Vacationing is a fun and relaxing moment while enjoying a different atmosphere from everyday life. However, vacations can be messy if not planned properly. In order for the vacation to run smoothly and excitingly, plan ahead by preparing transportation, accommodation, and activities during the trip.
Step
Part 1 of 5: Deciding on a Vacation Spot
Step 1. Write down the 5 most popular vacation spots
If you want to go on vacation with someone else, ask them to do the same.
Step 2. Decide on a vacation destination
Deciding where to vacation is easier when you know why you want to travel. When choosing a vacation destination, consider the goals you want to achieve, for example to relax while calming your mind, enjoy new adventures, visit famous tourist destinations, see historical relics, or take your children to have unforgettable beautiful moments.
Step 3. Discuss vacation options with the people you will be traveling with
Do this step while having fun, rather than as a chore. A few days, weeks, or months in advance, take the time to discuss and find out the advantages of some popular tourist destinations.
Step 4. Consider the needs of everyone who will be traveling with you
If you want to take children, seniors, or people with disabilities, consider a suitable travel destination for them.
Step 5. Find out the amount of funds for a vacation
While considering some of the most attractive tourist destinations, look online for information on lodging and transportation costs at each location so you can make a choice that fits your budget.
When planning an itinerary, consider transportation, lodging, food and recreation costs
Step 6. Decide on a vacation spot
Ideally, tourist destinations are determined by mutual agreement. If there are differences of opinion, try to find common ground.
- Decide on a vacation spot in turns. If this year you decide, give the opportunity to others to determine where to vacation next year.
- If everyone's desires are different, determine a vacation spot that is acceptable to all, even if this location is not the best choice for them.
- Make your choice using lottery. If no agreement is reached, use another method. Write down all the options on a piece of paper and put it in a jar or hat and then have someone who isn't on vacation (preferably a neutral one) pick up a sheet. The location listed on the paper is the vacation spot this time!
Step 7. Determine the date of the trip
Depending on the weather at your destination, choose a travel date that will allow you to enjoy your vacation, when the weather is neither too hot nor cold. If you are traveling outside of a long holiday, the cost may be less.
Part 2 of 5: Choosing the Means of Transportation
Step 1. Compare airline ticket prices
Different airlines offer tickets at different prices for the same destination. Make sure you research the information before buying a ticket.
Step 2. Look for websites to book airline tickets (and hotels) if you want to fly
This can save time and money, especially websites that offer travel packages or discounts.
Usually, travel websites provide comparisons of ticket prices for several airlines. You can get complete information, simply by accessing the website
Step 3. Consider other means of transportation
The fastest way to reach remote locations is by airplane, but there are other cheaper and more environmentally friendly options, such as taking the train, bus, or renting a vehicle. Traveling this way is often more fun, especially if you bring the kids.
Step 4. Consider all the means of transportation needed during your vacation
You just determine the first means of transportation when determining how to reach your destination. Once there, you'll need a vehicle to your hotel from the airport, train station or bus station. In addition, you need to plan local trips during your vacation.
- Contact the hotel receptionist to ask whether there is a cheap or free transportation for hotel guests to and from the airport. If not available, ask for information about other transportation and costs.
- Rent a vehicle if you travel a lot after arriving at your vacation spot. A rental car is more efficient than a taxi if you want to travel to several remote locations. Don't forget to find out the hotel's parking rules and fees.
- You don't need to rent a car if you want to stay in a hotel during your vacation (for example, because you're staying at a resort with complete facilities). It is better to take a taxi or other vehicle to reach the hotel from the airport.
- If you want to travel outside the city, find out about public transportation within the city through the website. When traveling in locations accessible by train or bus, buy daily or weekly passes as they are cheaper.
Step 5. Take time to do car maintenance
If you want to take a vacation using a private car, don't forget to do maintenance and check the condition of the car.
- Check the air pressure of all tires.
- Change the oil if it has been 3 months or 5,000 km since the last oil change.
- Make sure all spare parts are working properly: wipers, headlights, turn signals, brakes, battery, air conditioner, and seat belts.
- Bring a spare tire and tools to repair the car.
Part 3 of 5: Finding Lodging
Step 1. Look for a hotel (and airline ticket) booking website
This step helps you compare room rates, service quality, and facilities available at the hotel.
Step 2. Write down the things you need while staying at the hotel
Choose a hotel that provides everything you need, such as free breakfast, free internet, in-room appliances (small refrigerator, microwave, television), beautiful views, or easy access to public transportation.
Step 3. Determine the length of time you will be at the hotel
If you often move outside the hotel, the room is used only for sleeping at night. If you stay at a relatively cheap hotel, you can shift the hotel costs to buy food or recreation. However, look for a comfortable hotel so you can relax if you want to take a vacation to relax.
Step 4. Consider other lodging options
You don't have to stay in a hotel while on vacation. Consider other ways to spend the night when making travel plans.
- Friends or relatives who live at the destination may have a guest room in their house. If you want to vacation there, ask if you can stay at his house. The hospitality of distant relatives may exceed expectations.
- Local lodging and home-cooked breakfasts often make the atmosphere feel more intimate and personal than a hotel.
- Many vacation spots provide condominiums, houses, or cottages that are rented out directly by the owner or through a property agent. Look for information online about this inn when you want to decide where to vacation.
- In certain countries, travel can be done using a recreational vehicle (RV) or a caravan that functions as a vehicle and a place to stay overnight.
- Camping is a fun way to vacation for nature lovers. Some campsites and national parks provide cleaning facilities, such as bathrooms and showers. So, campers don't need to bathe in the river!
Part 4 of 5: Planning Recreational Activities
Step 1. Purchase a travel guide book
Although it may seem outdated, this book is very useful when traveling because it provides information about various recreational activities and ratings of certain travel agents. Information in reputable manuals is usually very accurate.
Step 2. Set up activities that involve everyone
Make sure you consider all traveling companions when planning recreational activities. If you're on vacation with your kids, find out what activities are safe for them. If someone has a medical condition or is on a diet, make sure you accommodate their needs in the itinerary.
Step 3. Enjoy a special adventure by making reservations well in advance
To make sure your vacation is a memorable one, for example by taking a tour to see the antique collection in the museum, watching whale attractions, watching a concert, enjoying the sunset on a cruise, or having a sumptuous dinner, make sure you make reservations well in advance.
- If you want to visit a location that is crowded with visitors during a long holiday, tickets for some interesting shows may be sold out. So, make sure you make a reservation in advance.
- Find out the conditions for canceling or rescheduling before making a reservation.
Step 4. Prepare for a surprise
When planning your trip, you may want to organize a special event for yourself and your traveling companions. A romantic dinner with a partner or an exciting adventure in the wild with friends can be a pleasant surprise for them.
Step 5. Schedule some free time to relax at the lodge
Instead of filling every holiday moment with various events so that all the desired activities are carried out, don't set up a schedule that is too tight. After all, one of the goals of a vacation is to rest. Relaxing at the inn with family or swimming at the hotel with friends can be fun moments that make the holiday even more exciting.
Step 6. Arrange events according to priority
If you want to fill your vacation with a myriad of activities or trips, sort by priority. This way, you can plan your schedule by allocating time for the plans you want to come first.
If there are activities that have not been carried out while on vacation this time, visit the same location again to realize the postponed plans
Part 5 of 5: Packing and Preparing for Vacation
Step 1. Start saving to pay for travel expenses
You can save more if you plan your vacation well in advance.
- Calculate the need for funds to pay for all aspects of the trip, such as transportation, lodging, food, tips, recreational activities, and others. In addition, prepare funds for unexpected expenses.
- If you're planning a high-cost trip or special occasion while on vacation with family members or friends, ask them to donate as a holiday or birthday present.
Step 2. Write down the things you need to bring
While planning your trip, make a list of what you need to bring with you. Put the list in an easily visible place so you can write when you remember other things that haven't been noted.
- Write down all the daily necessities that must be brought while on vacation.
- Make sure you record or pack very important daily necessities, such as medicines. Before leaving, take the time to check your bags and suitcases so you don't leave your doctor's medicine at home.
- Find out the weather at your vacation spot so you can dress appropriately when you're there. Bring a jacket or coat if you want to vacation in a cold location.
- Look online for information about things to take with you on vacation. Take advantage of various sources of information on packing guides for traveling to certain weather locations.
- If you want to fly, be aware that some airlines charge a fee based on the number of luggage. So, bring what you need so you can save money. In addition to limiting the number of luggage, the weight is limited so you incur exorbitant fees if your luggage is overweight.
- Whatever means of transportation used, make sure you bring first aid kits, snacks, and entertainment facilities while on vacation. Travel by car or airplane is usually quite long so it is often boring. Bring a game or plan an activity to do with a traveling companion, especially if you're bringing small children.
Step 3. Prepare a plan for the pet
If you have pets at home, make sure someone takes care of them during your vacation.
- You can take your pet with you if you want to drive a car while on vacation. Before making a hotel reservation, find out the rules that apply about whether you can bring pets into the room. Some hotels require you to provide a deposit or prohibit this.
- Consider the option of leaving your pet at a vet clinic or animal day care center. Find out the pick-up and drop-off schedule so you'll be home when your pet is brought home.
- Hiring people who can take care of animals is the best way for animals that can't adapt to their new environment. If you have a dog, ask the veterinarian to come to the house (several times if possible) while you are at home so that the dog recognizes him as a regular person in the house.
Tips
- When you want to book a plane ticket, find out how many times you need to transit and the duration of the flight from departure to arrival at the airport.
- Consider buying travel insurance, especially if you book your tickets in advance. This step ensures that ticket payments are refunded in case you are forced to cancel your trip.
- Make sure you are traveling with the correct identity and study the airline's policies on what items may and may not be carried on board.
- Write about your experiences in a journal or blog to document your journey.
- Time to increase the camera battery power. Don't forget to bring an extra memory card and spare battery!
- Look for websites that provide information and reviews about the location you want to visit. Change your choice of vacation spot if someone gives a negative review.
- If you want to travel on a long vacation, make hotel reservations in advance to get the best deals.
