Planning a Vacation

Everyone needs a vacation now and then. It's a great way to relax, unwind and get away from the cares and responsibilities of the day-to-day. Naturally, the last thing you want is new stress. Fortunately, a little planning can keep your vacation stress-free.

Planning Ahead Means Planning Early

First off, decide early when you're going. Hey, you already know where you want to go, right? It's more important to get the time down. Give yourself at least six months to prepare – start planning out that summer vacation in January or your winter break in June.

If your vacation involves a lot of traveling, break it down into smaller chunks. For example, think about a European backpacking trip in terms of days – on Monday you'll be in Germany, while on Friday you might be in Austria. This will help you figure out where and when you need to fly out, or how many hotel reservations you'll need.

Once you know when you're leaving, there's no reason to hold off on making arrangements. Getting travel and lodging sorted as early as possible will save you a lot of money, and having those essentials taken care of months before you're due to leave will make your departure quick and easy.

Peace At Home Means Peace Of Mind

Once you know where you'll be staying, get the home front sorted out. Arrange to have a sitter for the house or your pets, and either have someone hold your mail or pick it up for you. If you don't want to have someone stay over, arrange for a friend or neighbor to keep an eye on your home, even if it's just checking it out every day or so. Knowing that things will be fine at home will keep a load off your mind, so you can have a worry-free vacation.

Last Minute Preparations

You don't want to wait until the absolute last minute to pack, of course, but you don't want to pack too early either. After all, you're taking that stuff because you need it, which means you'll want it while you're still at home. Save packing until the day before you're due to leave, but start setting things aside as early as a week before – plan outfits, gather toiletries, pick a few things to entertain on the drive or flight. If you're planning a long trip, take a walk though every room before you close up the suitcases and ask yourself what you use and need every day; it'll help identify the things you can't do without but don't really think about unless they're not there.

Most importantly, have a great vacation!