The Perfect Time To Plan Your Trip

Planning your vacation is an important part of the entire experience – after all, if you don’t know where you’re going or when, it’s difficult to actually enjoy the trip itself. However, it can be hard to find the time to plan your trip when you need to work, take care of the kids and your household, or fit in any other activities you love to do. This guide will teach you how to find time to plan your vacation so that all you have to worry about is packing and enjoying your time away from home.

The Perfect Time to Plan Your Trip

Six to Eight Weeks Before

To have the best trip possible, and one that won't break the bank, you'll want to start planning at least 6-8 weeks before your desired departure date. The more time you can set aside for research and preparation, the better. Some of the things you'll need to do include finding a place to stay, researching local customs, and deciding on a budget. It will also be helpful to plan out what you want to do each day so you don't miss any activities or attractions on your list.  Make sure you leave enough space in your suitcase for souvenirs too. You'll also want to get travel insurance for yourself and your family in case something goes wrong. Be sure to read up on the laws of where you're going - it's easy to unknowingly break them without realising it. Plus, ask people who have travelled there about their experiences. You never know when someone will give you a tip about an activity or attraction that is off the beaten path but worth checking out. If you are travelling to slightly more expensive destinations this is a good time to start checking flights and hotels too. Flight tickets to Iceland, for example, may be cheaper during off peak season, so keep that in mind.

One Month Before

You are a month from your holiday. Now is the perfect time for you to start planning your trip’s most essential and detailed aspects. Here you should start thinking about your detailed itinerary as well as the budget on each activity. You may even want to have a list of restaurants you would like to go to as well as the kind of gifts you would bring back.

Two Weeks Before

This is the time to include everyone in the leftover organisation. It's always a good idea to get the kids involved in the process. Ask them what they want to see, where they want to go, and how long they'd like to stay. This will help them feel more invested in the trip and more excited about it. You should also consider budgeting for souvenirs. Kids often spend their money on things that are fun and frivolous, so you may need some extra cash on hand for those moments when you want them to be conservative with their spending habits. Be sure to include time for excursions. Encourage your family members to create a list of places they're interested in visiting, then use that list as a guide during your travels.

The Week of Your Trip

Planning your trip is a great idea and the perfect time to do so is during the week of your trip. This will help you make decisions based on what you want instead of what you have time for. For example, if you know that there's a concert that you want to go see, it's best to book tickets as soon as possible instead of waiting until the day before. If you're planning a staycation with friends or family, plan out meals in advance so everyone knows what they'll be having and doesn't accidentally eat something they don't like. Make sure they have all the necessities they need packed in their carry-on bag so they don't forget anything at home. And lastly, if you're going on vacation by yourself, this is the perfect time to try new things. Try eating someplace different than usual or taking a walk around town in an unfamiliar area. These small moments can lead to big memories.