How to Organize a Pleasurable Vacation

Have a vacation coming up? Don't know where to start? Feel like a stress balloon ready to burst? Well, calm down and read on...

If you haven't already, choose your destination , how long you are staying there for, and who is going. This will affect how you pack, what you will pack, and reservations you need to make.

Make your reservations , and make them early! Things can book up (like hotels) last minute, and if you aren't prepared, you may end up sleeping on the bus stop (not recommended). Book online, where prices are usually cheaper than they would be otherwise. You can also get airplane tickets/rental cars/hotel combos online too.

Pack your things . Make a checklist so that you won't forget things. Gather them early and think about what you will need. Some categories may include: Entertainment (for travel and your vacation location), Clothes, Toiletries (like tooth brushes, combs, seat belt comforters), etc. If you do forget some toiletries, most hotels will have free travel-size toiletries, but they only carry the essentials (no free hair mousse, for example).

As you get closer to the trip, start to make more specific plans . This includes (if your driving/boating to get there) how much money you will need to get there and back, when you will need to be at a certain point on the trip at what time, etc. It helps to keep a journal and write these things down, then to write what actually happened (see in tips for an example). Look in visitor centers near the area you're visiting to find free (most of the time) attractions. There are also many websites for this if you can't find a visitor center.

Tips

• Plans: Arrive at Fun town at 4:00 to make the hotel time for check in's.
• Actual:Arrive at Fun town at 3:21 and had to wait for them to get our room ready.
• Start planning your trip well in advance.
• Look online for tourist/hotel deals and packages and attractions in the area.

Warnings

• If you can't afford it, it isn't worth it. Wait until you can go without being in debt.