Do you have a checklist before you make your holiday travel plans? Before you book a flight or start looking up hotels, here are a few other things to consider.
1- What’s My Budget?
If you’ve had a windfall this year, you might decide to spend it on a trip of a lifetime. On the other hand, if this year’s been tight, you can save money by staying with friends and family. Or, you can look for some budget destinations to help you save.
2- Should I Purchase Travel Insurance?
You’ve got your airline tickets, you’ve booked the hotel, and you’ve planned what you’re doing. This trip is going to be awesome! What could go wrong? Everything! It’s an unfortunate fact of life that natural disasters, health emergencies, or other events beyond your control could interfere with your plans. So, travel insurance is a wonderful way to protect you financially if something unexpected occurs.
3- How Much Time Do I Have?
If you can’t get away from work, you may be short on time. Maybe a three-day weekend would work? Or, if you have lots of time, you can go somewhere far away. Especially during the holidays, it’s important to remember that airline delays are inevitable, so you’ll need to allow extra time for potential delays.
4- Where Do I Want To Go?
This might seem obvious, but the holidays are often wrapped up in tradition. When you travel, you open yourself up to a world of possibilities. So, really think about where else you could go this year to experience something new. Would your family be on board with doing Christmas in some place they’ve never gone before?
5- Are We Driving or Flying?
This is often connected with budget, as driving can often save a ton of money. But, driving to your destination takes time. On the plus side, though, driving can allow you to take in some great views and stop at some cool places along the way.
6- What’s The Weather Like There?
Before you pack, make sure you know what the weather’s like at your destination. You don’t want to arrive unprepared, especially if you’re not used to rain, cold, or snow. If the climate is unpleasant, you probably won’t enjoy your stay!
7- How Will We Get Around When We Get There?
The question of transportation is important once you reach your destination. This should be looked into before you even book your trip. You might plan to walk or take a taxi after you get to your hotel. But, do your research to ensure that the place you want to visit is safe and that your well-being won’t be jeopardized.
8- What’s On The Itinerary?
Some people have to have an itinerary for their trip. They love making detailed plans for what they’ll do and when. But others prefer a more laid-back, take-it-as-it-comes approach. Which are you? Think about if you want to have a planned trip with lots of events, or if you want to be spontaneous.