Travel: It is all in the planning

Travel:  It is all in the planning

       Are you one of most working Americans that have hard earned vacation days just sitting there waiting to be used? If this is you, then you are not alone. Statistics show that most working Americans have more vacation time accumulated and do not take all the allotted days per calendar year. When you finally realize that you either need to take the time or lose the time, most people take the time and venture away from home. So, what are the key things to keep in the forefront of your mind?

     Set the budget f

or yourself. Understand from the beginning, that you will “get what you pay for” and that adage is the reality of buying about anything today. Once you have a budget, add about 10% more to your bottom line in case you want to add something that you overlooked like a shore excursion or tickets to an event or theme park.

    Early planning gives you better leverage. You have the power of choice in your accommodation. For instance, if cruising, you want a particular location on a ship or on a land location, you want a quiet area at your hotel. Early planning gives you first choice of accommodation and not what rooms are leftover or rooms that are in an undesirable location. Another advantage, early planning allows you to have the ability to change, upgrade views, change itineraries. You have the power to control costs, up or down, and adjust the budget.

     Where would you like to go? Make the choice. Destination choices can be hard because of all the advertisements about travel and can also be very misleading in most cases. Do I go to the Caribbean? Europe? New York? Savannah, Georgia? The recommendation is to set your sites to two or three options that satisfy you and your travel party.

     Decide on your transportation mode. How you will get there is just as important as the vacation itself. For instance, if you are taking a cruise and you are driving to the port, that is great; but do not forget about the cost of gas and parking fees at the ports or parking garages. Those gas and parking fees are most often forgotten pieces of travel planning. Keep in mind that it may be more cost effective to fly than to drive and much less hassle.

     Do you want to rent a car instead of putting miles on your own vehicle? It has become a trend to rent a car. Most car rentals come with unlimited mileage and easy drop off. This is especially true of people who lease their cars.

     When you have your details in place, the next recommendation in the process is to call a certified travel advisor. Please do not trust just anyone who says they are an advisor. Today, there are people who have the title but not the knowledge or the training in travel and that could cost you more. These certified advisors are well trained not to forget those little necessary things that will derail any vacation. The advisor asks about passports, expiration dates, dietary requirements, travel insurance and more. Most importantly, you reap the benefits of using certified travel advisors. These advisors have vendors who offer additional benefits that enhance your vacation. Travel advisors’ vendors have established groups with rewards such as location upgrades, free breakfasts, free parking at the hotel, or onboard credit if taking a cruise. Most importantly, these advisors read all the fine print. Fine print is the real details about what is going to happen or when something can happen. Fine print may tell you that something is only available during a particular time. Do not be disappointed. Use a certified travel advisor. It saves you money!

   Are you ready now with your plan? Need a bit more help? I am certified and I have the knowledge and ability to help you plan the wonderful use of those unused vacation days! Call today! 401-265-8300.