Easter Holiday is here! during this crazy time, do you prefer to have your feet in the sand or boots in the snow for a great holiday away?
Keep reading to find the six tips that will make your next vacation a magical one. Are you worried you will miss a key step in planning your next holiday? Just follow this guide to make sure you cover all the key areas.
1. Pick Suitable Dates
Confirming a suitable date is not as easy as it sounds. You might need to consider school holidays if you have children. Make a list of dates that will work for you and whoever is traveling with you.
Now compare the time of the year to possible destinations. A ski holiday in the middle of summer might not be a great idea as is a beach holiday in winter. One great tip is if you are going to a popular holiday location like a beach town, rather book just outside of the peak season. Two to four weeks before the rush or after the rush will often ensure great prices. The local attractions will also be less crowded and often more enjoyable.
2. Book Accommodation
Many accommodation options are ranging from expensive hotels to affordable apartments to rent. If you are on a tight budget a hostel or campsite might also be an option.
Make sure to book accommodation as soon as you have confirmed your dates. For some seasonal holiday accommodation, you will need to book up to a year in advance. Check local vacation rentals websites for more information about popularity. For a short stay out-of-season apartment you might be able to book even a week ahead of time, but don’t leave this too late.
Make sure to check the cancellation policy before booking. Different booking websites and property owners have different cancellation policies. Make sure you are comfortable with theirs. Unforeseen things happen and you might have to reschedule or cancel your booking.
3. Book Flights
If you have more than six months before your holiday, you can shop around and check for specials. Use comparison websites to check for the best airfares. Also, compare the price on the airline website. Sometimes special deals are only available on a specific platform.
Again check the cancellation policy for the flights when you book. Make sure you can move or cancel flights if something happens. Book flights with your credit card as most credit cards offer travel insurance.
4. Plan Activities
Do some online research to get an idea of tourist attractions and popular activities at your holiday destination. You can get some great ideas from the following:
- Online travel blogs.
- Ask someone who has been there.
- Check on social media.
- Get in touch with the local tourist association.
Remember to not plan too many activities when on holiday. Allow for some free time to rest or do something on the spur of the moment. Activities also don’t need to be super exciting. Reading up on the old part of town and just going for a walk is perfect. See your list as possibilities and then pick some based on how you feel, you don’t have to do everything on the list.
5. Book or Plan Transport
Now that you have a list of activities and places worth visiting it is time to plan how you will be getting around. Do your research about public transport that might be available. Check if you need to obtain a transport card to use the public transport systems like subways, rail, or buses. Often the best way to see and experience a new destination is to use public transport. When you are not driving you can concentrate on the scenery.
If you would rather not be tied into public transport schedules then a ride-hailing service like Uber or renting a car are good options. Check if Uber is available at your destination. If you prefer a rental car, make sure to book one in advance.
6. Make a Packing List
Using the notes or reminders app on your phone is a great way to make packing lists. Add things like plane tickets (if printed), driver’s license, and passports. Don’t forget to add your camera, lens, SD card, and batteries to the list. Every time you think of something you might need on your holiday just add it to the list. Also, add anything ahead of time you will need to specifically buy for the trip.
Another helpful tip, especially if you need to travel light when flying is to review the list before packing. A day or two before take some time and go through your list. Try to remove any items that aren’t necessary. We often think we need to pack more than what we eventually need.
A fantastic holiday is a fine balancing act between planning and enjoying the moment. You will need the freedom to explore the location and be impulsive, but you need the bases like accommodation and transport covered. My last tip is to keep expectations realistic and truly get to know the destination and people. Be open to new experiences.
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