Planning Vacation - Getting the Kinks out of the Details
It's the planning vacation time. Where are we
going? What will we do there? How long will it take us to get there?
Then, there are still bigger questions...
How long are we going to stay? What do we have to
bring? Planning your vacation is not a small step on the way to having a
memorable experience - it is the the first big step.
Even if you have done this trip planning thing
before...
...and even if you have gone over your list...
...and checked it twice,
you still stand the chance of saying, "uh-oh", when you get there.
My point? Your planning vacation 'ritual' is very
important. So... do it right, do it your way, and you will have a great
time. Now, what vacation options make the ultimate getaway experience?
That's hard to say - "to each his own". But some
things are sure - and this goes for the young, the old and the middle
aged.
 Planning
vacation caveat #1 - Obtain as much detail on accommodations as
you can. Some people like to leave things to chance. That's an adventure
in itself. However, if you are considering a family vacation with young
children, this is especially important.
Have you selected a
kid-friendly place
to stay? What accommodations exist for children - is the atmosphere safe
for your kids?
You can pose these questions (up-front) before
you make your hotel reservation. Are there nanny services for
toddlers? Is is inclusive or do you pay separately?
Planning
vacation caveat #2 - Most places in Industrialized countries have
adequate facilities for those may be physically challenged. Don't
assume the same situation exists on your getaway island in the Pacific.
The key not to assume. Each country has different
regulations and enforce regulations differently. In some places, you just
have to be more proactive about your safety.
Planning
vacation caveat #3 - Read your socio-economic weather forecast.
When going overseas, it is easy to recognize differences in language,
currency, and climate. Some of these questions may even apply to
different areas in your own country.
Will there be a holiday celebration when you get
there? Will it be "business as usual" or will the town be gone to sleep?
Will a difference in time zone matter to you?
Some countries (and states) do not recognize the daylight savings time
changes. Could this make you miss your train or your flight?
Planning
vacation caveat #4 - Especially for places you have never visited
overseas, what is the safety advisory on that area? What about
places en route to your vacation destination?
When you purchase your ticket via the more
impersonal online counter, it may be easy to overlook some important
information - or, your information might not be the most up-to-date.
Check the
travel warnings issued by the US Government (or the government of your
respective country).
Planning
vacation caveat #5 - Will you be using that
summer vacation idea you had
twirling in your head since the snow was knee-high last winter? Or, are
you ready for a tropical vacation
experience?
If you may need extra medication while on your
trip, will you have enough? How about if there is a medical emergency?
Will you be prepared? Spring break allergies, no?
Ok, will it be a
Disney World splash this year, a
camp out at a national park, or
a last minute split decision to
tee off in a beautiful Ireland
countryside?
Whatever your dream vacation may be, note that it
may not play out exactly the way you had it on paper - but it could be far
worse if you never planned it at all.
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