There is no doubt that there are a lot of services out there that "claim" to offer great discounts on vacations and other vacation packages. My last post had information about treading lightly while looking for travel deals because many scams are out there. In today's post I like to offer a little advice in preparing for a trip. That is, things not to do that will first and foremost cost you money, but not waste your time or put you in a position to be harmed. It's all very important. Sure vacations are something that should not have an element of "work" with it, but there is no avoiding the adult nature of planning. It's just the way it is.
Two of the types of vacation packages that I've spoken often about in my latest posts have been to destinations like Cancun or those that are near theme parks. Each type of vacation has it's advantages, but also it must be stated that a better planned vacation makes for more fun, less stress and less cost.
For either of the type of vacation you plan, that is going to a destination that is sun drenched and has miles and miles of beach, or the type of destination that has super theme parks, the following suggestions make for the best trip.
1- Wear Sunscreen. Yes, I know this seems ridiculous, but I can't think of a more important initial step that needs to be taken than to put on your suncscreen. Get that sunscreen on those kids too. Sure there is no doubt that the sun has it's effects over the long term, but I'll tell you what. No one wants to deal with a kid with severe sun burn during a vacation.
2- Dress comfortably. This is not the time to put on those new shoes you bought to look good. I had an uncle that was in Vietnam and he said if there was one little bit of advise he had to anyone that was to keep your feet warm, clean, and comfortable. You're on them for hours and hours and having to contest with that new blister you got while visiting and using the Silver Dollar City Vacation Package you got a great deal.
3- Know the transportation services in the area. I'm serious. This actually goes hand in hand with dressing comfortably. Many of the destinations you will go on vacation to or visit have towns that actually provide free transportation. Like the owe so famous monorail of Disneyworld, these other towns also offer one form or another of shuttle service or car service to get around town. This can save a ton of money on bus fare or even renting a car. The reality is you really don't need to rent a car in many of these destiantions.
4- This one may also seem ridiculous and maybe not even practical, but think about traveling off season. That is maybe heading to a place of beauty like Cancun near the summer or to a ski resort right before the season starts. Sure there are definite draw backs to doing this, like being on the beach in Cancun when it's 150 degrees, or trying to ski down a moutain of grass, but these aren't the absolutes. I've heard many great stories where someone took a trip to Cancun in late may to be greeted with wonderful whispy air and one guy that traveled to Colorado in early november to enjoy an early snowstorm.
All in all a lot of what I mentioned above may seem like common sense, but I'm sure like most of of if we don't think through the options the obvious never even gets on our radar.
Should any of you have any ideas that can really help out with keeping a vacation fun, stress free and from hemorraging money, as always please offer your advise and tips here.
No comments:
Post a Comment