How to Plan a Great Vacation

The break from work, the smell of suntan lotion, and the sound of waves crashing on the shore – who doesn’t enjoy a good vacation? And it sounds like everyone else does too, with over 390 million people traveling internationally in 2011.

It’s not always easy to plan a holiday. With so many aspects to coordinate and price points to consider, it can be difficult to know where to start. But don't worry! We've taken care of that for you – read on for some valuable tips about how you can plan a great vacation.

Myths and Realities

It can be difficult to know where to begin when planning a vacation, but some ideas will sound better than others. Here are four common holiday myths that you may have heard over the years, and the reality behind them:

You’ll save money by booking your trip last minute – Not at all! It’s actually cheaper to book travel 6 weeks before your departure date on travel sites like Expedia. But be sure to make reservations for any activities you plan to do on your trip early!

Taking time off is bad for business – Not true at all. Taking time off is good for both employees and employers. It allows employees the flexibility to spend time with family or do a personal project if they’re otherwise busy. It’s important for employers to understand that vacation lets employees have time off, which can reduce office stresses, and it gives them an opportunity to network with other companies – especially with new clients or prospects.

It costs a lot of money to take a vacation – Not always! In general, it is true that travel expenses are the largest expense in any trip. But you have the power to control how much you spend when you plan your vacation. You can choose where you go (savings on airfare and lodging), based on your interest in a certain part of the world (savings on flight tickets). You can even stay at home – you’ll still have all the fun of a vacation without the extra cost.

Travel insurance is unnecessary – Not so! Travel insurance is a great tool that can protect you and your family while on vacation. It can save you time, money, and frustration in the case of emergency or illness, and it doesn’t cost much at all. For example, an insurance policy could reimburse you for emergency medical expenses and lost or stolen belongings. It’s important to research your options before purchasing travel insurance. There are many different kinds with different features and costs, so make sure you are getting one that fits your needs.

Tips for Planning a Great Vacation

When planning a vacation, there are a few things to consider: destination, activities, length of trip, and budget. Don’t forget to take into consideration your company benefits like paid time off or perks like business class travel. Then put this all together and here is what you should consider when planning a great vacation!

Destination: It’s important to have a good sense of where you want to go. There are many unique vacation destinations out there – some places offer world-class entertainments opportunities and others offer awesome food. You should figure out what kinds of activities you want to do on your vacation and then find a destination that fits your needs.

Activities: Going to a destination alone isn’t enough! There are plenty of activities that allow you to have fun and meet people, like sightseeing tours, scuba diving, or skydiving. Consider what kind of parties or groups you’d like to go with and reach out to them. You can also keep an eye out for line-ups at tourist attractions, especially popular ones like the Eiffel Tower.

Length of trip: Vacations last for several days or even longer, so it’s important to plan ahead. Consider your appointments and commitments in advance, and think about how you will be spending those time slots during your trip. For example, if you have a flight to catch or a meeting to attend in the morning, you’ll want to plan accordingly by either cutting out activities in the afternoon or booking them late at night before bed.

Budget: When planning a vacation, it’s always important to keep your budget in mind. There are plenty of things that you may want to do on your trip, like eating at the most expensive restaurant in town, or booking a five-star hotel. However, these things may not be necessary or even possible. For example, to stay at a five-star hotel, you may need to book weeks in advance (and even get an advance sale). Planning ahead can help you find deals and save on your vacation expenses.

When it comes to planning a great vacation, there are a lot of things that need to be considered and it can sometimes be overwhelming. But don’t be discouraged! If you take the time to plan ahead and find the right destination, activities, length of trip and budget for your needs, then you’ll have no problem planning a great vacation. Happy travels!

Source: Travel Holiday Accommodation Stats – Azcentral (http://azcentral.com/travel/blog/philippine-weekend-getaway-spots/2/)

Photo Credit: Wikimedia (http://commons.wikimedia.org)

No one wants to travel in a plane that is too small or crowded, right? It can be difficult to know how to find out what the best seats are or how bad the seats at your destination are. We'll help you sort out the facts and make a smarter decision when picking your flight!

Major airlines have different categories of seats and in some cases, they will have different prices for each category of seat.

cONCLUSION: Seats in the front of the plane are usually an upgrade, but if you want a bargain or want to save room for your legs and not get stuck in a middle seat, then sitting in the back is recommended. If you're looking for an upgrade or a more luxurious experience, then choose seats closer to first class.

What are business class seats?

Business Class seats come with perks like bigger space, more legroom and more amenities. Business class flights are typically more expensive than coach because they offer better service and comfort.