Vacations are that rare opportunity for people to disconnect from their jobs and everyday lives, even for a moment. If you’re lucky enough, you might get one vacation, maybe two. That’s why it’s important to make every moment count. But if something goes wrong with your trip, it takes away from your limited time away from home.
Having a plan in place can go a long way in preventing some of the most common mishaps. Planning can be hard work, and you might be thinking, “Why do we need to put in the work? The point of a vacation is to relax.” But you’re leaving things to chance without a proper plan.
A bit of planning before the trip can allow you to enjoy your vacation without interruptions. Whether you’re looking for cheap accommodation or staying at a tropical resort, the last thing you want is to waste time chasing after missing luggage or rebooking a missed flight. Here are a few tips and tricks to get you started.
1. Don’t overdo the planning
Type A personalities usually go above and beyond when it comes to planning. The idea is to get as much work done before they need to leave for their trip. Some people also think that overpreparing can minimize issues down the line. But you need to know where to stop. You also need to allow yourself some flexibility. If you’re too attached to your plans, you could end up self-sabotaging your vacation.
Vacation planning accomplishes two things: to prevent issues during the trip and to make your return easier. Cleaning your home or replying to your emails might make your life easier when you return, but overplanning can only lead to unnecessary stress. Focus on the essentials, especially on the actionable aspects of your trip. Reserve your limited energy on what you think is necessary.
2. Focus on the trip
We go on vacations to temporarily escape our obligations, but the demands of everyday life can prevent us from truly disconnecting. If you want to make the most of your vacation, you need to fully give yourself to the experience. During the planning phase, make it a point to settle pressing obligations so you can focus on your vacation.
Common courtesy dictates that we should never contact someone on vacation, except in emergencies. But don’t assume that everyone knows that rule. Inform your friends and coworkers that you don’t want to be disturbed during your vacation.
3. Learn how to deal with delays
Unforeseen delays can put a damper on your vacation. You could miss a connecting flight or your luggage could end up in a different city. A tropical storm could ruin your beach holiday. Anything can happen, whether you’re flying to a different country or driving to a nearby town, so it’s important to plan for every possibility.
That said, some flexibility can help you react quickly to any changes. If conditions make a trip to the beach impossible, then you might want to go to a museum instead. Most travel delays happen at the airport, so make sure to bring a book or an entertainment device to help pass the time.
A vacation is your chance to be spontaneous. An itinerary can provide some structure to your trip, but don’t fill every hour of your day with an activity. Otherwise, you’ll just hop from one place to another, and you won’t get to appreciate the sights and sounds.
A final word
Planning can mean the difference between a successful and unsuccessful vacation. These three tips will help ensure a fun and productive trip.
