1. First consideration is finances (for most of us). Will it meet your budget guidelines? And if it won?t, should you wait a while until you can afford it or choose a different destination. If you really, really need a break from the daily routine, then find a different location, maybe a little closer to where you live or where the cost of the accommodations is more budget friendly. You can save up and go to that dreamland destination next year. And always plan to have with you enough money or the financial ability to properly handle any unexpected situations that may occur.
2. How will you be traveling? If you are driving, you just need to plan those gas stops and combine them with bathroom stops. I always like to take snack foods when I travel by car. Some grapes, a couple apples, a few bananas and some cheesy crackers will get me a long way before I think I have to stop for a meal. I also like books on cd.
If you are traveling by air or rail, you will get the best rates if you plan several months ahead. Each of those methods are really easier and faster than driving and good planning is what will make for a great trip.
3. Now, who will be looking after your house and your pets. If you have the right sitter in mind, you can almost start breathing easy once those plans are in place. Always have a back up plan for Fido and Fluffy ?just in case? the sitter runs into some kind problems. It would be a drag to have to cut your trip short to get back to your furry family members.
4. Accommodations can make or break even an otherwise well planned vacation. Be sure that the hotel where you will be staying doesn?t just happen to be resurfacing their pool or under some other kind of construction that will effect your stay there. There is not a ?good deal? good enough for your accommodations to not be comfortable and quiet when you need to relax and get a good night?s sleep. Also, make sure your hotel is located conveniently to those sights you are there to see as well as restaurants and shopping.
5. Packing is important. Here is the tip of a lifetime – PACK LIGHT. Take as few bags as possible. Take clothes that you can layer and mix and match and take two pair of comfortable shoes. Leave your good jewelry at home. Be sure you have your insurance cards, driver?s license, passport if needed and your medications.
6. Keep a check list and go over it frequently. Be sure you have everything covered several days prior to your departure. That way, you have some breathing room to handle the little last minute things that might present themselves.
7. Loosen up. Getting a break from your job and daily routine is reward enough, so don?t get so up tight in your planning that you need a vacation before your vacation. And while you are away, try at least one thing you?ve never tried before. It could be a new food, learning a new sport or just a new dance. Come home renewed with something new to add to your old world.
8. Working vacation? If you can work remotely, on the internet, you can potentially work from the road for smaller vacations and not lose any income. This affords you to take more frequent trips. Cheap laptops are great for travel, don’t have to worry if anything happens to them. If I will work for 2-3 hours most days, it’s like I was not “off work”, so I can travel 6-10 times a year without counting it as vacation time.