Americans are a hard working lot and in this tough economy weve really got our noses to the grindstone. But you know the old saying: All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. In truth all the stress tends to make Jack more than dull. Hes likely to be over weight, out of shape, prone to disease and cranky. And so are his equally hard working wife and kids! Its good to break the cycle of 24/7 availability and get away from it all. Lets look at a few ideas to get you started planning a vacation you can afford; one that you will enjoy and one that will leave you feeling refreshed and renewed.
Where are you headed?
If youre married and have a family youll be taking more factors into account than if its just you with a good friend or loved one. Sit down with your family or travel buddy and discuss the kinds of things youd like to see and do. Is this the year you enjoy that once in a lifetime safari in Africa or will you be going to the local wild animal park? Can you fly off to an exotic South Pacific island or will you be renting a cabin for a few days at a local lake? Will you be visiting the folks back home or taking advantage of the cultural offerings in your city of residence? Whatever you decide, be sure you embrace the decision otherwise you will resent every step of the journey. And lets face it part of the fun is the anticipation. Remember I said anticipation not dread!
Time to check your budget
You want to take the trip you can afford not the one you slap onto credit cards or pay for with borrowed money from a family member or wealthy friend. In One Year to an Organized Financial Life, my co-author Russell Wild and I present some ways you can make extra cash whether you need it to make the mortgage payment or want to go to Disney World. It isnt rocket science. Its really common sense: ask for a raise; take on a part time job; ask your spouse to return to the work force; suggest that your teenager get a part time job; sell something of value you dont really need or want; see if theres a better paying job in your area; save money on your regular bills by changing phone or cable plans; call your local power supply company and learn ways to conserve electricity et al. I saved $700 this year when I switched automobile insurance carriers.
Search for deals
Youll need a detailed travel budget. Dont forget to take into account all the little items that can bleed you try while youre checking those big-ticket items like airfare and hotels. (For example: never raid the hotel mini bar; purchase local snacks and keep them in your room.) If this trip is top heavy with museum or amusement park admissions see if you can score discounts through your union membership or something like the Auto Club. Do you know anyone who works for the parent company that owns the attraction you are planning to visit? Employees can usually secure discount tickets. Who do you know? It might be time to review your friends at Facebook or some of your school chums at Classmates.com. And you thought Social Media had no redeeming qualities!
Can you cash in points with an airline, credit card or hotel? Would driving be more economical than flying? What about a week at home this summer and then a mid-winter jaunt when the rates are down? Be open and creative about how much you can afford and what experience it will buy. Scour the newspaper for deals. Talk to friends and family who have made this trip and ask for tips. Consider working with a travel agent. Make sure this phase is part of the fun anticipation. If its not your cup of tea make a list of whatever has to be done and ask your family for help. Delegate responsibility for various items. Lets face it your teenagers are probably more skilled at computer research than you are. Let them contribute if they are old enough. Or hire the teenage son or daughter of a neighbor or friend. Kids can do more than baby-sit, wash cars and mow the lawn.
Pack like a pro
Whenever I travel, I marvel at the amount of stuff people take with them. In One Year to an Organized Life I have an entire chapter devoted to travel and packing. I share with you the handy formula I use to keep your travel items at a minimum. What are the keys? They arent what you expect: accessories; washnwear and mixnmatch! Dont worry about impressing the hotel staff or Aunt Tilly for that matter. Dress for your own convenience and ease.
Remember to communicate
Be sure you communicate openly, clearly and frequently with your fellow travelers. I happen to have been born with a tremendous sense of wanderlust. I have been traveling the world since I was 17. Very often when I travel I am asked to be the go to person because I am the more experienced traveler. Fortunately this makes me very happy. I get almost as much pleasure from travel research and planning as I do from the actual trip. But wh
