Planning A Vacation
Life is slowly returning to something more familiar. Travel in the United States is picking back up and tourist destinations are opening again. Are you excited to take a trip? Do you have a dream destination? Are you wondering where to begin planning? How do you go about putting something together that meets your needs? We have put together a simple guide to taking a trip that will leave you fulfilled and refreshed.
1. Pick A Destination
One of the most exciting parts of planning a vacation is dreaming of all the places you want to go. Is it a warm sunny beach? How about an exciting adventure through a city? Or a secluded getaway in the mountains? Creating a list of ideas can help you narrow down the perfect vacation. Ultimately, listen to your inner self’s needs and what you are looking to get out of the vacation.
2. Determine Your Budget
How much can you afford to spend in addition to the rest of the monthly expenses? Be sure to adjust your income if you will take time off from work and do not have paid time off. (An often overlooked impact when taking a vacation!) Consider creating a weekly savings plan leading up to the vacation to set aside money for vacation expenses. Creating a budget and living within your means will provide you peace of mind to fully enjoy your vacation without worrying about money.
3. Research Accommodations
Wherever you are going you will need a place to stay and call a “home”. Depending on how you spend your time at your destination will help determine how you spend your money. For example, a getaway to a lake house might mean you spend almost the entire time at your rental. It makes sense if a large amount of your vacation budget went towards the rental to ensure it has everything you need. On the other hand, a city getaway might mean you spend most of your time outside of the rental exploring museums, restaurants, events, and other attractions. You might spend less on your rental since a large sum will be going to these activities.
4. Determine A Travel Method
Getting to your destination can be a fun part of the vacation and the options depend on your destination, budget, and timing. Packing the car for a road trip might be a slower travel method but allows you to stop at multiple destinations along the way creating memories you couldn’t plan for. On the other hand, flying may allow you to get to the final destination quicker so you have more time for activities planned there. Traveling by train could allow everyone in the party to enjoy the ride without worrying about being in the driver's seat. Whatever your party prefers, enjoy the ride!
5. Plan A Food Budget
This step is critical. It is not uncommon for trips to be planned but costs exceed budgets because food was not considered ahead of time. How often will you be eating out at restaurants? Or will the majority of the meals be made at the rental? Either way, preparing how much money will go towards food will allow you to eat without worry being on your plate.
6. Plan An Activity Budget
This is where the fun begins. What would you like to do on your vacation? Easier said than done. Creating an activity budget will help ensure you can afford everything you would like to do. It also gets you in a proactive mindset - what reservations or gear will be needed to do these activities? Being spontaneous can be exciting but can lead to missed opportunities due to extra costs or limited capacity.
7. Add Up The Total Costs; Reevaluate If Necessary
Planning a vacation can take time. It might mean going back to step one and comparing different kinds of vacations and scenarios. Does one fit your budget better than another? What non-essential expenses might you have to cut back on in order to afford the dream vacation? This guide is only trying to help you enjoy your vacation to the fullest within your means and without worrying about money. Ultimately, this is your vacation and you get to determine how you want it to be!
8. Go Have Fun!
This is the most critical part of the planning. Enjoy it! Cut loose, be present and enjoy all that your trip has to offer. You earned this, don’t forget to smell the roses.