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10 TIPS FOR PLANNING A STRESS-FREE VACATION
Looking to plan your next trip? Not sure where to start?
This may not seem as important if you are going away for a weekend, however, it is important for all travel today. Why?
Since the pandemic, there has been pent up travel demand. 2023 is predicted to be one of the busiest travel years over the past ten years.
Keeping that in mind, even weekend getaways to popular festivals, destinations, etc. can see early accommodation bookings, (like months in advance).
If traveling for a longer time, or if you are considering traveling across the pond, early planning is key.
Cruising Travel Tip – if you love to cruise (so do I), and plan to book any excursions, book them early. Our experience with our last 3 cruises proved that point, we thought 6 months out would not be a problem but it was. We were unable to get some of the excursions we really wanted.
Destination research is one of the first things you should do when planning a vacation. From what to do, top attractions, museums, and historic sights, etc. Pinterest and Google can be invaluable tools to help with your research.
Also, look up itineraries, travel guides, talk to friends, follow bloggers (wink/wink), also consider speaking with a travel agent. Depending on the destination, they can offer you invaluable information, and save you precious time. They can also help with accommodations and flight pricing.
Once you have completed your research, create a rough itinerary of each day. Include travel between places, ticket purchases, timing, and consider a back-up if you miss a connection.
Planning Travel Tip – This tip comes because of personal experience. Don’t overbook yourself. It is normal to want to see everything you possibly can when visiting a particular destination, especially if you are in a place that you may not return to. I get it and have done it twice!
Build in time when planning your itinerary to relax, to take in the locals, visit a café and talk to natives to your destination, you won’t be sorry and it can enhance your experience and make it unforgettable.
Taking a tour or excursion can be wonderful but can also make for long days. Build in balance, so when you get to day 6 or 10 you are not exhausted.
Know where you are visiting. Learn a bit about the culture. Is there a dress code for visiting some of the attractions? (i.e., Vatican, Sistine Chapel), what is the climate like when you are visiting? Is there a different currency? What is the exchange rate for that currency? Could change your budget.
Does this destination speak a different language? Language barriers can be frustrating, but we must remember we are visiting their country.
I have found that many of the destinations I have visited, many of the locals do speak English. However, if you wander off to a more remote area (which I highly recommend), you may find that less locals speak English.
I try to, and strongly recommend learning basic phrases, it will really help with communication, and they will try to help you more.
The time that can be saved whether you use them or not, can be invaluable.
Also, and this is a big one, if you are traveling abroad and have an issue, it is priceless to be able to reach out to someone who can help you and speaks your language and knows what to do.
6. START BOOKING YOUR TRIP AND KNOW CANCELLATION DATES
You have done all the leg work; you are comfortable with the draft itinerary, defined the budget, and you are ready to book.
Reserve your accommodations and flights first and at the same time. Make sure they are refundable, or offer cancellation options, or understand your funds will be at risk if for some reason you cannot go.
Booking travel in advance is a great way to save on costs, get the best seats, etc. however, life happens, so refundable bookings are always preferred when possible.
Note, that since Covid, many hotels and Airbnb’s are allowing last minute cancellations but read the fine print before booking to ensure there are no surprises, because not everyone is following that protocol.
Keep all confirmation numbers, phone numbers, etc. in one place so that you can refer to this when booking activities, excursions, etc.
Buying travel insurance is something not everyone wants to do. It is an added expense that you may not want to take on. I get it. However, it may save you tremendously if something happens, and it will, at the very least give you peace of mind.
I never purchased travel insurance before 2016, I thought why spend the extra money. Well, for some reason I thought I should start buying it and the very first time I did we needed it, in a big way, and to this day I am so grateful I listened to that voice in my head. Without going into all the details, one of us got very sick and we were outside of the U.S. and required medical treatment ASAP. Long story short, without the insurance it would have cost us over $30K or more to get home, with the insurance it cost us zero, and all of our travel expenses were reimbursed. I have never left home since without it.
Also, if traveling outside the U.S. make sure your health insurance will cover you in case of an emergency. Some carriers do not cover any medical expenses outside the U.S. If that is the case, you can purchase health insurance for a trip outside the U.S. World Nomad is very reputable and reasonable. I have used them a couple times when traveling abroad.
Once you are ready to book your vacation, check to make sure your passport will be valid for at least 6 months past your return date. Some destinations require 9 months. If you need to renew your passport, take into consideration the length of time needed to renew without paying for expedited renewal.
Also, make sure your passport is all you need to visit your chosen destination. Some countries also require you to apply for a VISA as well as having a passport. This again, is something a travel agent can help you with.
9. BOOK TOURS AND/OR EXCURSIONS
Shortly after your flight and accommodations are set, you can begin booking your tours and activities. Once again, before booking know whether you can cancel the reservation, and if so when is the last date to do so. Make a note of that in your travel itinerary document.
Not all tours will offer a refund, but many do. My advice is book as many as you can that offer this option.
Also if you book and they send you an e-ticket, make sure you have a place to store that until your trip.
10. NOTIFY YOU CREDIT CARD COMPANY THAT YOU ARE TRAVELING AND ASK ABOUT FOREIGN TRANSACTION FEES
If possible, you will want to use a fee free credit card when traveling. Foreign transaction fees can add up to 3% of your purchase on some cards.
American Express and most travel credit cards offer fee free cards.
Assuming you have some time before your trip, start a countdown calendar on your phone with a background picture of your destination. I use a free app called Big Day. It is fun to watch your trip getting closer, builds up that excitement.
Check back every 30-60 days (depending on how far out you booked) to check on your reservations.
Using apps can be helpful, but also this is where your travel agent will come in handy.
Note that I typically book our trips myself with out a travel agent, however, I have recently spoke to one a couple times about a bucket list trip we want to take in 2025. I was very impressed, and she offered so much information and things to consider.
Happy Travels!
