Whether you’re planning a quick getaway for the weekend or an once-in-a-lifetime around the world trip, it is important to plan your trip. This will help ensure your vacation is fun and relaxing, and that you have an unforgettable experience.
Defining how long you want to travel sets a goal for you to work toward. It also helps you weed out destinations that aren’t feasible for your trip.
2. Know What You Want to Do
It’s important to know what you want to do before you book anything. This way, you won’t get caught off guard when something changes. For example, many popular attractions, including theme parks and zoos, have high season, so make sure to book tickets in advance.
It is also important to research your destination and find out what is available there. This will help you decide how much time to spend there and what activities to do. You can also find out if any restaurants, attractions or museums are seasonal or have limited availability.
You can also sign up for loyalty programs with your hotels, airlines and rental car companies. This will give you some benefits and may save you money in the long run.
3. Know How Much Time You Have
When you plan your trip, it’s important to keep in mind how long you want the trip to last. This can affect how much you do, where you go and even when you go! For example, you might want to avoid peak season at a popular beach destination or visit national parks outside of the summer.
For long trips, you may also need to think about pre-booking activities or booking restaurant meals in advance. This can be especially true for things like food tours, adventure sports or theater shows. Having these details locked in can help you relax and enjoy your vacation without worrying about the little things. Having some flexibility in your schedule can also be a good way to make the most out of your vacation.
4. Know How Much Money You Have
Whether your goal is to travel on a budget or splurge at a resort, you will need a solid idea of how much money you have to work with. This can help you plan your trip better and avoid overspending.
For example, if you are planning a road trip, it’s important to know how much gas will cost and how far your car can go on one tank. This will give you an idea of whether a road trip is truly cheaper than flying or not.
Additionally, if you are trying to save for a big trip, try to cut back on things that you value less than traveling, like cable TV or lunch out, and put those savings into your travel fund. You can also supplement your travel expenses by taking a side gig or investing in an income property.
5. Know How to Get There
Depending on your budget and time at your disposal, it’s sometimes best to book tours, shows, meals at popular restaurants, etc. well in advance – this way you can be sure you’ll have the chance to do them!
Before your trip, be sure to contact your bank and credit card company to let them know that you’ll be traveling abroad. Many banks offer a simple online form that you can use for this purpose.
Don’t forget to do all of the laundry you can ahead of your trip (it’ll be one less thing for you to worry about when you return). And if you have any plants that need to be watered, arrange for someone to take care of them for you while you’re away.