5 Easy Tips to Help Organize a Vacation
5 Easy Tips to Help Organize a Vacation
Everyone loves going on vacation but precious few actually plan for it. There are quite a few people out there winging it (you know who you are) when they head out the door to relax. While it is certainly admirable to be adventurous, you still want to make sure you plan a little. When you organize a vacation you are much more likely to enjoy it. You also are more likely to stay safe.
Here are 5 quick and easy tips that will ensure your vacation stays on track and organized:
Start Your Countdown Early
When you have decided on a date for your vacation, set up a calendar that everyone can see that shows how much time you have and what needs to be accomplished each day. This will not only keep you organized and from forgetting anything, it will also build excitement within the family about the upcoming trip. Make sure you add to the calendar as you think of things in the weeks leading up to the vacation.
Reservations and Tickets Early
When you decide upon dates for your vacation, you will need to make reservations for accommodations. Check into availability and secure your dates as far in advance as possible. Don’t wait until the last minute. When it’s closer to time for your actual vacation, check into ticketed activities at the vacation site and look for discounts before you buy them. Some activities will offer discounted tickets if you buy ahead of time online instead of buying tickets when you get there. The early bird gets the worm when you organize a vacation.
Give Everybody a Job
Give every member of your family a job to get ready to go on your getaway. Assign each person something from the list to take care of (but make sure you oversee everything). This will take the load off of you and keep you from stressing before you leave for your vacation. It also will ensure that everything is finished before the big day.
Find a Home Contact
Someone back home should be your trusted contact and take care of your mail, home and pets if possible. They also should be fully informed of what your plans are and where you are expected to be. This is vitally important if you have loved ones at home and also for your own safety in case of emergency. Make sure when you organize a vacation you don’t overlook this often forgotten step.
Double check your route and directions
The last thing you want to be on vacation is lost. Invest in a GPS unit or print out directions from your computer before leaving just in case. Don’t be hardheaded and try to “figure it out” as you go. You could end up jeopardizing reservations, check in times or part of your vacation trying to undo your mistake.
Just planning and getting ready for your vacation can be stressful. Don’t let it become overwhelming. Plan ahead and let the family help so you can have a fun and relaxing vacation too.
If you are in need of better organization skills in general, then we have some things here that will be sure yo help you out! Check out our guide to Getting Organized! If you find that you are still having organization problems, then you might want to try this book on organizing inside and out!
