Congratulations!
You have decided to plan and book your own vacation. That’s the first step in creating your travel history, an extremely fulfilling process.
As a travel planner, you are in charge of designing and constructing the best travel experience for you and your fellow travellers. And just like an architect who is hired to design and supervise the construction of a home or building to exact specifications, you are designated with the task of creating a travel experience that checks off all the boxes. Only YOU know what works best for you and your fellow travelers.
Trust me..Successful travel planning takes time but you will be well rewarded.
The framework of any successful travel plan consists of 10 basic components.
1. BUDGET
The cost of your vacation BEFORE spending money.
Be honest with yourself. How much can you truly spend on your vacation without going into debt or putting the entire thing on a credit card? If you saved up $500 for a vacation, a European destination may be off the table. But there are other options such as a long weekend in a city of your choice. Be flexible. There are so many places to see that you can start off with a smaller outing.
2. Destination(s)
Where do you want to go?
You may very well have decided on where you’re going before you face your budget constraints. But you may need to reexamine your options if these two components don’t interconnect well. For example, your initial plan was a family trip to Disney. However, if your budget won’t support this choice, a local theme park may be a better option.
3. Length
How long do you have for your vacation?
How long you spend somewhere is a personal choice and only you know your limitations.
This is both a financial and emotional decision. For some, they can fly to Europe for a long weekend. For me, a week is the minimum.
One additional tip — Take into account your travel times to and from all destinations. This could cut into your actual vacation time.
4. Season
Most destinations have a high, low or shoulder season.
This designation typically affects your cost. For example, summer travel to Europe is “high season” and the most expensive time.
Flexibility with your dates and when you go can make it easier to reach your travel goal.
Southern Europe has become our choice in the winter for the mild weather and smaller crowds. A visit to Montserrat outside Barcelona in February was absolutely stunning.
5. Transportation
How will you get to/from your destination and how will you travel once you’ve arrived.
How you travel is dependent on the type of trip you’re planning. A road trip will, of course, involve a car, van, rv or camper and all the expenses with it (gas, tolls, repairs etc..).
Will your trip involve multiple stops and different modes of transportation? For example, a flight to your destination may involve more than your airline ticket. Car rental, train, subway are all additional transportation needs and costs.
6. Accommodations
Hotels, motels, apartment rentals, B&Bs, camping and hostels are all options.
The beauty of traveling is the vast accommodation options that are available. Hotels and motels were the only option for so long with the exception of camping.
Nowadays, with so many rental sites, you can book a bed and breakfast, an apartment, condo or even an entire house.
For my family, if a trip lasts more than 4 days in one location, I opt for an apartment or B&B. These accommodations usually provide more comfort in terms of space and food options.
7. Food
This includes all meals and snacks.
Eating out is a huge part of any vacation. And for many, vacation is all about the food!
If you know that you will be eating out for 3 meals a day, plus snacks and possibly pre or post dinner drinks, you need to honestly estimate how much this will cost PER PERSON PER DAY.
8. Excursions
This includes all entrance fees to sites, costs of tours taken once you arrive etc..
Research the costs of all sites before you leave. For some sites, you may need to prebook a time for entry.
Also, you may want to pre book walking tours and any day excursions.
9. Spending Money
This is how much you will use to buy extras.
This cost is very important to you overall budget. For me, spending money does NOT include food or site costs or transportation.
This cost is what you spend for EXTRAS — gifts etc..
10. Pre-Travel Costs
This includes all passport and visa fees, clothing costs etc..
Take into account what you need to spend to efficiently enjoy your travels.
If you’re traveling abroad and don’t have a passport and/or visa, you need to take these costs into account.
You may also need to buy clothing or special gear for your travels. Plan on camping and hiking?
So start planning your travel history now! Enjoy!