Aside from getting away from your normal school routines and other academic activities, a break is a great time to create long-lasting memories and recharge.
Whether spent working at internships or traveling the world, if well planned, your vacation can be fun-filled and adventurous.
However, planning an exciting vacation for school breaks is not always as easy as it seems. It requires working out a lot of moving parts and can be more challenging if you are traveling as a group or with your family.
The following tips can help make proper planning of your vacation less stressful.
1. Research your destination
There are a lot of destinations to choose from, both at home and abroad. Meanwhile, the perfect destination for your vacation is usually influenced by the time of the year your school break falls in.
Make a list of potential destinations, and if you are going as a group or with your family, discuss with them to decide on a destination everyone will find exciting.
Once you decide on a destination, conduct thorough research about the place. Check social media posts and blogs for insight from previous tourists.
Your research should include the available transportation options, adventurous activities, accommodation, and things you will need to travel with.
For foreign vacations, check if you will need a visa and apply in advance. Exchange currency or use a travel card and learn basic phrases if necessary. It will make your experience more fun.
Most importantly, research information about the safety of the destination. Check travel warnings or advisories on recent updates about security in the area.
2. Set a goal
Setting goals for your vacation can enhance your experience. Your goals might be for cultural immersion, relaxation, or personal growth.
Make a list of the available activities at the destination of your choice, then select those that interest you. These activities should align with the goals you set for the trip.
If you are traveling with friends or family, your goal might include reuniting and catching up.
Considering you have been away for a while; choose activities you can do as a group. This will allow you to talk and bond while enjoying the activity. Adventure activities usually offer this. For instance, adventure tours in Phoenix and Scottsdale AZ, include hiking and mountain biking which are perfect for a family bonding time.
When setting goals for your vacation, be realistic and consider your energy levels. Do not plan activities your budget cannot afford. Also, avoid engaging in activities your body may not be able to cope with.
Adventurous activities do not necessarily have to be physically demanding; your goal might be for cultural immersion. This can include learning a new language or attending a local festival or event at your vacation destination.
You may consider staying with a local family to explore and experience the culture firsthand, including trying their local delicacies.
3. Craft an itinerary
An itinerary is a map of your vacation activities. If well-crafted, it can make your vacation more enjoyable and efficient.
When drafting your itinerary, consider the length of your school break. This will influence how long the vacation will be.
Identify major attractions and activities for your set goals. Allocate time for each activity. Below are some tips for an efficient itinerary:
- Check destination and activity recommendations on social media and travel review websites.
- Join a tour to explore the destination’s history and culture. Guided tours are great for adventures and save you from the stress of planning.
- Talk to locals for recommendations of hidden gems, especially less popular festivals and cuisines.
- Highlight the day-to-day meals and free time. This should include what you expect to eat on a specific day and should be done for all days of the vacation.
- Leave room for uncertainty. Development such as unfavorable weather, for instance, can delay your flight or force you to cancel an activity scheduled for the day. However, this may present new opportunities.
4. Prepare your body and mind
Adventurous vacations require physical strength, especially if you are engaged in activities like biking, kayaking, canoeing, and hiking.
To have fun and enjoy your time during the trip, prepare your body by engaging in light exercises. For example, if you are the type that spends most of your day sitting at a desk, consider taking periodic breaks to stretch your body.
Go for a walk four to five days a week and try riding a bike every few days. If you are participating in water-related adventures, improve your swimming skills and practice water safety.
Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Drink plenty of water, and if you have any ailments, consult your physician for necessary prescriptions or recommendations before traveling.
To prepare your mind for the vacation, read books and blogs about the destination. This will give you an inkling of the culture and environment, so you can know what to expect.
If you are traveling with friends or family, show them pictures of the destination so they can have a mental picture of what to expect.
Device plans to safeguard your gadgets and luggage during the vacation.
5. Budget
This might be last, but equally important as any of the tips discussed above. Budget is the fundamental of your trip. It significantly influences your vacation experience.
From luxury to standard, your budget will determine the kind of accommodation you book during the vacation.
It is vital to note that budgeting does not necessarily indicate how much you are willing to spend. Instead, it is a breakdown of how to spend your money to get the maximum value.
Research off-season to get deals for locations your budget typically may not afford.
Use deal websites to get flight and hotel deals. Use airline credit cards to save on baggage fees.
When trying local cuisines, eat where the locals eat instead of places targeted at tourists. The food here is usually cheaper and better.