Vacation Planning

Tips, Links and Tons of Vacation Information

Vacation Planning Guide. 4 to 6 months before you even leave for vacation, here are some things you can do. Avoid disappointment by addressing these things now.

The Vacation Planning Tip Page

Our vacations begin long before the departure day.

Early planning and research into your vacation destination makes the most out of your trip by getting the juices flowing early.

The preparation for an upcoming journey can be as exciting as the journey itself and uncovers all kinds of local attractions you might not have otherwise been aware of.

Usually we begin the vacation process 6 months before we leave if this is a new destination for us. We start checking our favorite airlines for deals to our chosen destination and begin researching the area we intend to visit for events or activities available during the time of our visit.

4 months prior to our vacation date we often already have our flights booked and we start buying travel books and making sure that dates on documentation such as passports and international driver's licences will not expire prior to the end of our visit.

For us, vacation planning means browsing through the selection of fabulous villas and condos that Vacation Home Rentals offers.

There are some places that book up a year or more in advance and on the other hand some great deals to be had if your bags are packed and you can leave tomorrow.

Once you book the vacation it begins to take on a life of it's own.

Keep an Eye Peeled ~

for special deals and coupons that may apply to your trip. Watch for sales of seasonal garments and products you'll need on your vacation.



• Find Deals ~

  Savvy travelers share secrets and sizzling hot tips that can save you a bundle on your trip. Just a few of the hottest:
  
  Are you going to Disney World? A former Disney Character tells all! How to get the royal treatment on a budget.
  
  If you're going on a cruise check out these insider tips to cash in on unbelievable freebies, perks and upgrades.
  
  Wish you could afford to fly more? Here's Good News! Airline pilots share nitty gritty secrets to flying anywhere at a fraction of advertised flight prices.

Research ~

Study up on your intended destination and the cultures and customs unique to the country or countries you'll be visiting.

Plan ~

Book a fabulous vacation house rental from a huge list of dream properties at HomeAway.com




Don't forget to add special events when doing your Vacation Planning. Canopy rides, deep sea fishing, sailing, camel treks, etc. Tours and events add another dimension to a vacation.

Buy Phrase Books, CD's, DVD's, Enroll in a Course. ~

If you'll be traveling to a country where a language is spoken that's new to you, learn some basic words and phrases that you can practice when you're there.

We've used several different language tutorials and they have all played a role in our Spanish lessons but if we had to choose just one, it would be the Fluenz Spanish program for their fast paced learning style.

We have such fun ordering our breakfast in our broken Spanish then listening while our waiter proudly repeats it in his fledgling English. We help each other learn and great friends are made this way.

You are much better respected if you try to speak at least a little of the language commonly spoken at your destination. Possibly, you feel much the same way about visitors to your country.

Check Documents ~

Passport, to ensure that it will be valid til at least a month after your return (in case of delay for any reason),
Driver's License, you may want to apply for an International Driver's License.

Set Aside a Drawer or Basket ~

In which to keep all the things you'll acquire over the next months for the trip. This way you'll know where everything is when the time comes to pack it.

File Folder or Envelope ~

at least 10x12 in. or 25x31 cm. Into the envelope goes every piece of paper relating to the trip ~ Flight tickets and confirmation, insurance documents, passport information and photocopies. Everything that applies to the trip is kept here. The envelope can be kept in the basket or drawer.

On the day before you leave you'll sort the contents of the envelope into 3 or more envelopes. Things to take with you, things to leave at home and things to be left with family members, house sitters, etc.. But that's another day and the excitement will be pretty high by then.

Visitors to our Vacation Planning page may also be interested in the following pages

Travel Resources
Luggage Restrictions
Vacation Packing Checklists
4 - 6 months before vacation
2 - 3 months before vacation
4 - 6 weeks before vacation
3 Weeks Prior
2 weeks before vacation
1 Week Prior
Day of Departure