Getting Ready For a BIG Vacation!

I live for vacations!  I love them all.  There are many small vacations we take throughout our lives: trips to see our parents, weekend getaways to spoil the kids or grandkids, overnight stays to go to a concert or sports event, business conventions or seminars that are combined with a little pleasure... every adventure is special and fun.  My favorite kind of vacations, though, are the major ones - the biggies - the ones you look forward to for months or even years!

These vacations tend to be more expensive and take more time and planning than shorter vacations, but in the end they're worth it because you remember them for the rest of your life.  For that reason, it's important to savor every phase of the experience fully!

I always start by getting lots of information on my destination.  There are many ways to do that.  You can watch clips on Youtube, search out travel shows on TV, go to the library, your local book store, or sites like Amazon to get books.  I like buying used travel guides from Amazon.com because the prices of back editions can be as low as a few cents per volume plus minimal shipping.  I can peruse the pages at my leisure, earmark them, and highlight things I want to do.  I can throw the book in my carry-on and take it with me!  Of course, you can always do your research on line.  It's all very intriguing and whets my appetite for beautiful sights, delicious flavors, interesting people and new experiences.

The best way to prepare to visit any city or country is to speak to friends and family members who have been there and done that.  When we took our first cruise, my sister shared with me that it's a good idea to sign in as soon as possible so you can be among the first to board, keep your luggage rather than check it through so you don't have to wait hours for your belongings, and pack a separate tote for excursions, etc.  Most individuals would not like to arrive early only to sit in the holding area or shuffle up the ramp hauling their own suitcases, but she knew us well and was right.  We felt happy settling into our room quickly and having all our things with us.  We used that light weight shopping bag on all the excursions, too.  Small tips, but given by some one we trust, so they worked perfectly for us!

The next thing that's really important is packing effectively.  Think about what you'll be doing, your personality, and the personality of your traveling companion, if you have one.  My husband and I don't like to rough it.  I never have to worry about over packing.  He will gladly carry an extra heavy bag for me if it means I will have everything I need to look my best when we go out on the town.  Other couples like to back pack.  Even toothbrush handles are cut down to minimize the total weight of what will lugged up and down mountains on foot.  These people see incredible natural wonders my husband and I will never even catch a glimpse of - and they could care less about an extra pair of high heels or sparkly earrings!  On the other hand, my husband would opt to stay home any day rather than see me clomp around in hiking boots with no make up.

What is crucial is to have what YOU need.  This is your vacation, these are your memories of what will possibly be some of the most joyful times of your life, so pack like you mean it.  Take every bottle of cream and lotion that will give your skin a glow for all those fabulous photos, or leave them behind and toss in a tube of zinc oxide plus several packets of freeze dried food.  Make your vacation amazing!

The last thing is to cherish the memories... forever... and begin planning your next dream trip.  Take your time.  Think about all the possibilities.  Pack as much enjoyment into your life as you possibly can!