Whether you’re traveling for fun, business or pleasure, a well-planned vacation is the key to an enjoyable getaway. However, planning a trip can feel like a daunting task. With the right tips, though, it can be a smooth process that allows you to get away from your daily routine and relax.
Start with a general idea of where you want to go, and then narrow down your destination choice by researching specific attractions and restaurants in that area. Consider your travel companions as you make these choices, and try to strike a balance between everyone’s preferences and needs. For example, if you’re traveling with children or elderly people, plan out family-friendly activities that will keep everyone happy.
Once you’ve settled on a date or dates, book your accommodations and other essentials, such as transportation tickets and tour reservations. Consider signing up for loyalty programs offered by hotels, airlines, rental car companies and restaurants, as these may offer discounts or other benefits. Create a dedicated travel folder to hold all confirmations, menus, receipts and notes related to your trip. It’s also a good idea to do some recon on your destination, by looking up famous sights and experiences (try a Google search), reading recommendations from locals and checking out maps of the area.
If you’re visiting a popular attraction in the peak travel season, be sure to book your experience ahead of time. This is especially true if you’re considering a high-demand activity, such as a skydiving trip, whale watching excursion or special performance. Many cities also offer City Passes that provide discounts on multiple activities and attractions.
Ask your friends and family about their favorite activities, and make a list of the top places they’d recommend to visit while you’re there. This is a great way to build excitement about your trip and inspire ideas you might not have thought of on your own. It’s also helpful if you have a traveler’s notebook, where you can write down your itinerary and other important information about your destination.
Consider contacting the local post office to put your mail on hold while you’re gone, particularly if you’re traveling for an extended period of time. Doing so can prevent piles of unread mail from building up in your mailbox and also save you a hefty postage bill when you return home.
Finally, if you have pets, be sure to have someone stop by to feed and water them while you’re away. Check that your pet’s vaccinations are up to date and take any medications they need with you on the trip. And don’t forget to get your house ready for your absence, by clearing out the fridge of any food that will spoil and putting out any pet toys or treats they might enjoy while you’re gone. You should also set out any items you might need for a quick clean-up, such as a mop and bucket, garbage bags, and so forth. plan your trip