4 Key Ways to Prep for Your Next Big Vacation

Many people are planning major vacations now that the world is reopening for travelIf you’ve been confined to your homeworkplace for a year, you probably feel the urge to get away.

Some intrepid souls have already dipped their toes into tepid travel waters by taking trips to outdoor destinationsOthers have splurged on a long weekend somewhere close to homeNow it’s time to get ready for something bigger.

Whether or not there’s a pandemic, preparation is critical to travelAnd the better the planning, the more enjoyable the time at your destination.

If you’re planning your next big vacation, here are four key ways to prep for it.

Put Your Finances in Order

Despite the monumental pent-up need to get away at any cost, making a travel budget is smartMaybe you’ve spent lockdown saving for a dream vacayIf not, you don’t want to descend into deep debt by spending beyond your means.

Figure out how much you can invest in a tripThen figure out where you can go on that budgetEurope might be too expensive, but an all-inclusive resort in Mexico might fit the bill.

To avoid overspending while you’re gone, use your debit cardCards in major networks, like Visa or MasterCard, can be used almost anywhere in the worldRemember to add “turn on international settings on my debit card” to your to-do list.

Check whether your debit or credit card charges foreign transaction fees if you’re traveling abroadThose can add upSo if you don’t have a fee-free card, get one.

That’s not the only way card fees might get youWherever you’re going, check the availability of your debit card’s fee-free ATMsIf there aren’t any, add a few dollars to your budget for pulling out cash.

Remember that most cards charge a single set fee for out-of-network ATM useMake the most — or rather, the least — of that chargeWithdraw enough cash at one time to reduce the number of times you need to get morePut only as much as you need for daily use in your wallet, then leave the rest in your hotel’s room safe.

Don’t return from a great vacation only to be weighed down by credit card bills you can’t payIf you spend wisely, you can start planning your next trip instead.

Build Your Itinerary

You shouldn’t plan how you’ll spend every single minute of each day awayA rigid schedule is like going to workNonetheless, you should put some thought into what you want to seedo while you’re at your destination.

Even if you’re planning to go to the beach every day, there are other things to considerWhere will you eat dinner? Will you go shopping or visit a museum or other attraction?

Keep your itinerary somewhat fluid so that it suits your mood or the weatherYou don’t have to go shopping on WednesdayJust go on a cloudy day when the beach lacks its luster.

If your itinerary includes going to museums, shows, or special events, plan aheadFor some attractions, you may need to get tickets well in advanceYou don’t want to go all the way to Romebe unable to get into the Sistine Chapel.

If this is a family trip, make sure everyone gets to weigh in on activitiesSort out the optionsdrop them into a loose itineraryA family vacation should be fun for everyone.

If you need help creating a plan, you might want to use a free template as a guideYou might as well start your vacay early by letting technology do some of the work.

Just remember that itineraries should be guides to what you want to seedoInk in those events you have tickets for, but pencil in the restThe point is to have a good timeYou might get to your hotelhear a lounge chair by the pool calling your nameMake space for whims.

Pick the Right Time to Buy TicketsReserve Hotels

Buying things too late can cost you moreSo can buying things too earlyGetting the best prices on things like airfare, car rentals,accommodations is all about hitting the sweet spotTrouble is, not everyone can agree on the ideal timing.

If you’re flying to your destination, there are some good rules of thumbIt’s usually less expensive to fly on TuesdaysWednesdaysAlso, there are less expensive months to travel depending on your destination’s high seasonlow season.

There’s less consensus on how far out you should buy tickets, thoughGive yourself plenty of time to do some online researchIt’s probably best to rely on findings based on survey results from actual domesticinternational travelers.

Booking accommodations early or at the last minute can sometimes yield the lowest pricesHotels or Airbnbs that want to fill unreserved space will give you a great deal a day or two before arrivalHaving a warm bed, even at a steep discount, is better than no bed at all.

Waiting until the last minute isn’t always wise, though, especially if accommodations are limited at your destinationOne strategy is to play both ends against the middle.

Many accommodations allow you to cancel your booking without penalty 24-48 hours before arrivalSo go aheadbook early for peace of mindThen, keep monitoring for better deals as you near your travel dateIf you find one, cancel that first reservation.

Timing these major vacation purchases is not a perfect scienceBut do your homeworkbuy early if cancellation policies are generousThen keep your eye on the market just in case a bargain comes along.

Pack Well Before Hitting the Road

Don’t leave packing for the last minuteThrowing your luggage into the trunk of your car for a road trip might not require much preparationIf you’re going to fly, however, packing is basically a science.

Most people overpack,airlines’ fees for suitcases over 50 pounds can quickly add upPlus, many airlines now charge for small bags in addition to the airfare.

Consider using tools like packing cubesChoose clothing items that you can switch around to make different outfitsLimit shoes to a couple of pairsAnd don’t bring shoes you haven’t broken in yet, no matter how cute they areWear bulky items while traveling so they don’t take up room in your suitcase.

The fear of leaving something behind is sometimes justified, but don’t let that feeling consume youUnless you’re traveling somewhere remote, you can probably buy anything you need at your destinationMany hotels provide razors, toothpaste,mouthwash just in case.

Above all, leave room in your suitcase to bring home souvenirsThe lighter your suitcase on the way out, the more treasures you can add on the way back.

Strategic planning for your next major vacation is a wise investment of your timeresourcesIt can also be nearly as fun to plan your trip as it is to take itYou can be certain it will make your time away more enjoyable.

As Benjamin Franklin said, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” By planning ahead, you’ll make sure your long-awaited major vacation isn’t a major fail.