Arizona Vacation Rental Blog: Your Guide to the Perfect Getaway

Top 10 Tips To Plan The Perfect Vacation

Published March 27th, 2023 by Arizona Vacation Rental Homes

Top 10 Tips To Plan The Perfect Vacation

Whether you’re going on a family vacation or solo trip, you want to make sure that your time away is as stress-free and memorable as possible. That’s why it’s so important to plan ahead. That way, you’ll have a clearer idea of what to pack and what to do in your destination.

1. Decide Where You Want to Go

The first step to planning the perfect vacation is deciding where you want to go. The options are endless, from a vibrant city to a magnificent national park. Perhaps you’re looking for a jam-packed vacation that offers a variety of sightseeing and activities, or a relaxing beach holiday that allows you to soak up some sun. And once you have decided where you’ll be traveling to, you need to figure out who will be joining you on your journey. This is a crucial decision, as it will affect the whole itinerary of your vacation.

2. Make A List Of What You Want To Do

Planning your vacation may seem like a chore or an unnecessary task, but it can be very helpful. Whether you're a natural planner or not, taking the time to plan can make your trip much more fun and enjoyable. One of the best things you can do to prepare for your trip is to make a list of what you want to do and where you want to go. Creating this list will give you a starting point for your travel planning and ensure that you get everything you want out of your time away.

3. Set A Budget

It's no secret that vacation costs can add up. So, it's important to set a budget before you hit the road. To help you stay on top of your budget, it may be a good idea to set up a separate account that you can deposit money into each month or have your employer deposit it directly into. Having your vacation funds in their own account can help you avoid dipping into them when you're on the go and allow you to keep your spending under control so that you can truly enjoy your vacation.

4. Make A Copy Of Your Passport

You may have heard that photocopying your passport, as an official government document, is illegal -- but that’s a myth. Having a copy of your passport is very important, especially if you travel internationally. It can help expedite the process of obtaining a replacement if your passport is lost or stolen. It also makes it easier to prove your identity if someone asks you for your passport. The US Department of State recommends that you make multiple copies of your passport before traveling abroad. Keep these copies in different locations so you can get a replacement quickly if needed.

5. Leave Your Work Computer

You may not be able to completely leave your work computer behind, but you can limit access to it. For example, you could set up a time each day when you’re available to check in with your coworkers. In addition to this, it may be a good idea to set up an away message on your email and voicemail that let colleagues and friends know you’re on vacation and unavailable for any work-related communication. In short, if you’re going to be working on your vacation, it’s best to plan ahead and leave as much of your work as possible. Then, you’ll be able to enjoy your vacation without having to worry about work.

6. Leave Your Phone

Whether you’re in the mood for a digital detox or simply want to avoid distractions, there are several reasons why leaving your phone at home is a good idea. Especially when it comes to traveling, the last thing you want is to be caught up in a constant cycle of emails and messages that can interrupt your vacation and ruin the enjoyment of your trip! In addition to leaving your phone at home, be sure to set up “tech-free” times and spaces during your vacation. Parcel out the hours when you’re not allowed to use your phone, so that you and your family can truly enjoy all the sights and experiences of your travels! You’ll be surprised how much more you enjoy your trip when you can stop checking your phone and focus on what you’re doing. This can even be an easy way to reconnect with friends and family back home!

7. Start A Countdown

It may seem counterintuitive to plan your vacation while you’re still in the middle of the process, but doing so can actually help you have a better time on your trip. A 2010 study by Jeroen Nawijn of Tourism Research Institute found that travelers were happiest when they planned their trip ahead of time. That’s because they could experience the joy of anticipation before their actual trip.

8. Plan To Do Nothing

When you are on a do-nothing vacation, you don’t need to schedule activities. In fact, that might even exacerbate stress by forcing you to think about the things you’re not doing on your vacation. The most important thing to remember about a do-nothing vacation is to relax and enjoy yourself.

9. Find the Perfect Amount of Time Away

Finding the perfect amount of time away from your regular daily routine will give you more vacation time to fully experience your trip. You can do this by planning a few extra days so that you can take advantage of the benefits of R&R. And it’s not always the case that more time away is better. For instance, if you travel with your family, it might be beneficial to allow the whole group to bond as a group on the same vacation.

10. Save Something Fun For The End

When it comes to traveling, one of the most important things to do is save something fun for the end of the vacation. You may think that you have to do a lot of activities during your trip, but that is not always the case. If you want to make your vacation more memorable, try planning a special event or activity for the last day of your trip.

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