Adventure Awaits: Your Guide to Planning a Vacation
It’s a big world – nearly 200 countries and counting – and seeing new parts of it can be an exciting and fulfilling way to spend your time. Whether you’re an experienced globetrotter or just getting started, planning your trip is the first step in any successful journey.
From obtaining visas for foreign destinations to securing a pet sitter, vacation planning can be a lot to handle. We’ve compiled this comprehensive guide to planning a vacation to streamline the process and help ensure you have a great time on the trip ahead.
Why Take a Vacation?
Amidst the often hectic demands of daily life, scheduling leisure activities, particularly travel, is an important way to recharge and provide balance. Traveling alone is an opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery, while traveling with others creates lasting memories and deepens connections with friends and family.
The mental health benefits of taking a vacation include stress relief, improved focus, and a boost to creativity. You may also see physical improvements like improved sleep and a reduced feeling of burnout. Ultimately, vacations aren’t just a luxury; they are essential for maintaining your overall well-being.
How to Plan a Vacation
Set a Budget
Starting your vacation plan by determining a budget helps ensure that you keep your spending manageable and can enjoy your trip without financial stress. Start by considering the major expenses, like transportation, lodging, and meals.
Then think about how you like to spend your time–if shopping is a favorite pastime, for instance, you may want to budget more than if you’re mostly planning to visit museums and cultural attractions.
It’s also a good idea to plan for other costs like taxes, tips, or emergency expenses, as these can add up quickly. If possible, setting aside extra funds for unexpected costs can provide peace of mind while you’re traveling.
Choose Your Destination
Once you’ve set a budget, it’s time to choose a destination. Start by considering how far you’re willing to travel–do you want to vacation abroad or keep it domestic? You can narrow down your choice by focusing on your interests. If you’re a fan of the outdoors, a relaxing beach getaway or adventurous hike in nature are great choices. For more immersive cultural experiences, you might consider metropolitan areas like San Francisco, Tokyo, or Sidney.
Make a short list of destinations, then check factors like weather, safety, and local events happening during your desired travel dates. Online resources like TripAdvisor and Atlas Obscura, travel blogs, and official websites, such as the state department for your destination are valuable sources of information that can make or break a trip.
Book Transportation
Whether plan to travel by plane, train, automobile, or a combination thereof, securing your travel arrangements early helps ensure a smooth and stress-free trip while often saving money. When booking airfare, try sites like Google Flights or Skyscanner to research flight routes and compare airlines’ amenities and costs. You can also set alerts so you know when prices dip, helping you secure tickets for less money.
For destinations where trains or buses are a convenient option, it’s important to familiarize yourself with schedules, routes, and fares. Rome2Rio is a useful tool that allows you to explore various transportation methods, including trains, buses, and ferries, making it easier to plan your journey. For those traveling in Europe, services like Eurail (for trains) or FlixBus (for budget bus travel) offer affordable and scenic options. In many countries, trains provide a more relaxed and comfortable experience than flying, especially for short distances.
For some destinations, renting a car offers flexibility, especially for exploring more remote areas without extensive public transportation. Platforms like Kayak and Rentalcars.com allow you to compare rates and read reviews to choose a reliable rental provider. If you’re traveling overseas, however, check with your country’s department of state or the International Drivers Association to see whether you’ll need a foreign driver’s license or an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Choose Accommodations
Today, travelers have a wide range of accommodation options, from traditional hotels to alternative lodging on platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo. Here’s a breakdown of the main types of accommodations:
Airbnb/Vrbo
These sites offer a variety of unique stays like treehouses, tiny homes, cabins, and entire homes. Accommodations on these platforms are often more flexible and affordable than traditional hotels and can be better-suited for families or groups.
Staying in an Airbnb or Vrbo also allows travelers to immerse themselves in local neighborhoods, offering a more authentic experience with the added benefit of more space and amenities, like kitchens, libraries, game rooms, and so on.
Motels
Motels are another budget-friendly option, typically found along highways or in suburban areas. They cater to travelers seeking basic accommodations, often for short stays or road trips. Amenities like free parking and Wi-Fi are commonly included, though motels tend to be more utilitarian and lack the luxurious services of hotels or resorts.
Hotels
Hotels offer a variety of amenities, such as onsite dining, room service, and concierge assistance that you won’t likely find at motels. Free Wi-Fi, pools, and gyms are also standard. With options ranging from budget to luxury, hotels are suited for travelers seeking convenience and a broad selection of services to enhance their stay.
Resorts
For those looking for a more curated experience, resorts go beyond standard hotel offerings by providing dining, entertainment, and activities all in one place. Resorts are perfect for travelers who want to relax without needing to leave the property, often including amenities like spas, golf courses, and organized excursions, particularly in vacation destinations.
Hostels
In contrast, hostels appeal to budget-conscious travelers who prioritize saving money over luxury. Typically offering dormitory-style rooms with shared facilities, hostels are popular among solo travelers and backpackers looking for a social atmosphere. Though amenities may be basic, hostels provide an excellent option for those focused on affordability and meeting fellow travelers.
When selecting accommodations, consider factors like group size, personal preferences, and budget. Sites like Expedia and Booking.com make it easy to compare options based on location, price, reviews, and amenities.
Secure Important Documents
Cross-border travel requires an extra step beyond choosing where you’re going and how you’ll get there. You’ll also need a passport and possibly travel visas, depending on the destination. Double-check that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates, as many countries have this requirement. Keep photocopies or digital scans of these documents stored in a secure cloud-based platform or email them to yourself, in case they are lost or stolen.
When traveling, avoid keeping all your documents in one place; spread them between your luggage, carry-on, and personal bag for extra protection. It’s also a good idea to inform a trusted friend or family member of your travel plans and provide them with copies of your important documents. This ensures that someone back home can assist you in case of emergencies or unexpected changes during your trip.
Plan Your Itinerary
A well-thought-out itinerary can help you make the most of your vacation by organizing activities and sightseeing into manageable plans. Start by listing the must-see attractions and experiences you want to prioritize. Research opening hours, ticket prices, and any special requirements, such as whether you’ll need reservations.
Mixing structured activities with free time helps prevent feeling rushed or overwhelmed. Keep flexibility in mind, as some plans might change depending on weather, mood, or new discoveries along the way.
Here’s a list of activities and attractions to consider when making an itinerary:
- Landmarks and monuments
- Museums and art galleries
- Parks and nature preserves
- Beaches
- Local markets and shopping districts
- Restaurants
- Nightlife
- Guided tours
- Cultural experiences and religious sites
- Amusement parks
- Spa and wellness activities
Pack Wisely
Once you know where you’re going and what you want to do there, make sure you have the gear you’ll need to enjoy it. Start by considering the weather and activities you’ve planned to determine what type of clothing and accessories to bring. Don’t forget essential items like chargers, toiletries, and any medications you may need.
For international travel, include adapters for electronics and consider packing travel-sized toiletries to comply with airline restrictions. To avoid overpacking, lay out everything you plan to bring, then remove unnecessary items. Packing lightly not only makes traveling easier but also leaves room for all those souvenirs you’ll want to bring back.
Prepare for the Unexpected
No matter how well you plan, unexpected situations can arise, so it’s important to be prepared. Travel insurance is a good safeguard against unforeseen events, like flight cancellations, lost luggage, or medical emergencies. Make sure you have access to emergency funds in case of unexpected expenses.
Carry a small first-aid kit in case of minor injuries and familiarize yourself with the local healthcare options at your destination. It’s also helpful to have backup copies of your itinerary; important documents, such as your health insurance card; and a list of emergency contacts. You can enjoy your vacation with less stress knowing you have your bases covered in case of an unexpected event.
Written by Casey Clague