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Handy Dandy Trip Planner



trip-plannerIs vacation planning a major headache for you?


Well, hopefully this handy dandy trip planner will help you to strategize and organize, making this a stress free process.


Before you know it, there'll be nothing left to do but relax and enjoy your vacation!


Strategizing

The first step you'll need to take to plan a trip can be the most difficult. If you're like me, you have a long list of places you'd love to visit. So many choices, so little (Time? Money? Take your pick…)


Well, you'll need to get it all together, sit down, and make some important decisions to be an effective trip planner. Some things to consider:

  • What climate do you prefer?

  • How much time do you have?

  • What is your vacation budget?

  • Would you rather plan a trip to another country, or stay inside your own?

  • What kind of activities are you and your family most interested in?

  • Do you want to drive, fly, take a train, or travel by boat?

  • Would you benefit by vacationing during an off peak season (less expensive, smaller crowds)?

  • Are you looking for family fun, or a romantic getaway for two?

Once you've figured this all out you can begin to narrow down your best options.


Your next step will be to use the Internet, the ultimate trip planner resource! You can check out possible destinations, get resort information, compare prices, look at international and USA maps, and even get traveler reviews, all with the click of a mouse. What did we ever do without this remarkable time saver?


Ready to make a decision? Great!! But before you book you're best advised to take a couple of important steps

  • Request vacation time from work, and make sure it's approved

  • Make sure you can get child care and pet care for the dates you'll be traveling, if necessary



When Making Reservations

We all know that it's best to make reservations as far in advance as possible. The exception to this trip planner rule is if your lifestyle affords you the opportunity to enjoy last minute travel (congratulations – you'll be able to find some great deals)!


Most of us are in the habit of using online booking sites to plan a trip, and to make reservations. Naturally, you'll want to compare prices. Keep these trip planner tips in mind:
  • You'll get your best deal when booking package deals.

  • The first floor of a hotel is the least desirable, for noise and safety issues.

  • If you're booking a hotel room, call the hotel directly to learn what their policy is on guaranteed late arrival. Believe it or not, some hotel policies only guarantee that you will be provided with a room. If they sell out, they are only obligated to find a room somewhere in the area for you.



Three Months Before

Are you getting excited? Your trip is getting closer!


This is a good time to solidify child care and pet care plans, if necessary.


If you're planning an extended trip, arrange for lawn care and consider forwarding your mail.


If you'll be traveling internationally, you'll want to begin the process of obtaining a passport, visa, and work permit if required. Also, check to see if the country you're traveling to has immunization requirements, and make any necessary doctors appointments.


One Week and Counting…

Time to start preparing. I mean really, you don't want to be running around like a chicken with your head cut off the day before your long awaited vacation, do you? The whole purpose of this trip planner is to de-stress the whole process!
  • Have your mail and newspaper service stopped.

  • Go to the bank for travelers checks and some cash.

  • Notify your credit card company if you'll be making large purchases out of state.

  • Start a list, and add to it as you think of things to do and items to pack (I keep it next to my bed, because I always end up thinking of things after I'm in bed at night).

  • Make a list of phone numbers you may need, including your credit card company in case of loss.

  • Make copies of your itinerary, passport, license, and any travel documents..

  • Notify neighbors that you'll be away (you may want to leave a house key with one).

    • Purchase 3 oz. Plastic containers and zip bags for liquid carry on items.
  • Find out what appliances are provided by your hotel, such as hair dryer, iron, coffee pot, etc. This can be done by calling them directly or going to their website.

  • Leave a copy of your itinerary with family members or friends.



Trip Planner – the Day Before

trip-planner-fishingOK, I admit – I learned the hard way! Long before I began working in the travel industry, back when I was a novice traveler, we almost spent the kids' school vacation at home. Not because we hadn't planned a vacation, but because I didn't know that I should call the airline the night before to confirm our reservations!


So, we arrived at the airport an hour and a half before our flight was scheduled to leave, only to be told that our flight had left an hour ago. The airline had changed our flight, and the very well known trip planner website I had used (no names here…) had not notified me!!


So, just picture this…school vacation week – the airlines have all been booked for months, right? Two kids, packed, ready, and excited to leave the frigid Boston weather for a week in Florida. Only to be told that we probably were not going to make it. Not up there on my list of great vacation memories!!


Luckily for us, (perhaps as a result of the solemn prayer that my son immediately began and stayed with for hours…) we did make it. It took a day and a half, required us to split up and fly to different airports (4 hours apart) on different days, and was a major hassle. But we made it!!!


So, in case you haven't guessed by now, my most valuable piece of trip planner advice is when you plan a trip that involves air travel, always call the night before to confirm your flight. It's also a good idea to confirm your hotel reservations, car rental, etc.


If you're off for a second honeymoon (doesn't that sound great?) and are leaving the kids with someone, be sure to leave their medical cards along with a dated note. I always write something to the effect of:


To Whom It May Concern,

In the event of a medical emergency my parents, (insert their names) have my permission to make and necessary medical decisions for my children (insert their names).

Sincerely,


If you're like me, you like to come home to a clean house, with nothing to do but unpack and do the laundry. I always change the sheets, clean the fridge and do a thorough house cleaning before leaving – but that's your call.


Pack Your Bags

If you've followed the trip planner advice on this page you should have a pretty complete list by now (you did start your list a week ago, right?). Some of the things you'll probably want to include are:

  • Comfortable walking shoes

  • Sunscreen, hats, bathing suits

  • Extra pair of glasses, or prescription in case of loss or damage

  • Chargers for your cell phone, computer, and other electronic devices

  • Garbage bag or laundry bag for dirty clothes

  • International or USA maps of the area you'll be visiting

  • Electrical adapters, if traveling overseas



It's a good idea to leave valuable jewelry and other items at home.


If you roll your clothes rather then fold them, they'll be less likely to wrinkle. And don't lock your luggage, unless you have TSA approved locks.


Don't over stuff your bags. In the case that your luggage is selected for a random search, you want it to be easy to reclose. Also, extra weight can cost you.


Pack a separate carry-on bag. My trip planner recommendations:

  • Magazines, music, maybe a book – things to keep you (and your kids) occupied during travel

  • Copy of your itinerary, including air travel, hotel, car rental info, etc.

  • Contact numbers for your credit card company, travel booking agency, etc.

  • Documentation - drivers license, health insurance cards, etickets, cruise documents, and if traveling internationally, passport, immunization records, visa, work permit

  • Cash, credit cards, ATM card, and travelers checks(make sure you sign them before you leave)

  • Medications, in labeled prescription bottles or packaging

  • Sunglasses

  • Personal care items – liquids must be in 3 oz (or less) plastic containers and stored in a quart sized plastic zip bag

  • A change of clothes, including a bathing suit

  • Snacks (drinks are not allowed through security, but you can buy them once you're through and bring them on board)

  • Any valuables that are small enough to pack


It's a great idea to have kids pack their own carry on bags. They know what they like. I always double check to make sure they've planned well.


You're Almost There!

Packed and ready to go? Not yet…before leaving be sure to:
  • Unplug TVs, computers, modems, stereos to prevent damage in the case of a severe storm

  • Disconnect electric garage door openers

  • Turn water heater down to conserve energy while you're away

  • Turn on porch light

  • Water your plants

  • Turn off water source to washing machine, or disconnect hose to prevent flooding in case of a burst hose

  • Turn your air conditioning to 85, or your heat to 50

  • Double check that iron, stove, coffee pot, etc. are turned off

  • Lock all doors and windows, set alarm if you have one


Finally – Time to Relax!!!

If you've used this trip planner, you'll be able to chill out and relax, knowing that you've planned well and taken everything into consideration. No worries, mon! Have a great vacation!





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