Vacation Planning

Our Vacation Planning Section

Guides you through the vacation process

from planning to booking to packing.

We usually begin the Vacation Planning process 4 - 6 months before we leave.

If your accommodation needs are very specific, start planning and booking much earlier.

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 begin booking, the vacation takes 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.




• Research ~
  your intended destination and the methods of travel available to get there. Air, rail, boat, etc.




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




• Buy Phrase Books, CD's, DVD's, Enroll in a Course. ~
  If you'll be travelling to a country where a language is spoken that's new to you, learn some basic words and phrases you can practice when you're there.
  
  We have such fun ordering our breakfast in our broken Spanish then watching our waiter proudly repeat it in his fledgling English . We're each helping the other learn and great friends are made this way.
  
  You are much better respected if you try to speak a little of the language 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 stay 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.

We hope that our Vacation Planning pages help you on your way.

Wait There's More!

Have a look at these lists!

• 4 - 6 months
• 2 - 3 months
• 4 - 6 weeks
• 3 weeks
• 2 weeks
• 1 week prior
• Day before you leave
• Day of Departure