How to Pick a Vacation Destination

You have waited all year for it. You have worked diligently always keeping your eye on the prize. You have thought many times to yourself "I'm ready for a vacation." The time is finally here and you have no clue what to do or where to go. Here you'll find a way to pick the perfect vacation destination.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Just like the song by the Go Go's "Vacation (all I ever wanted)" is just a destination choice away.

1. Establish your budget. This is probably the most important step to planning your vacation. A long weekend camping or a month long European tour vary in price by a few bucks. Staying within your means will help you enjoy your vacation much more and also enable you to enjoy activities where you are going more.

2. Make a list of your idea of a perfect vacation. Include activities and not destinations such as laying on the beach, gambling, skiing, seeing Mickey Mouse. If you are travelling with your family and children, include them in on this process. Getting the children's input is important if they will be travelling with you. Your idea of dozing on the beach all week with two kids that are bored to death should probably be brought to your attention at this point. Do not include destinations on this list. Only include activities.

3. Look at the calendar and pick the length of your vacation and the available dates. Forecast the best time to get away from work and when they kids have a break from school. Choose a back up vacation time in the event your destination is booked for the annual Star Trek convention or such that week.

4. Compare your vacation week to the vacation activity wish list. Skiing may not be possible when the only time you can get away is in August. Cross off any activities that are not possible or adjust your dates to work with the most important activities.

5. Prioritize the activities, and ask everybody else going on the vacation to do the same. If you are lucky, everyone will rate the same activity as most important.

6. Chose a few destinations. Call a travel agent or use the Internet to search for destinations that accommodate all or most of the top priority activities. It may be possible to go to Disneyland in California instead of Disney World in Florida for two days, stay a couple days on the beach and then rent a car to go to Vegas for a couple days. You can also incorporate a cruise into getting out of the country, Disney, gambling and beach.

7. Use as many resources as possible. If you are open to different destinations use the Internet to find some great deals and packages. You will also find that in your quest to accommodate the top three activities on your vacation wish list, you have also satisfied numbers 4-6 also. Do not reserve the first match you find. Be sure that you are getting the best value for your dollar. It costs nothing to get a quote from a travel agent also. Also be aware that many timeshare owners will sell their timeshare week if they can not use it. Many times it is all-inclusive, covering all your food and alcohol while on the property. Search timeshare websites. You may be amazed at what you will find.

Tips & Warnings

• Plan ahead and schedule ahead to get the best price and secure preferred dates.
• Purchase vacation insurance if you may have to cancel due to work or an ill or aging family member.
• If you are planning on leaving the country, make sure you have a passport. If you need to get one, research how long it takes to get one before making reservations out of the country. Leave yourself some extra time because receiving a passport can take longer than expected.