We all look forward to taking time off and going away. Do our best to get away from our jobs, stress, daily chores, routines and enjoy ourselves. When we decide on a vacation, we take our time.
We look for fun places, exciting, far away and hopefully somewhere new to us. Basically you are looking for an adventure. At times planning these vacations can be stressful and time consuming. With the way the economy is lately, every dollar you can save is better for you because that is one more dollar you can use on your vacation.
There are advertisements everywhere offering good deals on vacations. Resorts giving away free nights. There is definitely an opportunity for you to find exactly what you are looking for. There are also other advertisements you should look out for, if you are offered a free trip, check it out carefully. If it's legitimate, then you should only pay taxes and maybe airline fees or resort fees. Should they ask for more than that, don't take this offer.
Today there are many that are trying to find a way to scam you out of your money. Another tip, before going in to work and putting in for vacation, check dates to see if you can truly get good deals.
DESTINATION
First choose your the destination where you plan to vacation. If it’s a family vacation then you want to choose somewhere where there is something fun the entire family. If it’s just the two of you, then try to plan a romantice adventure. For a group of friends, a place where you can actually have an adventure, night spots, beaches, hiking, a place of pure fun.
SEASON
Now that you have your destination, do research on this location. You want to know about the weather. You want to be able to enjoy your vacation. If you plan to get some sun, go to the beaches, enjoy the outdoors then you don’t want to go there during their cold season. For example, while it may be summer here in June, July and August, in South America it is actually winter.
BEST RATES
To get the best rates on hotels, car rentals, airfare, etc, it’s best to go during off peak season. When tourism is not at the highest peak, you are able to find better rates. This is a plus because you can save some money that you can actually use on your trip. Even though you are trying to save some money on the trip, you want to make sure you stay at a decent hotel. Make sure it's not a place you wished you had never gone too. Check the hotel reviews out, this helps.
LOCATION
Not only are the rates important but the location. Let’s say you want to go to the Caribbean Islands, just like all places, you have good and bad areas. You want to make sure that the hotel you choose is in a good spot, if it’s an island, near the best beaches. They should be as close as possible to popular areas, easy access. If you choose not to rent a car, then you must be able to catch a tour bus or a taxi. You want to make sure that if you leave the hotel you don’t feel like you are going to get mugged. Many of you know this is true. You have planned a vacation, arrived at your destination and are surprised (mostly scared) of where you are staying. Take the time to research, it is very important. You want to have good memories of your vacation, not remember it as your worst nightmare.
Now that you have chosen your destination, found the perfect place to stay, know all you need to know about this vacation spot, now pick the exact dates. Since you have to request this time off, pick various dates, just in case you have to be flexible. Give your manager these tentative dates. As soon as you have confirmed your trip, let them know.
Once your dates are approved, you have found the best deal, purchase your vacation package and get ready to have some fun. Now you have to see what you need for your trip.
PASSPORT/VACCINATIONS
If you are traveling outside the United States, you will need your passport. Make sure it is up to date. If it’s not current or you don’t have a passport, then file for it. Make sure that you will receive your passport in plenty of time, if your travel plans are very close then you may want to expedite it. Some countries require visa, you can always find this information online or from your travel agent. Vaccinations are sometimes required to travel to foreign countries, such as a malaria vaccination if traveling to Africa or Costa Rica.
LIST
Okay, many of us like to wing it but do you really want to do that when you are planning a vacation far away from home? You are visiting a place you have never been to and don’t know how close the stores or pharmacies may be. You really don't beieve this is a risk worth taking do you?
A list is perfect, do one for each person that is traveling. This may sound dumb to many or boring but it’s not. It’s the smart thing to do. On the list write all the toiletries they may need, shampoo, toothpaste, hair brush, deodorant, etc. If you are staying for 6 nights then write down how many outfits each person will need.
How many pairs of shoes, tennis shoes or sandals they may need. If the person takes medication on a daily basis, write that down also. Trust me, when you start making a list, you will be amazed as to how many things you do have to take that are necessary. As you start packing everything, check off the list. It is best to do this with another person. Don’t forget the sun block if you are planning to go to the beach.
CLOTHING/SHOES
Make sure you have the proper clothing with you. Things they never tell you are that even if it is warm during the day, there are times the night can be chilly. Always take a light jacket or sweater with you just in case. Take some nice evening wear with you; most likely there is a fine dining restaurant you might like to try. Bring extra pairs of socks, underwear, shorts, etc. Always carry at least two pairs of tennis shoes, two pairs of sandals, one for the beach, one for the hotel. Take a nice pair of shoes for that evening out and then comfortable ones for everyday use if necessary.
For children, you will need extra outfits. Remember children love to play and get into all sorts of things; they will definitely have to change more than once a day.
HOUSE
Don’t forget to ask the post office to hold your mail that week, have a family member or a very close friend check on the house. If you have a pet and it is staying behind, make arrangements for them. Check on the kennels, maybe a friend can take of them, or if you are having someone house sit then have them take care of your pet.
Of course, if you are going to go away that week, make sure you don’t leave anything in the refrigerator that will spoil. You don’t want to come back home, open the refrigerator door and get sick.
TRANSPORTATION/AIRPORT PARKING
If you plan to drive yourself to the airport, check out the airport parking. You want to make sure it is a secure place and the cost per day is not sky high. You might also think about calling a limo service. By doing this, you will have transportation to and from the airport. Honestly it’s worth the few dollars you spend on this transportation. This way you don’t have to worry about find your car all banged up if you leave it at the airport and then to add insult to injury, pay a huge bill upon exiting the parking garage. Another plus, you don’t have to depend on someone else arriving late at both pick up and drop off.
AIRPORT SECURITY
With all that has happened in the last few years, security at the airport is very tight. If you want to make things easier for yourself, try to make sure that you follow the rules and regulations they have placed to a tee. For instance, in your carry on do not carry large bottles of hand cream, shampoo, lotions, etc. must be small, about 2 oz in size. You can carry snacks but it will be difficult to cross that line with a bottle of water. Be ready, you will have to remove your shoes, take out the laptop, camera, etc. In other words, the less you carry on to the plan the better.
Try to put everything you can in your suitcase. Of course there are certain items you will not place in your luggage, such as a camcorder, laptop or camera. Whatever you carry on to the plane, make sure it's easy to take out of the bag. This makes it easier when you are going through security. These are items you have to take out of the bag. Check to see what you will have to pay for when going through customs at your destination and coming back into the United States.
Traveling nowadays is not as easy as it use to be and can be difficult at times. Just remember that what is being done is for your safety and the safety of others. Always get to the airport ahead of time. They usually suggest two hours but it’s best to be there three hours before departure, especially if travelling outside the United States. With all the security there is, it does take longer to check your bags and go through security.