5 easy-to-follow steps to plan your best vacation ever

A well-planned trip means more than just choosing a destination and checking the weather. Here are five easy-to-follow steps to help you plan your best vacation ever.

Make sure you prepare and stick to a budget. In addition to your accommodations and meals, you’ll have to factor in currency exchange rates, ground transportation, excursions and souvenirs.

• Do some research about the cost of living in the countries you plan to visit so you’ll know how much to budget for food and restaurant meals.
• Invest carefully in any special equipment you think you’ll need on the trip, such as wheeled suitcases, daypacks, hiking boots or bathing suits.

Are there a few destinations that appeal to you? Look into the local climates and cultures and choose the spot that truly reflects your tastes and interests.

• If you only have a week or so to get away, don’t choose a destination that takes days to get to or where the time zone will leave you too exhausted to enjoy yourself.
• In other words, when you plan a trip make sure it won’t involve an effort that exceeds your physical or mental abilities.

Naturally, you’ll need a valid passport, but that’s not all.

• Notify your financial institution of your departure so your credit cards won’t be blocked because of a fraud alert.
• See if your provincial health insurance covers you for emergency treatment during your travels, and buy some travel insurance for additional health coverage and for cancellation or lost luggage protection.
• Make sure you have all the necessary documentation to travel with a child who won’t be accompanied by both parents.
• Consult the list of required or recommended vaccines for the countries where you’ll be travelling.
• Ensure that such things as necessary vaccinations or travel visas are done in time for departure. Don't wait until the last minute. Otherwise, you could find your travel plans blocked because you didn't plan ahead.

Prepare an itinerary, even if you know you’ll likely deviate from it. When you plan a trip, having an itinerary gives you a realistic idea about how many activities you can reasonably expect to fit into your schedule.

• Remember to leave room for a bit of freedom and spontaneity.
• Do some research about all the local attractions that you absolutely want to do; then, you can rearrange your schedule quickly if an activity takes less time than expected, or if the weather doesn’t cooperate.

Don’t overlook the importance of being mentally prepared to go on vacation.

• You don’t want to have to call off the whole trip because something unexpected came up at work or because your travel papers aren’t in order.

Although last-minute trips can be exciting and full of surprises, if you plan a trip with care and detail you’re more likely to have a truly great vacation.