Race For Hope
April 30, 2010Vacation Planning – Part 2
May 4, 2010With summer just around the corner (weather-wise, it's already arrived in Washington, DC), it's time to think about vacation.
There are three basic decisions that underlie any vacation plan: place, time, and cost.
Obviously, the three are related. If you want to ski, you dont plan a trip in the Northern hemisphere in July. If you have a small budget, a round the world cruise isn't happening.
Start by looking at the time you have available from work and the money you can afford to spend. You should NEVER EVER go into debt for a vacation. The purpose of a vacation is enjoyment and relaxation. Debt is neither enjoyable nor relaxing.
There are ways you can save on a vacation. Going to a less popular place often means lower prices for hotels, meals, and sightseeing. They are also often less crowded — another bonus. If you want a Mediterranean beach, Tunisia or Algeria are less expensive than NIce or Monte Carlo. Budapest is less expensive than Vienna. You may be able to go off-season. Going slightly outside the most porpular times can lead to a big savings.
Looking for package deals can also lead to savings — though you often give up some freedom to get the deal (leaving on specific days, staying in specific hotels, etc.). Still, it's worth a look.
In my opinion, a proper vacation is at least a week. It takes a few days to get used to a vacation rhythm and begin relaxing. Also, I find it helpful if a vacation destination offers a variety of things to do. Even relaxing, I have a short attention span. I couldn't lie on a beach for 7 straight days. I need to vary my activities.
As you begin your vacation planning, think about the following questions:
1) In what environment am I most likely to relax?
2) What have I always wanted to do?
3) What sort of activities would I like to do?
4) What time of year do I want to travel?
5) How much can I afford to spend?
Use these questions to make a short list of 2 or 3 destinations that are worth researching. Tomorrow, we'll talk about some resources for that research.