How to Plan the Perfect Vacation, No Matter Where You’re Headed

Planning the perfect vacation can be tough work. You have to find the destination matching an exacting list of specifications and exclusions, book hotels and travel arrangements, and do it all within budget. Some people take great enjoyment in devouring travel books, suggestions, and tips, and combing through countless flight or train options, but most of us don’t. This doesn’t mean that you can’t go on the perfect holiday without all this additional work though. Planning the perfect vacation is actually easier than you might think, regardless of the destination. Follow these steps and you’ll be on your dream vacation in no time.

Sun, city, or snow?

The first question you must ask yourself is one regarding the general type of vacation you are considering. Is this going to be a sun holiday? Are you considering a city break for the weekend? Or are you planning an epic road trip across the country this summer that will include all of the above? The holiday genre you are seeking will go a long way to narrowing down travel and hotel choices, as well as seasonal constraints — you wouldn’t go to Australia in June for a warm-weather holiday or to New York in December to enjoy the sunny outdoors.

There are a number of simple ways to deduce the best vacation spot for your needs. The easiest is just to walk outside your front door. If you live in a cold climate, a warm-weather vacation might be the perfect getaway to warm your bones for the winter months ahead. Alternatively, if you have to contend with sweltering heat then a city or snow trip may be more suited to your needs. In essence, vacationing is about balance. Taking advantage of our holiday days is a way to unplug from the high-stress world of work and recharge while spending quality time with the ones we love — the people we don’t see as often as we’d like. Using this approach to destination picking is a simple yet effective way to maximize the relaxation of your much deserved time off.

Consider that road trip this summer.

If you can’t decide on a particular destination or type, a combination holiday might be the best option. Road tripping across the country has been a top choice for vacationers in the United States for generations, and it can bring you to some of the nation’s most incredible hidden gems. However, there are two short-term plans that you will need to make use of before heading out onto the open road. First, make sure that the warrantee on your vehicle extends beyond the duration of the adventure you are about to embark upon. If you’re considering renting or buying an RV for the trip, make sure your RV warranty is up to the adventure. As an RV owner, you want to make sure that your travel trailer has an RV warranty that includes a service contract and roadside assistance. Read the fine print of any RV warranty before taking your RV out on the road. Checking out Good Sam Extended Service Plan reviews is a great place to start for RV drivers looking to rent or buy an RV for the trip or need additional coverage on an RV warranty plan.

Another important purchase is in the best short term health insurance you can afford. The road itself may contain untold hazards, but you cannot plan for every emergency on vacation. Minor injuries can become infected without proper care — something you would be able to do with no problem at home — and you could end up requiring hospital treatment or emergency medication from a pharmacy. Health coverage is the best way to circumvent a major credit card expense in the event of an unforeseen accident while on your trip. Even temporary health insurance with the minimum essential coverage will be a good insurance plan to have on a road trip. Make sure that you understand about the type of coverage you’re getting and that your insurance plan covers basic medical expenses so that you can head out on the road with peace of mind.

Choosing the destination is important, but thinking about how you will spend the time in a relaxed state and with the people who matter most to you is essential to a great holiday. What’s really important is the ability to unwind while taking advantage of a vacation’s balancing effect on your life. Take the time to plan a few activities, but mostly make sure you make time for yourself.