Vacation Planning
No question, you deserve a vacation. Disconnecting from work is essential for your health. We encourage you to change your scenery, but if you choose to stay at home, you deserve some time to disconnect from work. Disconnecting allows for quality time with family, engaging in activities you love, and creating lasting memories. It also helps reduce the risk of burnout, giving you a chance to recharge and come back with a renewed perspective.
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If you are traveling this summer, you do not want to think about unanswered emails, unfinished tasks or if you shut off all the lights in your home. This is where vacation planning comes in. Often times, you are working so hard to finish what you need to do in time for vacation, that you neglect to plan for the vacation itself. Planning a vacation should be an exciting journey, not a stressful one. From setting up your itinerary to making sure you pack the essentials; Here are a few vacation planning steps below that can transform your trip from stressful to extraordinary. Please adjust or add to this based on your own situation and needs.
Step 1: Choose Your Destination and Set a Budget
Start with choosing your destination based on your interests, budget, and vacation time available. If you want to travel to a different country, check to see if you need to apply for a visitor visa.
If you’re traveling to another country, check if your passport is up to date. Some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months before your travel dates.
Review travel advisories about the country you are traveling to:
Set a Budget: Make sure your travel expenses fit within a comfortable budget. Include flights, accommodation, food, activities, and any transportation costs at your destination. Include a contingency in your budget and factor in the local currency conversion.
Book time off work
Book your flight
Step 2: Book Essentials in Advance
Once you’ve chosen your destination, start crafting an itinerary. Think about your must-see attractions, relaxation spots, and any local cultural experiences you'd like to add.
Determine where you will stay (hotel, with family, etc.)
Determine your method of local transportation (public transit, car rental, etc.)
Ensure that you have insurance coverage in case of an emergency
Will you use your phone in your destination? Make arrangements with your carrier
Research the area, language and culture of where you are staying
Ensure that the items you are packing will meet security requirements
How many suitcases do you need?
Should you add an AirTag to your suitcases?
What is the address and phone number of where you’re staying?
Step 3: Make Arrangements for when you’re Gone
Are you up to date on your bills? Do you need to set up auto payment while you're gone?
Is anyone staying in your home? Do you need someone to monitor your home? Do you have a security system?
Make arrangements to have your mail collected and grass cut if you are gone for an extended period of time.
Arrange pet or plant care
Remove items from the fridge that will spoil
Ensure that certain electric appliances are unplugged if no one is at home
Ask your travel buddies if they are prepared by sharing your checklist
What is your emergency plan if you need to return home early?
Leave emergency information with someone in your hometown
Should you post about this on social media? Is it better to save the posts until you return?
Exchange currency before your trip so that you have cash in the local currency of your destination
Make copies of important documents. Photocopy your passport, tickets, and any reservations.
Alert your bank. Inform them about your travel dates to avoid any account freezes.
Download offline maps and local apps. These can be useful if you’re traveling to an area with limited Wi-Fi
Pack! Depending on how long your trip is, you probably have a sense of the items you need to pack like clothes, toiletries and electronics. Don’t forget to pack items like your medications, a mini first-aid kit and headphones.
Image by Henrique Ferreira
Sample Vacation Packing Checklist
Documents and Essentials
Passport and ID
Copies of important documents
Tickets and booking confirmations
Travel insurance
Bank cards and local currency
Clothing and Accessories
Comfortable walking shoes
Weather-appropriate outfits
Outerwear, if necessary
Swimsuit, beachwear
Sunglasses and hats
Toiletries
Toothbrush, toothpaste, and deodorant
Shampoo, conditioner, and soap (if not provided)
Skincare products and sunscreen
Hairbrush, hair ties
Travel Essentials
Portable phone charger
Travel pillow and headphones
Snacks and a reusable water bottle
A good book or travel journal
Miscellaneous
Small first-aid kit (band-aids, pain relievers, allergy medications)
Laundry bags for dirty clothes
Extra tote bag for souvenirs
Image by Michael Rivera
By creating an itinerary, using your vacation checklist and packing essentials, you can streamline the planning process and truly relax on your trip. The goal of a vacation is to unwind and experience something new—preparing ahead means fewer worries and more memorable moments.
What do you think of our list? Did we miss anything? Do you need help planning or need a vacation budget? Contact us today and we can help!
Until next time, stay balanced and happy travels!