Vacations are good for the body and mind. Whether you need some Vitamin ‘Sea’ or to simply destress, there is no doubt that you will return ready to tackle anything.
When you hear the word vacation, you might think of a pleasure trip far from home. However, a vacation can be anything, anywhere! Either way, the main purpose for this period is to relax instead of doing your usual work or activities.
Not only is it a great feeling to take time away from our daily life, it also has a positive effect on our physical and mental health. Experts say that people who take vacations have lower stress, more motivation, higher energy, and are even at less risk of heart disease.
Now that you’ve decided on a destination and your PTO is approved, here are some helpful tips and resources to plan your vacation:
Find inspiration
If this is the first time you are visiting your destination and you want to learn what the top-rated places to visit are, then we suggest using Likealocal, a site where locals share insider tips and tour recommendations. You can also search for reviews on Yelp and TripAdvisor to narrow down your choices. Otherwise, for more in-depth information, use a guidebook to learn more about the place, culture, and top attractions, or find guides on Instagram!
Booking flights and a place to sleep
Travel enthusiasts suggest booking flights one to three months in advance for domestic tickets, and up to eight months for international. To find good airfare deals you can use Kayak, Skyscanner, Priceline, or CheapOair. They all give you the option to reserve hotels as well. If you want more privacy and space, booking a house or apartment might be best. Airbnb, VRBO, and HomeAway have a range of vacation rentals for your trip.
Stay organized
Try TripIt to keep your travel information in one place. This app organizes all of your confirmed reservations; all you need to do is forward them via email and the app do the rest. On the other hand, Wanderlog and Inspirock are travel planning apps designed for vacations and road trips. Both apps let you connect your flight and hotel reservations, provide travel guides, personalized suggestions of places to visit – it will even plan a daily route for you!
Bonus Tip: Vacations can get expensive. If you want to save cash and still have fun, check out Groupon, LivingSocial and Travelzoo. These websites offer deals on dining, activities, travel, and more. If you opt for a staycation, you can always explore your neighborhood and discover fun places. Read our previous blog about lakes to visit near Dallas for inspiration, and happy travels!
