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Inspired by planting Spring gardens , I am taking you through the process of “growing” your ideal vacation – from the earliest stages of brainstorming ideas through the final conclusion of an incredible trip. In Part One (here) we discussed gathering seeds of ideas, laying the groundwork by narrowing your list to three or four idea and the merits of hiring a travel advisor early in the process to ensure a strong framework for your plans. Today we are going to get our hands dirty – time to really plan that dream trip!

Planting The Seeds

If you have enlisted the aide of a travel advisor, he or she should have provided you with enough information so you can now choose your destination. Congratulations, you are on your way!!

 

Now it is time to do two very important things – book your flights and reserve your accommodations. 

Which do you do first? I usually recommend securing your accommodation first – you don’t want to be stuck with plane tickets somewhere only to find out there is a convention in town and no hotels are available! This is VERY important during busy times, as flights are usually available (at a price) but the best hotels may sell out early. Always book fully flexible rates to allow yourself the opportunity to change your mind. 

However, IF you are booking something that is not cancelable such as a villa rental, then be sure to at least check to be that flights are within your budget and available for your dates. That villa on the remote Greek Island may seem a lot less exciting if it takes you 24 hours (and big bucks) to get there! 

You will also need to be sure your passport is valid (for some destinations it needs to be valid up to six months beyond your travel date) and secure any necessary visas.

Go here for tips on booking flights.

With flights and hotels booked, you can sit back, relax and watch your vacation grow…

Growing Daily

With your rough itinerary done and your flights and accommodations settled, now is the time to take care of a few details – reserving trains or intra-country flights and arranging transfers from/to the airport or train station. 

This is also the time when you want to plan anything with limited availability – sporting events, show tickets, coveted restaurant reservations and sights that only have limited admittance. 

Now is also a good time to purchase travel insurance (although if you have pre-existing conditions, you should purchase it within 14 days if your initial deposit). Go here for more information on why you should consider travel insurance.

Blooming

As your “seedling” of an idea blossoms into a full blown reality, the fun part begins – planning your days!! If you are working with a
travel advisor, he or she should be assisting during this phase, tapping
their resources to suggest the “best of the best” in your destination. 

Depending on what type of vacation you are planning, this can run the gamut from having every detail of every day planned, to days full of relaxing on the beach and spa appointments. 

For sightseeing vacations, I usually recommend planning something for three out of every five days and trying to limit yourself to half day tours (excursions are the exception to this). This allows plenty of time for spontaneity while also giving you some structure to your trip. You can book tours in advance or just loosely plan your days, depending on your personal style of traveling. 

Go here for more information on why it makes sense to book tours in advance. 
 
During this final stage, you will also want to research special events happening in your destination, as well as restaurants you want to try. 

Preparing For The Harvest

Your trip will be here before you know it!! Your travel advisor should
have provided you with all your necessary documents for your trip – be
sure to review everything and obtain answers to any last minute
questions.

It is time to make any necessary arrangements for your home or pets while you are traveling, figure out how to get to/from the airport in your home town, leave your itinerary with family, etc. 

Be sure to call your bank and credit card companies to let them know you will be traveling. 

If going abroad, make sure you add international capabilities  to your mobile phone plan. 

Don’t forget your passport (and be sure to send yourself a copy by email too).  

Remember to pack smart – no need to drag around lots of unnecessary items, but be sure to bring your essentials.

Go here for a checklist of things to do before you leave.  Go here for a packing checklist.

 

Enjoying The “Fruits” Of Your Garden

Having taken the time to prepare in advance, all that is left to do is enjoy what you have “grown”! There may be some glitches for which you didn’t plan (just as gardens must endure droughts, cold snaps, etc) but with all your advance preparation,  they will be easy to endure them. Have a great time reaping the benefits of all your hard work!! 

For more travel tips, check out my Travel Tips page. 

Happy Travels!!!