10 vacation planning tips
If you're thinking about arranging a late-summer or fall getaway, here are 10 tips that can help you plan your holiday without getting stressed in the process.
1. Decide what type of holiday you want. It's easy to be sidetracked by the wealth of possibilities. Start by considering what type of vacation you want. Will it be a beach holiday, a cottage getaway, a cultural exploration, an adventure trek, a back-to-nature camping experience or a road trip?
2. Don't reinvent the wheel. Wherever you are going, there's a travel book or site (or three) dedicated to it. Consult those most similar to your travel philosophy — for example, eco-tourist, luxury-minded, budget-conscious, culture vulture or adventure seeker.
3. Consider working with a travel agent. Researching a trip and searching for online bargains can add to the stress if you're pressed for time. A travel agent who specializes in your type of trip or area of the world can not only book flights, but also offer insights into hotels, restaurants and attractions, and advice about events that could make or break your vacation.
4. Set a budget. As with any major expense, a vacation can easily cost more than you intended. Setting a budget can help you make holiday decisions while keeping expectations in check.
5. Make a to-do list. Whatever type of vacation you're planning, taking time to create a to-do list will help you to get all the necessary details completed on schedule — and will help ensure you don't forget crucial details.
6. Read the fine print. When booking online, use reputable sites. Be sure to check terms and conditions and read travel details carefully before paying.
7. Keep it all together. Start a travel binder or folder and keep tickets, passports, travel visas, itinerary, booking confirmations, contact numbers, travel research, and any other related paperwork in one
easy-to-find place, so it's ready to go when you are.
8. Involve the kids. If kids or teens are part of the vacation picture, get their input into destination or activities. A few concessions up front could make the trip more successful in the long run.
9. Try not to over plan. Being organized is helpful, but leave room for spontaneity and flexibility in your holiday.
10. Get insurance. If you are flying or booking a packaged vacation, trip cancellation insurance can provide peace of mind, especially if there's a chance that family illness could interrupt your plans.