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With the whole wide world in front of you, picking a place to visit can be overwhelming! Beach? Mountains? City? The possibilities are endless. Luckily, just by answering a few questions you can narrow down your options to just a few, setting yourself up for the best vacation ever.
How much time do you have?
Time is one of the most important factors to consider when planning a trip. For instance, if you only have a long weekend your options are going to be a little more limited than if you have 10 days to work with. For long weekends, consider a destination that’s either a short flight away or an easy driving distance. Try to avoid spending an excessive amount of time on travel so you can maximize the time you can spend once you get there.
How much do you want to spend?
We all know vacations can get pricy but they don’t have to be with some planning. If you’re on a tighter budget, consider lesser know destinations- they will most likely be less expensive than traditional tourist spots but just as fun. Places like Salt Lake City, Orlando and Phoenix are all relatively inexpensive and are easy to get to from most of the United States. If you avoid spending a fortune in the casinos, Las Vegas is also a great option. You can find great hotel deals in Vegas, especially during the week (get some more deals on Vegas here!).
If you’re on a tight budget, make sure you weigh your options. For example, if you have your heart set on a vacation in paradise, consider an all inclusive resort. While the price may be more upfront, it includes accommodations, food and drinks which can actually end up being cheaper than paying for everything separately. Cruises are also another nice option, once again with everything included they can be a bargain.
How do you want to get there?
Given the choice, I would fly to the grocery store if I could. For me, flying isn’t a huge deal, and I much prefer flying to my vacation spot. I know a ton of people though that wouldn’t get on an airplane even if they had to drive days to get where they’re going.
Transportation plays a huge part in where to go for vacation. If you’re more of a driver, pick a destination that’s an easy drive away. Or for an added adventure, plan a road trip! Check out Roadtrippers, a website that will help you plan your trip complete with detours to attractions along your way.
Flying can get you further faster but can be more expensive. Start looking for deals early. There are a ton of websites and apps out there that will help you get the best deals on flights. Hopper is one of my favorite tools. Just put your origin airport and destination and they will keep you up to date on prices and give you an idea of the best time to book. Fly for less with Skyscanner -this website can help you find great flights as well as hotels and rental cars.
What Do You Plan to Do?
Is your idea of a vacation laying on a beach chair with a jumbo margarita? Or maybe it’s white water rafting down a winding river? Or maybe an urban jungle is more your scene? When picking out your vacation spot, make sure there will be plenty to keep you busy (or not so busy if that’s what you prefer!). If you’re looking for a little adventure maybe consider a place that you wouldn’t normally go to. Some of my best trips have been to places where I just happened to find a cheap flight!
The good news is, no matter where you decide to vacation, you can’t really go wrong with a great attitude and sense of adventure. Proper planning beforehand, though, can help take your vacation from a good time to the BEST vacation ever! Bon Voyage!
