| I hope that by sharing my personal experiences, you | | | | vacation trip and need something for a presentation |
| will avoid learning similar lessons the hard way. And it | | | | the next day, take it in your carry-on rather than |
| goes to show that those little details in the planning of | | | | checking it. |
| a vacation can make a huge difference in the | | | | 6. Plan early to get the best selection and to get early |
| outcome. You can make your next vacation relaxing | | | | booking discounts. If you're really adventuresome and |
| and enjoyable by following these simple vacation | | | | are not particular about where you want to go, you |
| planning tips. | | | | can also book reservations last-minute. There is some |
| 1. Keep your vacation planning information in one place. | | | | risk involved in doing this, but you can also get some |
| Create a labeled file folder ("Hawaii Vacation") and use | | | | great deals this way. Find some great bargains at |
| it to keep your airline, hotel, car rental information, as | | | | airline tickets. |
| well as maps or AAA guide books, tourist information, | | | | 7. If you're driving, you may wish to map out your trip |
| contact information for people you know in that city, | | | | ahead of time and make hotel reservations along the |
| etc. You can find all this information at Holidays, | | | | way if you are traveling during peak vacation time. |
| Vacations and Traveling | | | | Mapquest offers a helpful Website for mapping out |
| 2. Plan ahead for your wardrobe. Think about all of the | | | | your route and estimating travel time under normal |
| activities you might do, and imagine what you'd want to | | | | driving conditions. |
| wear for each activity. For example, on the beach you | | | | 8. If you're traveling to another country, check out the |
| might want a swimsuit, cover-up, slip-on footwear or | | | | Currency Converter for International Exchange Rates. |
| water shoes, a sun hat, sunglasses... maybe even a | | | | If you'd like to master a few useful phrases in a |
| face mask, snorkel, and some flippers. Will the kids | | | | foreign language, visit the Foreign Language |
| want shovels and buckets to build a sand castle? Do | | | | Assistance Website. It even contains some sound clips |
| you need to supply your own beach towel, or will you | | | | so you can pronounce words properly. |
| be staying somewhere that supplies this for you? | | | | 9. If your vacation plans include staying home rather |
| What about waterproof sunscreen? The more you | | | | than traveling, plan how you will spend your vacation to |
| can visualize yourself on the beach, the better | | | | rejuvenate yourself. Perhaps there are some local |
| prepared you will be. | | | | attractions that you've been wanting to experience but |
| 3. Use a travel checklist. I've created a Packing List to | | | | have not had the time to experience. Are there people |
| get you started. Once you've tailored this to your | | | | you want to connect with? Get clear about what you |
| needs, keep it in the travel file you've created. This will | | | | want to do and who you want to do it with, and then |
| help you remember to pack both the basic necessities, | | | | plan to make it happen. If your vacation includes having |
| as well as some of the more obscure things you might | | | | a friend or relative flying in to visit you, you can check |
| not remember but would want to take with you. | | | | the status of a flight to see if they will arrive on time. |
| 4. Let children pack their own travel bags, and make | | | | 10. This is the most important tip of all: pack the right |
| sure their bag is small enough that they can carry it | | | | attitude. Let go of the "what if" and enjoy the moment. |
| themselves. Help them select things they can do on | | | | Remind yourself what matters most, and focus on |
| the road or in the air: Walkman and cassettes or CDs, | | | | that. If this is a vacation to get away and relax, then |
| books, handheld video games, portable crafts, card | | | | focus on activities and thoughts that will be relaxing. If |
| games. Talk about seating arrangements ahead of | | | | your goal is to reconnect with family and build |
| time to avoid conflict among siblings about who will sit | | | | memories together, that can be done regardless of |
| where. | | | | circumstances (missing a flight, not getting tickets to an |
| 5. Pack a carry-on that is small enough to stay with | | | | event you wanted to attend, etc.). If your goal is to |
| you at all times. Include necessities that you must have, | | | | sight-see and take in some special attractions or |
| in the event that you get separated from your other | | | | shows, then plan ahead and make the reservations |
| luggage for a day. If you need to take medication on a | | | | necessary to ensure that you can do what you want |
| regular basis, be sure this is with you, and not in your | | | | to do when you get there. |
| checked luggage. If you are combining a business and | | | | |