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Let’s face it, 2020 was a terrible year, and the most traveling most of us were able to do was from our sofa to our refrigerator. In many countries in the world, however, the rollout of Covid-19 vaccines has been a huge success, and with this, the lifting of international travel restrictions in the near future has become a possibility. For everyone who has been trapped inside for so long, this means that a vacation could be on the horizon. With so many options suddenly available, it can be impossible to even know where to begin.
To help you plan the perfect trip, here are our tips for choosing your dream holiday.
1. Choose a Destination
Some people will already have a destination that they have been dreaming of visiting their whole lives. Others may have a bucket list with destinations that they are eager to start ticking off. Few of us will be fortunate enough to see the whole world in our lifetimes, so really think about the word “dream”. Everything else such as the finances, travel, and visas can be worked out later. Identify that one place that you are desperate to see. Perhaps you want to explore the Incan ruins of Machu Picchu or dive into the corals of the Great Barrier Reef. Choose your dream destination and start planning. Learn more.
2. Read Reviews from Other People
There is nothing more exciting than a little bit of the unknown when you are traveling to a new place but there are some things definitely worth finding out before booking a trip. Fortunately, you should always be able to find a blog or website which can tell you the best way to get to the Galapagos Islands, or what you need to include in your Florida itinerary. Particularly if you have limited time or money, reading reviews and tips from other people can stop you from making the same mistakes and can give you some useful pointers about accommodation, travel and the best things to do and see.
3. Decide Who to Go With
We all have different ideas about what makes a great vacation. Some of us like to travel in a big group while others enjoy the challenge of exploring new places alone. Many people have not been able to see their loved ones during the Covid lockdowns, however, so there may be a special someone who you have really missed that you want to spend some quality time with. See if any of your friends have the same dream destination as you or whether your siblings want to return to their roots by visiting a place from your childhood.
4. Consider the Best Time to Go
There are various factors that need to be considered when you are deciding on the best time to take your trip. The most significant at this moment is obviously when travel restrictions will be lifted in the various countries around the world. Next, you will need to check when the weather or conditions at your chosen destination are perfect for your trip. If you want to see the Northern Lights, for example, then you will need to visit between August and April. Other destinations may be suitable all year round, however, such as an amusement park tour in Orlando or a trip to Dubai.
5. Work Out the Total Costs
Another factor you will need to consider in terms of the best time to go is how much money you will need to save to pay for your trip. Work out all of the total costs involved including airfare, accommodation, transport, entertainment, food, and extra spending money. You can then create a budget where you put aside enough money each month to meet those costs.
6. Start Saving
Once you have everything calculated, it is time to start saving for (and daydreaming about) your vacation. You may need to save more in the first few months than in the later months to pay for hotels and flights in advance. These become more expensive the closer you get to your travel date. Let’s imagine that you are planning a trip 9 months from now. Accommodation and flights may be 50% of your total expenses but they are usually cheapest around six months before the date. Therefore, you will need to budget so that you save 50% of your money in the first three months and then the other 50% can be spread over the final six months.
We all deserve a vacation after the tough year and a half that the world has endured. It has been so long since anyone has been able to travel, that you should try and make this vacation your best one ever. Follow these tips and you will be able to plan the perfect getaway for you and your loved ones.
