Even if next summer seems a long way off, it's probably not too early to start making vacation plans. Before you know it, the season will creep up on you, and it will be time to leave before you're fully packed and booked.
Here are some things to check into so that when the time comes, you can get away without a hitch:
1. Pick a date. This is probably the most important thing to do, as everything else revolves around the time that you plan to be away. Even if you can't be absolutely sure, select a tentative time frame with a backup date in mind. Mark the dates on all your calendars and planners at home and at work so you won't accidentally schedule another event at the same time.
2. Make travel plans. If you are going to go by car, schedule a tune-up and other routine maintenance well before the departure date. Also make a note of other items that should be repaired or replaced, such as balding tires, a leaky radiator, or a loud exhaust pipe. If you drive an older car, you may want to join the American Automobile Association or secure another type of protection for your vehicle in case you end up needing road service or towing following a breakdown. Be sure your car has a spare tire and a jack and that all of the car’s crucial safety features (like the horn and turn signals) are in working order.
For plane, train, bus, or boat tickets, check the schedule in advance to find out when you need to purchase by for a discount. Mark the days on your calendar when you will need to call and order tickets to get the best price.
3. Arrange accommodations. This may include hotel or motel reservations or even wresting an invitation to visit from retired Aunt Martha who lives in Florida. Ask about discount prices and the best times to reserve rooms if you opt for commercial lodging. You also may want to check facilities for indoor or outdoor swimming pools, exercise rooms, continental breakfasts, or room service.
4. Scout local attractions. Unless your trip revolves around one main event, like visiting Disney World, you may want to check out a host of sites at your destination. Compare hours of operation, fees, and interest levels for each member of your family who is going. If you don’t have the time or money to see it all, offer choices to the kids, promising to catch the other sites on the next trip to that area.
5. Start saving money. Open a vacation bank account or check your reserves. Make a vacation budget and look for ways to cut costs. For example, you may want to have a yard sale beforehand as a way of cleaning house of unneeded items and raising spending money for the trip. Buy discount snack foods to take with you to reduce the number of stops along the way. Buy the kids play clothes at a secondhand shop instead of buying new clothes for full price.
This handful of tips can help to secure the best funding and fun when you start planning ahead of time. You'll be surprised how quickly the time will pass as you look forward to your trip. So get busy, and before you know it, you'll be heading out on your great summer adventure.
