Planning Your Well-Earned Vacation

So, you’ve decided to take the plunge and travel for the first time. Or maybe you’ve traveled a few times but still don’t know the ins and outs of travel. Whatever the case, I am at your service.

My husband and I have traveled extensively in the United States and Canada and have just recently returned from a trip to Florida, where of course we visited the Disney Parks. My favorite place to go in Orlando! We have also traveled to Puerta Vallarta, Mexico, Puerta Plata, Dominican Republic and Veradero, Cuba and I can honestly say there is nothing like seeing the world with your own eyes. And the good thing is, it doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

Now you’re probably thinking, oh sure, fine for her to talk. She’s probably retired with hoards of money in her account and she has all the time and money in the world to do what she wants. WRONG. I’m just a regular ‘Joe Blow’ that loves to travel and I search for every resource online and offline to find the best deal there is out there. I’m also cheap so I look for the best deals possible, but traveling doesn’t have to cost you your first-born. Sure it takes time to find the right deal but ooohh, it’s so worth it.

Okay, let’s get started.

Step 1. How much can you afford?

It’s important to have a budget so you don’t get carried away in all the excitement. How long do you plan to stay? One week? Two weeks? Are you going ‘All Inclusive’? Or are you planning your very own special trip. Whatever it is you want to do, make sure your pocket book can afford it. Most ‘All Inclusive’ resorts include your room, three meals a day, snacks and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Some throw in specials such as scuba diving lessons, dance lessons or free language lessons but remember, most hotels want to sell you an excursion or two, which can cost up to 100.00 per person or more, depending on what you want to do. Decide beforehand on the number of excursions, if any, you plan to take and budget accordingly.

Step 2. Finding a destination:

Picking a destination is the fun part. Do you prefer to lie on a sandy beach, surrounded by tropical blue waters or how about a historic city filled with museums and wonderful architecture or maybe a romantic getaway on a small, private island? Once you decide on the destination, do the research. Check the Internet, your local library, magazines, DVD’s, etc to find out as much as you can about the place you wish to visit. Knowing about your destination gives you an overall view of what to expect when you get there.

Step 3. Select a Travel Time
Selecting a travel time is crucial to your budget. For instance, travel to the Caribbean is usually cheapest in January and prices go up gradually as the winter season progresses. Also, pay attention to weather patterns such as hurricane season (June-November) when prices go down as opposed to school vacations in the summer, winter and spring when prices tend to go up.


Step 4. Type of Resort

What is the right resort for your needs? If this is a kid-free vacation, then you might want to consider an adult-only resort. If your vacation includes the kids, make sure the resort you choose has plenty of kiddies programs or if the kids are older, plenty of activities to keep them busy.


Step 5. Book your vacation

Now that you know your budget and have decided on a time and destination, you need to book the vacation. Check major online booking sites and call a travel agent nearest you and compare pricing. If you can leave at the last minute, most sites have deals they offer at discount pricing, but not always. Just because it’s last minute, doesn’t necessarily say it’s cheap. For the first time traveler, I suggest booking an All Inclusive because it puts you more at ease and there’s certainly less planning involved. Once you become a more seasoned traveler, you can be more adventurous and build your own holiday.