by What vacation are you dreaming of? Go on an Antarctic cruise, visit the ruins of Machu Picchu, or enjoy the silence in a child-free hotel. No matter how you envision your next vacation, planning is the key to getting your destination off your wish list. But if you’re new to travel arrangements, navigating logistics and budgeting can be tricky. Use this guide to make your dream trip a reality in ten easy steps.
What is your budget?
Your budget will determine every decision made after this point, which is why it is among the most important.
The amount of money depends on how long you can stay on vacation, and what type of accommodation you can stay in. Do you plan to hire a car from the rental company? And if yes, will you prefer to rent Ferrari in Dubai or hire a comfortable family SUV?
What kind of vacation do you prefer? Active or relaxed?
The perfect vacation will look different for us, so think about what you and the people you travel with love to do.
Where will you go?
Pick your top three destinations ahead of time. The Internet is limitless, and it is ready to offer you a dozen diverse destinations. However, what is the point of wasting time moaning about Fiji when plane tickets take up two-thirds of your budget? Just stick to your top three and narrow down your options within it.
When are you going to go?
The time of year greatly affects the budget of the trip. Once you’ve decided on a destination, study the peak season and off-season to know when accommodation, food, and leisure activities are cheaper.
Documents and vaccinations
Does your destination require a visa? Have you taken out insurance? Are there any required or recommended vaccinations? Do you know where local hospitals or clinics are in case you get sick?
Tickets
If you are flying, be sure to try to book your tickets in advance. For domestic flights, it is recommended to take tickets for three months, and for international flights – for six. If you have flexible dates, check the prices on the calendar to find cheaper departure/arrival combinations. When booking, make sure your ticket includes luggage (if you need it), and there is no extra charge for hand luggage.
Accommodation
Sometimes taking a travel package “flight + accommodation” is much more profitable than combining these elements manually. Unique offers can be found both through the air carrier and through accommodation booking systems. If you have already bought tickets and it remains to find a place to stay for the night, think again about what kind of vacation you are looking for.
When booking, think about whether you want to be closer to the backcountry or the sights, and whether to move away from the center to save money.
Activity
Plan your vacation activities. If you are looking for a nature-oriented holiday, you can go hiking, biking, fishing, renting a boat or jet ski, going kayaking or skiing and snowboarding depending on the season, and much more.
If you prefer the urban format, it all depends on your preferences. Each city has its own characteristics, but here is a list of ideas: walking tours, museums, art galleries, food tours, city parks, shopping, local markets, tours of churches, or attending a play or concert in an unusual place.
Food
Gastronomic tourism is a separate column within travel. Do not leave the choice of establishments at random and make a list of places where you would be tasty and beautiful in advance. Browse blogs, check Instagram and Pinterest mentions, and explore the online map to see locations near your accommodation, especially if you are traveling with a child. Also, don’t hesitate to book accommodation with a kitchen where you can cook with local produce and save money at the same time.
Finally on vacation!
Highly recommended: enjoy. Try not to bring work, heavy thoughts, or post-holiday plans with you. Forget about everyday life’s stresses for a week, a weekend – or how long your trip lasts. Feel free to embark on an adventure that you will remember for a lifetime.
