When you are planning your next vacation, you want to be sure that you head to an awesome destination. If it has been a while since you traveled, you will certainly want to make the most out of your next trip. So, where should you go on your vacation, and how should you narrow down your choices to make the best selection for you and possibly for those you are traveling with? The more answers that you can get at an early stage, then the more benefits you will find in the planning and preparation stage.
Source: Unsplash, posted on March 16th 2018, Nick Fewings
Decide on the Type of Vacation
Beach, City or Something else?
So, firstly, what type of vacation do you want to go on and why? Are you looking at doing a beach vacation, which gives you plenty of time to relax, unwind and enjoy the ocean? Or are you looking at doing a City break? A full-on, non-stop vacation may be what you need in your life at the moment. To help you establish what type of vacation to go on, you need to think about what you love doing and what you enjoy doing. For example, do you enjoy action sports, or do you want something more laid back? If you enjoy fishing and being active, then a lakes break may be best suited to you. However, if you want to fully relax and do as little as possible, then you will find a beach resort may be calling your name. When you are deciding on the type of vacation, also think about who will be traveling with you. If you do not accommodate everyone’s needs, wants and requirements, you may find that there will be disharmony.
Source: Instagram, posted on September 27th, 2021. Westgate Resorts Official Profile
Resorts or Hotels
Resorts are perfect for those traveling with children
After deciding which type of vacation is suitable and right for you, then you must decide if you want to go to a resort or a hotel. With a hotel, you may get a better price. You may just be paying for a bedroom, and possibly even your breakfast. However, with a resort, you will be getting so much more. For example, at many Westgate Resorts locations, guests can enjoy so much more. For example, at one resort you may get access to a water park, and at another, you may get access to several fantastic eateries and dining areas. When you choose to stay in a resort you will have less stress, and certainly fewer things to worry about. You will not be thinking about where you will eat, and you will not be thinking about whether or not you have to find entertainment for the night – as this will all be planned and pre-prepared for you. When you are traveling as part of a group, or within a family, you will; certainly find a resort more convenient.
Source: Unsplash, posted March 2nd 2018, Tobias Stonjeck
Long Haul or Short Haul
Getting away from it all, or staying closer to home?
Are you looking at traveling far away for your next vacation, or are you looking at staying closer to home? If you are thinking about a long-haul destination, then are you going to travel by airplane, and if so how much will this cost, and how long will it take? Also, then think about short-haul travel. If you are staying fairly local, how will you get to your destination, and how will you get on your vacation? Will you be able to take a short flight for ease, or will you want to go on a road trip? The more you can establish about your destination, then the easier planning will be, and the more enjoyable you will find the whole process.
Source: Unsplash, posted on March 9th 2017, Marissa Grootes
Duration of Your Trip
How long is your vacation going to last
How long have you got to take a vacation? Do you have 1 week, or do you have longer? If you have longer, you will certainly be able to get further afield. With short timeframes to work with, you will be a lot more restricted. When you are looking at the duration of your trip, also think about what you want to fit into your vacation time. For example, if you only have 5 nights and 6 days, is it worth traveling long-haul, especially when you have so much to fit in? Or, would it be better to focus on making the most out of the areas surrounding you. The duration of your trip will also have an impact on your budget, so try and cover these two areas together.
Source: Unsplash, posted on July 30th 2017, Vicko Mozara
What You Want to Do on Vacation
Do you want to lounge by the pool, or go to the beach?
Itineraries can be beneficial when you are planning a vacation – especially if you only have a small amount of time to work with. Itineraries give you clarity, and they give you focus for your days. If you do not know what you want to do on vacation, then you can find that vacation time passes you by – sometimes, so quickly. So really think about what you want to do on vacation. For example, do you want to stay by the beach and center everything around this sort of vacation? Or, would you like action-packed days that are full of all sorts of adventures? From river rafting to perhaps even rock-climbing. Make a list of everything that you want to do, and then from here, you can start building that perfect vacation.
Source: Unsplash, posted on April 2nd 2019, Kelly Sikkema
Think About Your Budget
How much do you want to spend on your next vacation?
No matter where you decide to go on vacation, or no matter how long you decide to vacation, you will have to have a budget in place. To make the most out of your vacation, you need a budget. You need to know just how much you will spend, and what you will get for your money. Even if you are only going away for a short trip, you need to know what vacation money you have. For example, you may need emergency cash, and funds for eating and drinking. Or, perhaps funds for extra activities and attractions. Putting together a budget (before you head off on vacation) will give you greater control over your money, and your finances.
Source: Unsplash, posted July 8th 2019, Marc Najera
Your Health and Wellbeing
Your wellbeing is important on vacation
You are going on vacation for yourself, and your loved ones. Your health and wellbeing are important. If you are not looking after this when you are on holiday, then you will struggle to maximize your vacation. If you are having to travel far away to get on vacation, then think carefully about how your health and wellbeing may be affected. Also, think about what type of vacation you can go on that will boost your health and wellbeing. For example, a retreat away by the beach is going to give you the time, and space you need to reconnect with yourself, and sometimes this is all that is needed.
Source: Unsplash, posted on June 16th 2018, Duy Pham
See Where Friends and Family Have Been
The input of friends and family is invaluable
You may not think the input of your friends and family is that important, especially when it comes to choosing a vacation destination. However, in this case, you would be wrong. Think about where they have been, where they have stayed, and where they have enjoyed. Your family and friends will be honest, and they will share real feedback with you. This real and honest feedback can then help you choose a destination that is suitable for you and your requirements. If families and friends’ recommendations don’t live you to your expectations, then you can be sure that you have not wasted any unnecessary time or money.
Source: Unsplash, posted May 13th 2021, Nick Fewings
Try Somewhere New
Don’t be afraid to venture out of your comfort zone
The whole world is out there waiting for you to explore, so don’t be afraid to try something new. Go to the places that you have always dreamt about, and take a chance. Vacations are there to reinvigorate how you feel, and if you are not getting this reinvigoration, then, what are you getting? You may want to look at doing a dual center vacation. For example, having some fun at Disney in Florida, and then moving to Cocoa Beach or Daytona Beach for total relaxation and peace. Don’t be afraid to push yourself out of your comfort zone when you are booking your vacation, because you may find that a destination offers you more than you thought it would.
Source: Unsplash, posted on November 15th 2017, Ian Keefe
Time of Year For Travel
Are you looking for a winter getaway
When you are looking at vacations, you also need to look at the time of year you will be traveling. For example, do you want to travel in the stick hot summer, or would you prefer to travel out of season (in the off-season)? You can usually get greater value for your money when you are thinking about traveling off-season, so really think about when you are going to get a vacation in and why. For example, if you want to travel somewhere but you can only afford a one-week stay, then why not look at the same destination or location in the off-season, and see what you can get for your money. Make sure you carefully look at each destination on offer because everywhere offers something that is a little bit different. Do not rush the process, and take your time to evaluate where you want to go, and what you want to see.