It is Summer and everyone is either planning or booking their next vacation and getting ready to jet set toward the next tropical destination, which is definitely fun, but can also be a tad bit overwhelming if you aren’t prepared. I am an over-planner, which I guess is both a good and a bad thing. You will never hear anyone say “Yep, that Kayla is just a fly by the seat of her pants kind of gal. She is so spontaneous.” Nope. Never. I need a to-do list, plan, itinerary, and plotted out yellow brick road when I am prepping for a big getaway, so as I was working on some vacation plans of my own, I stumbled across a list of helpful tips for first-time planners, which prompted me to sit, think for a minute, and create my own list. So, here are some tips that everyone needs to know while planning their next vacay:
- Budget, Budget, Budget: Keeping a keen eye on your finances makes for a pleasant trip, but even more pleasant return home. It is easy to get a bit carried away while on vacation, so start your holiday with a plan that documents expense totals for food, souvenirs, and essentials.
- Consider Adding Friends to Reduce Lodging Costs: If you are looking to reduce your lodging costs, ask friends to join your vacation. This will help minimize the hotel bill, plus who doesn’t love spending quality time with your besties?!
- Plan to Buy Some Groceries When You Get to Your Destination: Eating out for every meal can get really really expensive, so consider making a grocery run when you arrive at your location. Shop for easy breakfast or lunch foods and plan to eat out during Dinnertime- this way you aren’t missing out totally on the cuisine portion of your trip.
- Plan Both Indoor and Outdoor Activities: Everyone knows that weather is unpredictable, so don’t depend on spending every second of your vacation outside… only to be disappointed if you see a week full of rain. Before hitting the road, look for fun museums or indoor mini golf that can take the front if faced with less than ideal conditions.
- Pack First-Aide Supplies: No one wants to really think about the “oh no”, but you want to be proactive rather than reactive. Having things such as OTC pain medicines, bandages, and antiseptics should on your packing list and stay relatively close to you at all times.
- Seek Out Local Establishments: You are only in the area for a limited time, so take advantage of the local cuisine and Mom and Pop gift shops that offer amazing one-of-a-kind experiences that will make your vacation memorable.
- Equally Schedule Activities for Kids and Adults: From my personal experience as being a kid and an adult, no one wants to do only kiddie stuff, but only grown up functions can get boring, so mix it up! Do something for the adults during the day and then something fun for the little ones that night, but always try to find common ground that is fun for everyone.
- See the Sights: Don’t stay in the room…or even stay in one place for too long because just think of all the things you will be missing. Now, I’m not suggesting that you go overboard and hang on the brink of exhaustion, but don’t be a vacation couch potato.
- Research Before You Leave: Have some-sort of a activity agenda in mind…not every second of every day… but if you know that there are things that you and your family definitely want to do, research and find out times, locations, and all the needed details.
- Disconnect from the Devices: “Stay off of social media.” “Keep your phone on silent.” “Live in the moment, not in the screen.” Things that we have all heard and may said, but rarely follow, but trust me, take the time to unplug. You only get one life, don’t miss out by keeping your nose in your phone.
Are there any tips that I missed? What methods do you use when planning for your next vacation? Tell me in the comments below!
Until next time.
