So you want to go on a trip, but need some help planning the kind of trip that you will remember for a lifetime? Then this article is for you. Follow these tips and tricks and you will be well on your way to the vacation of a lifetime.
First, you need to choose your destination. That’s the very first step in trip planning. It’s obvious, and it may seem simple, but let’s take a look at the things you need to think about as you do your trip planning and make your decision.
What factors should you bear in mind when you’re choosing your destination? Just so you don’t make any mistakes, let’s list some of the major concerns.
You have some vacation time. Is that a set time of year that you can’t change? The time of year will play a role in choosing your destination. Do you want to go some place where it’s hot so you can sit on the beach? ….Or cold so you can ski? Are you planning it around a festival or trying to avoid crowds? Do you want to take a cruise?
Do you want to be active… skiing or hiking? …Or do you just want to sit and relax? Go sightseeing, explore museums or shop? Or do you want to have the options to go either way. Do you have kids or other family members to consider? It’s always good to make this a family decision.
And speaking of others… do you want to travel on your own or join a tour group where everything is planned for you?
Second, you need to decide how long your trip will be. If you only have a week, that will limit what you can do. If you have two or three weeks or even more, you have far more options when choosing your destination. You can go further, plan for more activities… or more relaxing time. Some people say it takes a week to unwind… so even if you just want to relax for a few days, you may need more than a week to get into that relaxed mode.
Choosing a destination that offers a relaxing venue will help… a beach, a spa, a cabin on a nice quiet lake. For some people (like me), shopping is relaxing.
A third factor we all have to take into account is money. If you’re rolling in it, the sky is the limit when choosing your destination… you can go to Europe and stay in castles; go to Africa and fly from safari camp to safari camp; go to Asia or Australia or Antarctica! You can go to all of those places on a budget too, but it takes more planning and legwork on your part.
If money is really tight, you can economize and go camping… or even (if they’ll invite you) stay with friends or relatives. Do you want to go by car, train or plane? If you are afraid of flying that definitely limits your options.
So where will it be? Notice that I haven’t given you any destinations to choose from. That would take some of the fun out of it. Where would you like to go? What would you like to do? Use our comment form below to tell us all about it.
