Decided on a travel style and pack accordingly. Consider types of luggage such as:
• Suitcases
• Duffle bags
• Backpacks
• Pack essentials such as documents and items you need for activities such as sunscreen, beachwear, or special clothing.
• Toiletries specifically needed to your travel style, such as shampoos, soaps, make-up, and first-aid.
• If bringing electronics, make sure to bring the appropriate chargers and power adapters.
• Pack comfortable travel clothing and shoes.
• Bring a reusable water bottle or other items in the event you are not able to purchase a drink or snack in the place you are visiting.
Set a Final Itinerary
Prior to departure, create a final itinerary for your vacation.
• Start with the activities and attractions that you placed highest on the priority list.
• Remember to spread them out over the duration of your trip.
• Factor in rest days and include more rest days if necessary.
• Take the time to find out about the transportation options for each activity, such as buses and taxis.
• Make sure to double check all reservations, transportation, and lodging arrangements.
• Include a request for travel insurance if necessary.
• Make sure to always have a printed copy of the itinerary and any pertinent travel documents and contact information.
Final Tips
• Remember to factor in time differences.
• Don’t forget to read the reviews! Proper research and reading reviews can help you to save time and money.
• If possible visit and familiarize yourself with the destination prior to the actual vacation time.
• Stay organized. Use digital or physical planners and source reference materials.
• Be flexible – adjust your itinerary based on the needs of you and your travel companions.
• Turn off voicemail settings while traveling and limit data use to save cellular/mobile charges.
• Consider bringing along a multi-language phrase book or dictionary to use as needed.
• Stay organized with your documents and cash – copy important documents, leave them with a friend or family member back home, and keep cash and cards in a safe and secure location in your travel bag or wallet.
• Fully embrace the joy of a dream vacation and take time to relax and enjoy yourself.
Your dream vacation should be a time of fun, exploration, and personal growth. Planning and organizing a perfect dream vacation doesn’t have to be a challenging task – with the right research, skill, and enthusiasm, the perfect vacation is within reach. With these key tips and careful consideration, you should be well on your way to enjoying the perfect dream vacation.
