How to find a Vacation Spot that Fits Your Needs
Disclaimer – This post was written in partnership with Beaches Resorts. All opinions on this blog are my own.
Choosing a place to vacation can be stressful—especially if you add kids to the mix. It never fails; one likes the pool while the other wants the beach. One likes to be active while others like to lounge and soak up the sun.
Perhaps there are no kids involved and your partner, and you feel that relaxing looks different. Did you marry an active guy who goes stir crazy sitting on the beach all day?
But there is hope. Putting together the perfect vacation does not have to mean hours upon hours of stress. There are options out there from all-inclusive resorts perfect for the family to remote romantic getaways ideal for couples.
The key is finding the right spot to fit your needs. Check out these tips for doing just that.
Determine Your Needs
Before you can even begin trying to find the ideal vacation spot, you need to determine what everyone in your party considers fun. Make a list of what you are looking for, and then prioritize the list.
After you know what it is you are looking for, it should be much easier for you to find a vacation spot that meets your needs.
Develop an Organization System
You are going to be sifting through a lot of information. So, it will pay to have an organization system in place before you start.
For some, a spreadsheet is the best option. For others, a note or a binder works better. There’s no right or wrong way to be organized. Just figure out a system that works for you and make it happen.
Set Aside Some Time
The next thing you need to do before you start looking for that perfect vacation spot to meet everyone’s needs is carve out some time actually to look. Searching for a trip is not something you can stop and start. You will end up looking at the same thing over and over again instead of digging deep to find one that meets your needs.
So, make sure to give yourself 3 or 4 hours to explore different choices.
Try to Talk to People
In the day and age digital information, it’s easy to overlook the fact that there are still people that can help you solve problems. It’s wise to start with a face. When you are engaged in a conversation about your plans, new questions and concerns will pop into your head. And, there will be a person right there to help you get the answers you need to plan your trip.
Stop by AAA
Don’t overlook the brick and mortar resources. AAA’s employees are extremely knowledgeable when it comes to travel. Stop into your local office and talk to someone. Show them your list of needs, and they will point you in the direction of a vacation spot that is ideal for your group.
Seek out a Travel Agent
Travel agents know the ins and outs of the destinations they represent. Find a good one. Again, use a local resource because face to face conversations and a name to go with a face can alleviate a lot of stress.
Again, show your travel agent your prioritized list that matches your group’s desires, and he/she will be sure to find you the perfect vacation spot.
Coffee Table Travel Books
You can’t judge a book by its cover, but if it’s a travel book, you can certainly admire the destination. Head to the bookstore and check out some coffee table travel books. Armed with your list, you browse through the different destinations.
You will be on your way to finding your destination. And, if you don’t, you will undoubtedly get to admire the beauty that’s hidden in many of the hidden travel spots around the world.
Try Digital Resources
Some people don’t have the time to make an appointment with AAA or to sit down with a travel agent. If you fit into this category, there are tools online you can use.
Destination Selectors
Tools like Tripzard and Jauntaroo ask you some questions about your travel preferences, and then they give you different options for destinations. The Washington Post has a neat tool that it uses to help travelers select a destination.
Use the list you created to answer some questions, and the website will offer you suggestions.
Travel Blogs
You can also read travel blogs and hear what travel experts have to say about different destinations. Travel bloggers can undoubtedly influence your travel choices.
Experts can give you insight into what different destinations have to offer. And, a lot of these bloggers are active on blogs. They respond to comments and questions about articles, and they interact with their following on social media channels. So, if you have questions about a particular destination, or if you need some advice about where to go, the best travel bloggers will gladly help you plan.
Conclusion
Planning a vacation should fun. It should come with anticipation and excitement, not anxiety and frustration. And, when you go into it with a clear vision of what you hope to find.
There are tools out there that can help you find the perfect vacation destination. The keys are changing your mindset, carving out the time to do it, and making it an enjoyable experience.
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