Planning Your Vacation: 5 Steps for Planning a Successful Trip
Most people plan vacations for themselves, intending to get away somewhere so they can relax from the stresses of everyday life. Unfortunately, planning a vacation can be a stressful event in itself. I’ve felt the stress and pressure of planning a trip for my vacations, which is why I used to do very minimal planning. While my approach of very little planning usually worked out, there were always a few missteps I could have avoided simply by having a well-thought-out approach to planning my vacations. And since today is National Plan Your Vacation day (I know…who makes this stuff up?), I thought it would be a perfect opportunity to outline my approach to vacation planning.
Define Your Purpose
When planning your vacation, it's important to start by figuring out why you're taking the trip. What do you hope to achieve or experience? Do you want to relax, visit a friend, or escape modern life? Consider these factors before diving into the planning process.
Having a clear purpose in mind will help guide your decisions, from where you'll stay to who you'll bring along. It will also give you an idea of your budget and how much you're willing to spend to make your vacation a reality.
Define Your Timeline
When planning your vacation, it's important to determine how much time you have available. This means figuring out the entire length of your time off from work or other commitments, not just the length of your trip. You'll want to make sure you have a clear idea of the timeline for your trip within the bounds of the time you have off.
Consider any preparation time you may need before leaving, as well as any buffer time you might want after returning. For example, I personally like to have a little extra time after coming back from my trip before going back to work, just in case of any unexpected issues. Remember, this is a personal preference and may vary for each individual.
Pick Your Destination
When choosing your vacation spot, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure it's somewhere you can get to within the timeframe you've set for your trip. If you're traveling outside the country, for example, you might need more than a week. Consider the travel time, how you plan to get there, and how much time you'll actually have at your destination. If you're visiting multiple places, factor those in too.
It's also important to pick a destination that fits your interests. If you love hiking and the great outdoors, a rural or secluded location might be best. If you're into dining and nightlife, a city is more your speed. If you just want to see the sights, either option works.
And don't forget to make sure your destination aligns with the purpose of your trip.
Consider Your Interests/Hobbies
When planning your trip, don't forget to factor in your hobbies and interests. This is key to having an enjoyable vacation. Take some time to think about what you enjoy doing, then research your destination to see if it offers activities or attractions that align with your interests. By choosing a location that caters to your hobbies, you'll enhance your overall experience.
If the destination you initially picked doesn't seem like a good fit, don't hesitate to switch to another that better aligns with your interests. For example, if you love photography, nature, and sightseeing, a road trip to a destination will more than likely fit the bill.
Identify Your Comfort Level
This is probably one of the most important considerations regarding vacation planning — make sure you know what you are comfortable with. When you are planning your trip, you should always be asking if your destination needs any special accommodations for your enjoyment. Do you need a hotel or resort? Are you fine with camping? Do you like remote areas, or would you rather be close to society? Even knowing how comfortable you are traveling solo is important to consider. This isn’t to say you cannot try something new but you absolutely need to consider this before you pull the trigger and lock in your destination. And make sure it aligns with the purpose of your trip.
When I started taking road trips, I knew my purpose — get away and explore. However, I didn’t know my comfort level because I had previously been used to vacationing in hotels and staying in areas with reasonably modern accommodations. I thought I knew my comfort level, but the purpose of my trip overrode it. From that point on, my comfort level adjusted, and it allowed me to make more informed travel decisions in the future.
An added benefit — I got to see many awesome places I would not have seen before.
Bonus - Road Trip Edition
Now, if you are anything like me, you know the value of a good road trip. They take a little more time than flying but you get a huge benefit when it comes to flexibility. If you’re taking a road trip, the approach is pretty much the same but there will be some additional considerations to make.
Plan Out Your Route
When planning a road trip, it's essential to plan your route. This step doesn't need to be overly detailed, but you should have a general idea of the main roads you'll be traveling on and how long the drive will take. To make the drive less monotonous, consider adding some exciting landmarks or locations to visit along the way. These stops can provide something to look forward to and add interest to your trip.
Another way to enhance your road trip experience is to plan out multiple places to visit around your final destination. This way, you can add more activities to your trip or have alternative options if things don't go according to plan. Doing this allows for a more complete and well-rounded trip, allowing you to see and experience as much as possible.
Gather Supplies
Proper preparation is crucial for any road trip, especially for a long-distance drive where unexpected events could occur. Before setting off, make sure to have all the necessary supplies, such as snacks, emergency blankets, and camping gear, to support your journey.
Also, consider the weather conditions that may arise and pack accordingly. For example, if you are traveling in the winter, bring warm clothing or gear to stay comfortable in case you get stuck in cold weather. Make sure to test all your gear before leaving to avoid any confusion or difficulties during an emergency.
It's important to have the supplies and equipment you might need in the event of an extended period of being stranded. Check out a Road Trip Essentials guide for a comprehensive list of items to bring on your trip.
Prep Your Vehicle
It is important not to overlook the preparation of your vehicle for a road trip. Before setting out, make sure to have any recommended maintenance completed, such as oil changes and tire changes. If you are driving in the winter, you must be prepared for the conditions in the areas you will be passing through. This could mean getting snow tires or snow chains, depending on the region. Research ahead of time so you are aware of what you should expect and can prepare your vehicle adequately. Don't let a breakdown ruin your trip - ensure that your vehicle is in top shape before hitting the road.
This is the approach I take for any trip at this point. It has given me a fairly good framework for planning my vacations but the most important step is to have the purpose of your vacation defined. This will inform every other decision you make during the planning of the trip and helps you make sure you are getting the most out of your vacation time.
