Planning a dream vacation or a once in a lifetime trip can be an overwhelming task. But with a bit of planning and preparation, it can also be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Here are some steps you can take to plan your next dream vacation.

Budget

Before you start planning your dream vacation, it’s important to determine your budget. Consider how much you can afford to spend and what your priorities are. This will help you narrow down your choices and make better decisions about where to go. Then you can decide where to stay and what activities to do accordingly. Part of the fun is researching activities and finding the best price for your VRBO or hotel.

Research Destinations

As a librarian, this speaks to my heart research! Once, you have a general idea of your budget, start researching different locales. Look into popular travel guides, check out online reviews, and ask for recommendations from friends and family. Considerations to keep in mind are climate, safety, and especially the activities available in each location. Do you want a relaxing trip? Or, are you willing to be on a non-stop daily race to see all the tourist spots during your vacation? Ask yourself these honest questions when looking at your dream trip

Make A Schedule 

After you’ve narrowed down your options, create an itinerary for your dream trip. Consider how many days you have available, what you want to see and do, and how you want to travel. Be sure to factor in time for rest and relaxation, as well as time for any unexpected delays or changes in plans. This is especially true after the December, 2022 disaster with air travel that so many experienced recently.

Book It

Once you’ve created your vacation schedule, start making your reservations and book it. This may include flights, accommodations, transportation, tours and activities. Don’t forget to check the terms and conditions of your bookings, especially if you need to cancel or change anything. Even though the pandemic is technically over, these next few years will test us globally as we pick international travel.

Be Prepared

Before you leave, be sure to prepare for your trip. This may include getting the necessary travel documents, packing, and arranging for any necessary childcare or pet-sitting. Don’t forget to also arrange for travel insurance or even a home sitter in case of any unexpected events. Planning ahead for anything will allow you to enjoy your vacation more.

ENJOY!

After all the planning and preparation, it’s time to enjoy your dream vacation. Remember to stay flexible, be open to new experiences, and take lots of photos to remember your trip. I always “relive” my vacations when I post on social media or write in my journal about my experiences. These vacation memories will be with you forever, so make the most of your time this summer.  Enjoy that dream trip!

For travel inspiration this summer check out my website: KathyHusserTempe.com