If we were meant to stay in one place, we would have roots not feet. Rachel Wolchin
Going on vacation can be the most stressful experience or the most amazing experience ever. It all depends on your state of mind and how well you handle the unexpected.
One way to give yourself a better chance to have a good time is to plan your vacation properly. I don’t do well when I have no plan; I like to know what I’m doing, when I’m doing it and where I’m doing it… but that is just the control freak in me speaking ;P
Here are 10 steps you can take to plan a smooth vacation:
1.Pick a place! Where does your soul want to wonder? In hot tropical weather? The desert maybe? Or are you more of a forest and mountain kind of person? Do you want to see museums or lay by the beach? Are you alone or in a group? These are a few questions you should answer to guide you in your search for the perfect spot to vacay!
2.Make sure your documents are in order. Once you have the perfect place, do you need a special visa to go in or does your passport allow you the entry to that country? A quick google search will let you know and you should start the procedures as soon as possible.
3.Save your money and create a budget. How much are you planning on spending once there? How much are you willing to spend on food, on transport, and on accommodation and then start saving.
4.What are your must-do’s on the trip? What places you want to see? The food you want to try? Activities you want to do? I like to use Pinterest and travel blogs to get inspired.
5.Book your flight! At this point, all you have to do is find the cheapest plane ticket to your destination without having 3 layovers. I like to use Skyscanner for this as it gives me different dates I can book that would be cheaper than my original plan. Like I said before a good way to save on vacation is to be flexible with your departure and arrival dates, and that web site does just that!
6.Book your accommodation. Once your flight is secured you can book your accommodations. Depending on the country and the transport system, you can choose how close you want to be to the city center. You can go to a hotel, motel, hostel, rent an Airbnb, CouchSurfing (be careful with this one)… You have a lot of option and it all depends on the budget you made earlier.
7.Make sure your health is in order. Check with your doctor if you need any vaccines before going to those new countries and also to stock up on necessary medication. I also like to prepare my first aid kit with everything I might need during the trip.
8.Plan a balanced itinerary. What you want to do is download google maps offline and indicate the spots you are interested in. And then create an itinerary that would save you either time or money. You don’t want to schedule your day to a hundred percent. Leave some free time to relax and enjoy your trip and avoid rushing from one place to another.
9.Pack! Your trip is probably less than a week away so you should start packing. Don’t bring your entire wardrobe with you instead choose your favorite item of clothing that are stylish and comfortable. Whatever you forget, you can always purchase there!
10.Last min prep! You are almost done and in a few days, you will fly/drive away! This is your last chance to do some last-minute minor changes, add things to your list, make sure everything will be ready for your return….
Remember to just have fun! Don’t let little things mess up your vacation, it’s 2019 (almost 2020), you can find anything, anywhere. If you stress out, breath, everything will be alright!
Enjoy your adventure!
Until next time,
Sofyah,
