If you’re lucky enough to enjoy a vacation at some point during the year, make sure you are well prepared. And we’re not just talking about making sure your bikini and swim trunks find their way into the suitcase. When you prep for a vacation you probably should start sooner rather than later. Here are our tips on how to avoid the most common vacation planning mistakes. Like a Boy Scout, it’s better to be prepared to avoid any hassles in the long run.
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Housing and Hotels
Make your hotel reservations as far in advance as you possibly can. If you wait until just a few days, or even a week before, you will almost always pay a much higher rate. One way to avoid paying a big hotel bill is to book a housing rental via PC Housing. This way you will have more room to enjoy your vacation, more amenities, and the overall price may be less expensive.
Airline Reservations
Just like hotels, flights book up fast and furiously, especially if the airline is running a sale or promotion. Call as soon as you know the dates you want to travel and book your flight to your destination. If you wait a few days or a week ahead of time, you will most likely pay through the nose for a ticket.
Car Rentals
Most economy cars and luxury cars tend to book up quickly as do SUV models if you are taking a family trip. If you want a certain make or model and know your dates, be sure to call ahead of time to make the reservation.
Fido or Fluffy
If your four-legged friend needs to be boarded — be it at the local kennel or even at your veterinarian’s office — be sure to make arrangements for Fido or Fluffy in advance. People tend to board their pets during major holidays like Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving, so plan ahead. Don’t wait.
Packing Smart
Pack correctly. Check the weather for the location you are going to see what the climate might be for that time period. You will want to make sure you pack the right vacation wear be it swim suits, or ski wear. You don’t want to get to your destination and have the wrong attire and have to buy all new items for the elements.
Mail, Newspapers
There is nothing like coming home after a long trip to a stack of newspapers in your driveway and a mailbox that is bursting at the seams. Before you take your vacation, stop your mail and your newspaper service well in advance, or arrange for a friend to pick it up. That way, you’ll avoid coming home to an avalanche of papers, and your house won’t look ripe for a burglary.
Happier Travels
There’s no doubt that going on a vacation is something that we all enjoy and look forward to. But if you don’t plan ahead, you might find the vacation won’t go as smoothly as you had hoped. So, do check that your hotel and/or housing rental, and airline tickets are booked in advance. Be sure you make pet accommodations to house the family pet, stop newspapers and mail before you hit the beach, the ski slopes, high seas or other exotic lands.