With the summer fast approaching, everyone has started dreaming about the perfect vacation. Even as the world continues to confront the COVID-19 pandemic, most countries have considerably eased their lockdown restrictions and are preparing to welcome tourists back. Whether you are looking forward to a visit to the beach with your family, a camping trip, or some other getaway, it’s time to start making reservations. If your planning skills are a little rusty, continue reading to learn how to make your dream vacation a reality. Here are some tips to help you plan the perfect getaway.

Create Checklists

No, checklists aren’t boring! They’re one of the simplest and most useful planning tools at your disposal. Using checklists, you can narrow down your destination options. This will help you focus on the viable options only. Unfortunately, no matter how eager you are to get away or how much your heart is set you are on a particular spot, there’s one important factor that you’ll have to bear in mind when working on your checklists. You’ll have to look into the COVID-19 situation in your target destination including the number and rate of infections. In addition, you need to make sure that the restrictions in place won’t stop you from having the vacation that you’re envisioning. In addition, you should consider factors like your budget, available activities, and of course, the weather conditions. After listing all of your criteria, you’ll be able to sort through your options and settle on the perfect spot. Once you’ve made up your mind, you can put together another checklist for making travel plans, booking accommodations, and planning the rest of your trip.

Do Plenty of Research

This is especially important if you’re planning a vacation somewhere you’ve never been. Dedicate at least a couple of weeks to researching everything there is to know about your destination. There is no such thing as too much information if you want to make your dream vacation happen. Reach out to travel agents and connect with experienced travelers in order to gather as many details as possible. 

When it comes to transportation, you’ll have to determine the best way to travel. For closer destinations, driving might save you money and give you added flexibility, while for longer trips flying is usually the best way to go. The Florida-based folks at BitLux Travel also recommend booking a private flight for added convenience and safety. Some private charter companies accept cryptocurrencies because they allow them to capitalize on the inefficiencies and flaws of traditional banking systems. The idea of taking a private jet might seem out of reach to most people, but depending on your destination, group size, and budget, it may not be so far-fetched! This is the kind of service that you might never know about unless you conduct extremely thorough research. . It is a dream vacation after all, so why not dream big!

Decide on the Logistics

Where you are going to stay and how you will travel are essential details that you have to figure out before you can finalize your trip. The kind of accommodations you choose will vary according to your budget and your personal preferences. Some people prefer the luxury of lavish 5-star hotels. Others, however, believe that investing a big chunk of the budget on lodging is a waste, and would rather spend the money on activities and new experiences. However, there’s no right or wrong approach; it’s all about deciding what constitutes a dream vacation for you and your family. Once you settle on the accommodations, you’ll have to think about transportation. Use the information from your checklists regarding the activities you’re planning to work out an efficient travel plan. Compare public transportation prices with car rental rates to make sure you stay within your budget and move from one activity to the next as efficiently as possible.  

Master the Art of Packing  

Yes, packing is an art! Packing your belongings in a smart and efficient manner that will allow you to travel light and meet your baggage allowance is easier said than done. Since not all of us are born with the Marie Kondo impeccable-packing gene, we mortals have to work hard to develop this valuable skill and be able to enjoy our trip. Traveling with an enormous suitcase filled with unnecessary items is a serious vacationing blunder. Spare yourself the hassle and only pack the essentials in a reasonably-sized suitcase, preferably trolley-style so you can move comfortably through the airport.

Plan Your Kids’ Activities Down to a T

This is perhaps the most stressful aspect of planning a family vacation. Planning your kids’ activities can be very challenging especially if you’re going somewhere new. Spontaneity is always welcome during your getaway, but with the kids, you’ll have to provide some kind of structure to their days. From the start, choose kid-friendly destinations and lodging to make your life easier. Consider babysitting options so you can have the opportunity to spend some quality time with your spouse. Some hotels offer nursery services with dedicated nannies. Of course, make sure you factor in these extra costs when setting your budget.

Be Present Physically and Mentally

The whole point of going on vacation is to take some time off from your busy life in order to unwind and recharge. If you want to make your dream vacation happen, you should be intentional about preparing your mindset for your trip. Forget about your inbox and your phone’s nagging notifications. Normally, you spend your days answering emails and scrolling through your social media so it’s nice to unplug and relax for a few days. It might seem a bit extreme but consider replacing your smartphone with a classic model that only makes calls. This will encourage you to focus on your vacation without any unwelcome distractions.

Think of the planning phase as the first step of making your dream vacation a reality. The above tips will come in handy if you start feeling overwhelmed with the number of details that you need to consider. Given the uncertain circumstances we are currently experiencing, you might be forced to make some last-minute changes. However, try to stay positive and focus on making the best out of the situation to make your dream vacation a success.