National Plan for Vacation Day is celebrated every year on the last Tuesday of January.* This is the perfect opportunity to plan a much-needed break from your everyday life. To help you make the most of this particular day, we’re sharing some of the best vacation ideas that won’t break the bank and some destination ideas if you’re not sure where to get started.
How To Plan Your Next Vacation
The first step in planning a vacation is deciding on your destination.
Pick A Destination
Start your planning process by deciding where you want to go. Think about what type of experience you are looking for and use that as a guide when choosing your destination. Consider factors such as budget, travel time, climate, and activities available to make sure it’s the right fit for you!
Research Activities
Once you have a destination in mind, research what type of activities the area has to offer. Whether it’s cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, or unique restaurants and bars—do your homework so you can make the most of your trip! For example, if you’re looking for a beach vacation, research what types of beaches, water sports, and other activities are available. Tripadvisor is a great resource for honest reviews.* You can learn about the secret beaches on islands or hear about the local restaurant spot that you can’t miss! This part takes time so read everything you can get your hands on. If it feels overwhelming, enlist the help of those who will be in your travel group.
Set a Budget
Decide how much you want to spend on your vacation and stick to it. Planning for a vacation can be exciting, but it’s important to remember that unexpected costs can quickly add up. Setting a budget in advance will help you stay on track and make sure your trip is within your means!
Book Flights or Other Transportation
Now that you know where and when you want to go, start searching for the best flight deals. Keep an eye out for sales, discounts, and loyalty programs to get the lowest price possible! Even if you have bought your airfare, keep a lookout for changes in pricing. Many times, airlines may allow you to get credit for a flight that went on sale if you purchased it at full price earlier. All you have to do is call and ask. Also, if you think ground transportation is the cheapest, make sure that’s accurate. With gas prices so high, a road trip could easily cost the same as a flight.
Check Cancellation Policies
Before booking any travel, make sure you check the cancellation policies. Airlines and hotels vary in their flexible policies, so be sure to read through the fine print before booking to ensure that you won’t be stuck with unexpected costs if something comes up.
Purchase Travel Insurance
When planning a vacation, purchasing travel insurance can be a good idea. This can help protect you in case of unexpected costs arising due to cancellation or illness while traveling.
Pack Wisely
Finally, make sure you pack all your essentials—and stick to a carry-on whenever possible. This will save you time at the airport and money on checked baggage fees!
Now that you know how to plan your next trip, let’s jump into some of the best vacation ideas below.
Top 4 Best Vacation Ideas
Camping
One of the best ways to save money on vacation is by camping. Not only does it cost significantly less than staying in a hotel or resort, but it also allows you to enjoy nature up close and personal.
When camping, you can explore nearby hiking trails, venture out into the woods, or just relax around a campfire with your loved ones. Plus, if you don’t want to sleep on the ground, RV parks offer campsites with full hookups, so you can bring your own camper van or trailer!*
Glamping is another option. There are beautiful cabins or tents set up in the desert that give you views of the stars above, while giving you the comforts of heat or air conditioning while inside. It’s the best of both worlds.
National Parks
Visiting a national park is another great way to save money while still having an incredible experience. There are dozens of national parks in the United States alone that offer stunning views, wildlife encounters, and beautiful landscapes. Most national parks have free admission, and many also have free camping sites as well! So, take advantage of these budget-friendly options and plan a trip today! There are a ton of cabin rentals available as well if you don’t feel like camping. May we suggest Zion National Park in Utah?* BREATHTAKING!
Theme Parks
One of the best family vacation ideas is a theme park. We understand the desire to create memories with your family, but expenses can add up quickly when more people are involved. For example, theme parks like Disneyland or Universal Studios are a blast but they’re pricey. So, here are a few hints: First, many popular theme parks such as Disneyland or Universal Studios offer discounts if you purchase multi-day passes which can help save money over single-day tickets. They also offer military discounts and teacher discounts. Also check if your employer is part of any programs where they have access to cheaper tickets.
Plus, there are often special deals available if you book during certain times of the year (think weekdays while everyone else is in school), which can make theme park trips even more affordable! Food at these places can be outrageous, but some allow you to bring in your own snacks for kids… think Goldfish or sandwiches.
Cruises
Finally, if you’re looking for a more luxurious experience, then why not consider taking a cruise? Cruises are a great way to travel and see multiple destinations. Plus, most cruises offer amazing amenities such as delicious food, access to exclusive events, and even onboard spa treatments! The great news about cruises is that they might be more affordable than you think. Covid-19 did a number on the cruise line business, so they lowered prices to entice people back on board! TAKE ADVANTAGE!
No matter what type of vacation you’re looking for—whether it’s camping in nature or taking in all the thrills at a theme park—there are plenty of budget-friendly options available that won’t break the bank.
From national parks to cruises and beyond, there is something for everyone when it comes to cost-effective travel ideas for families, groups of friends, or solo adventurers alike! So start planning today with some of these best vacation ideas in mind and get ready for an unforgettable experience that won’t strain your wallet too much!
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all sounds wonderful!!!!!