It may be only February, but you’re probably already thinking about your travel plans for this spring and summer. After all, things fill up fast. Not only that, but you have to consider when you can take off work or school, what you can afford – the whole nine yards. Because those thoughts may already be front and center in your mind, here are a few tips on how to plan for this year’s vacations.
Choose Your Destination
The excitement begins right off the bat when you start thinking about where you want to go. It’s a mix of dreams and reality. You may have to come back and revisit this step depending on what you figure out throughout the planning process.
Pick Your Travel Partners
Whether you’re traveling with friends, family, or just yourself, you need to think about who is coming along, particularly if you have children on the trip.
Determine Your Budget
This may be one of the biggest drivers in determining not only when and where you go, but how long you will stay. One good idea is to start saving ahead of time, and maybe even prepay for hotels and other expenses.
Decide When You’ll Go
School and work can be the biggest factor when you decide when to go on your trip. Although time of year is also a consideration, given peak tourism seasons at many destinations.
Research Travel Deals
There are many sites online that offer deals related to your travel. Typically, you can find better prices on flights, hotels, car rentals, and other items related to your trip.
Ask for Time Off
Here’s a biggie, and it depends quite a bit on the policy at your particular workplace. But the best rule of thumb is to ask for your time off really far in advance.
Find a Great Place to Stay
Maybe you found a deal on a place in your research. If not, now’s the time to consider things such as whether you would want a hotel, airbnb – or maybe you just want to bring a tent and find a campground.
Research the Area
Here’s another fun step to get you excited. Research your destination to find out more about what’s in the area and what you want to do while you are on your trip.
Plan Your Itinerary (Or Don’t)
Planning you itinerary can be very strategic if you want to fit everything in that you want to see. Other times it can be fun to fly by the seat of your pants.
Get Your Documents in Order
Carrying you identification is very important when traveling. If you are leaving the country on your trip, of course, your passport will be required. If you don’t have one, start that process now.
Decide on Travel Insurance
Deciding on whether to get travel insurance is tough, and there are several that you may want to consider. Some let you cancel for any reason. Some cover medical. There’s quite a bit of research to do for this one.
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Minimize Travel Risks
Be sure to copy essential documents, research and prepare for common scams in the area, secure your valuables – and don’t forget to put a stop on your mail.