(NC) Now that summer is official here, many of us starting to think about road trips, weekend getaways and other vacations. If a trip – big or small – is in the cards for you this year, here are some things to keep in mind so you can have the vacation of your dreams.
Pre-trip planning
Step one is to set a budget. This will help you determine a destination you can afford. To cut back on costs, investigate if you have any reward points you can use to pay for flights or accommodations, or look into last-minute deals.
If you’re flying, try to book a direct flight. At this time of year, weather can cause all sorts of delays. The fewer connections you have, the less likely it is that you’ll get stranded.
If you’re planning a road trip, make sure your tires are properly inflated, that the car is tuned up and you have a spare jug of washer fluid in the trunk. Check the weather report for your route before heading out.
If you’re going to another country, order some local currency from your bank before you leave. This will save you from paying inflated fees at the airport money exchange and ensure you can cover things like taxis and tips as soon as you hit the ground.
Set an agenda
Does your family dream about having their toes in the sand with the biggest decision of the day being to choose which of a resort’s restaurants to eat at? Or do you prefer the adrenaline of mountain biking or ziplining through a forest?
Regardless, try not to over-plan your days. Some day trips off the resort are a nice way to break up the monotony of beach time, but if you try to schedule too many activities you might have a mutiny on your hands.
For more adventurous outings, plan for some downtime to recover from bumps and bruises and some indoor activities for days when the weather is unpleasant.
Health-care considerations
For some locations, you might need to get a vaccine shot or bring specific medication, like anti-malarial pills. Investigate what you might need as far ahead of time as possible.
If anyone in your family requires medication, bring it in a clearly labelled prescription bottle.
You should also invest in travel insurance if you don’t already have it through work or your credit card provider.
Packing for the occasion
What you pack will depend on your destination. But you’ll need some essentials no matter where you go, such as toiletries, appropriate footwear, and any gear you need for activities, such as ski pants and winter gloves or a new swimsuit and coverup. If you need a new swimsuit for your beach holiday, consider a shop that specializes in swimwear, like Canadian retailer La Vie en Rose.
Find advice on how to select swimwear for your body type, washing instructions and more at lavieenrose.com/en/swimwear.
