Growing up, my family and I had chaotic vacations to Myrtle Beach. We’d circle the city for hours trying to find a vacant hotel. During one summer in particular, I slept on a bench at the pier one night while we waited for a hotel to open up a room. We could’ve avoided that by simply planning our trip ahead.
Since I started to make my own trips as an adult, I always try to do the opposite of what my mother would do. Here are seven tips to help you avoid an anxiety-inducing vacation!
1. Build a Pinterest board about your trip.
I love doing this before taking a trip. It brings excitement as you get to explore your destination before planting your feet on your desired spot while getting some great ideas. Check out this Pinterest board I created to get some Pinspiration for your next trip!
2. Book your reservations ASAP.
Whether it’s a hotel reservation or a luxurious restaurant you’ve wanted to try, you need to book your reservations as soon as you know the dates. You’d be surprised at how quickly things book up, especially during peak travel seasons.
3. Create a packing list.
You can easily leave things behind in the excitement, so create a travel list to make sure you bring your necessities. You can even grab a packing list on Etsy to save you the hassle of remembering what to add to your list. After all, you’d hate to leave your passport at home!
4. Make sure to update your travel immunizations.
Do you plan on traveling abroad? Make sure you are up to date on the travel immunizations required for the country. You want to come back with a souvenir, not a disease.
5. Create an itinerary.
Whether you travel solo or in a group, have a general idea of where you will be at certain times of the day. That way, you don’t have to spend time arguing over whether you should go to the aquarium or mini golf next. I’d also recommend planning your activities during non-peak hours to give you more room to enjoy them.
6. Keep a budget.
Have you considered medical emergencies or having extra money to buy that light-up wand? You’d be surprised at how easily things add up. So, make sure you stay on track with Etsy’s vacation budget sheet. It will definitely keep you organized!
7. Plan for when you return home.
We tend to think of this part last when deciding to travel. Take a little extra time to clean your home. Make sure you have a trusted person to watch over things during your trip. If you have furry friends, have someone care for them.
Travelling can be chaotic. But with the right tools, you can build your perfect vacation. Remember, it’s better to be over-prepared than unprepared for the unexpected.
Photo by Benjamin Voros on Unsplash
To plan your next vacation like a pro, start with clear goals, research destinations, set a budget, book accommodations and activities in advance, pack strategically, stay flexible for unexpected changes, and remember to enjoy the journey as much as the destination. Tiger77