Planning a vacation is as much fun for me as actually taking the trip. Do you have a destination in mind? Let me show you how I plan my trips and what you can do to keep it cost effective. The planning phase is imperative to a relaxing vacation.
Destination
Where will you pick for your vacation? My favorite destinations have been Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, Budapest, Belgium and Mexico. The next place I will plan is the British Virgin Islands for a sailing vacation. Whether you are going overseas or to another state there are a few tips to keep in mind when planning your vacation.
Research
After you have picked your destination it is research time. I really love the travel guides available at your local book store. The cost is around $20.00 new, but used ones can be found on cites such as Amazon. The top two travel guides for me are Frommer’s and Fodor’s. DK Eyewitness Top 10 Travel Guides are outstanding books, your guide to the 10 best of everything. The guides include maps, photos, attractions, itineraries, lodging and dining to name a few. There are price guides, customs information, and many valuable facts. Buy a guide book and take it with you. Looking up the information from your guide book online is also recommended.
Lodging
It is a good idea to book your lodging before you travel. This is a way to budget for your trip. Pick a hotel from your guide book and look them up online. I prefer to call them as to speak with them in person. Find out the costs of the room and what amenities they offer. I like to stay at small, out of the way hotels. I look for locally owned, friendly atmospheres when choosing my hotel. I love when they have the hotel dog or cat that will welcome you on arrival. In Costa Rica I stayed at The Blue Monkey outside of Manuel Antonio. The small, friendly hotel was a highlight of my trip. Little things make the trip memorable and not chaotic. Also choose a hotel that is close to the attractions that you plan on seeing while you are there. Ask about transportation and parking so you will not have unexpected charges. I like to plan to stay at various hotels on a trip. I will stay at one by the airport on my last day, and move to several others during my stay. This way you can experience different areas of the place you are visiting. One day might include the beach while other days in the bustling downtown area. I like to stay in cheaper hotels some nights and book an expensive one for a special occasion.
Friends Included
My next vacation to plan will be a different type of trip but planned in the same fashion. We want to go to The British Virgin Islands and rent a sailboat for ten days. I work with someone who has done this and their experience is very valuable information for us. Talking with someone who has gone where you are planning to go to is very valuable. This trip is one where taking another set of friends with you will cut the cost in half! So don’t forget including friends and combining costs.
Take your time and enjoy planning your trip. Enjoy what the world has to offer us!