1. Make Your Plan… Break Your Plan

Develop the perfect vacation plan and then break some of that plan

Personally, I prefer to create a plan and stick to it until I achieve exactly what I want. However, you’re on vacation, so remember it’s essential to plan your vacation somewhat carefully. Nevertheless, it’s also important to realize that breaking or changing the plan can be beneficial when it comes to vacationing. A vacation plan is a very different kind of plan. 
 

Start by creating a thorough plan. Get a feel for what you and your traveling companions want to do. Purchase your tickets in advance, and make reservations for entertainment, shows, and dinners in advance. Lock down hotel reservations and even some transportation, but leave room to do nothing. That’s right; leave yourself plenty of fudge room when it comes to your plans. Sometimes, vacations are harder than work because we want to squeeze in as much fun as possible, no matter how taxing and difficult that might be.

Did that just make sense? Of course not, but that’s what we Americans do.

Let’s do it a little differently this time. Make a good plan. Plan for great fun, great food, and maybe some great adventure, but leave some room for nothing because sometimes to get the most out of a vacation, we need to get a little of nothing out of it.

2. Don't Get Yourself Into Debt

Do not ruin your perfect vacation by regretting it later and worrying about it the entire time you are trying to enjoy yourself

This is one of the most important tips for traveling. Everyone wants to have an amazing time when vacationing; however, sometimes we spend beyond our means and later drive ourselves into a deep, dark hole. If you spend more than you should, rest assured that you'll regret it later (perhaps even while you're vacationing). 

Instead, budget your trip well before you leave. This should be part of your "vacation planning". Consider all expenses.
Hotels & Accommodations (don't forget hotel fees and taxes)
Airfare (remember, many airlines now charge extra for both checked and carry-on baggage, food and drinks, and even seats)
Meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and of course, snacks) 
Auto Expenses & Ground Transportation
Entertainment (including nightlife, beverages, entrance tickets, etc.)
Tips (be sure to include meal tips, bell staff, valet, etc)
Gifts, Souvenirs, Clothing, and Memorabilia
All other expenses that you feel might occur. 

If you can’t afford to travel at the level (or to the destination you had hoped for), consider an affordable alternative getaway and save up for your bigger trip for later. You'll get the rest and relaxation you want without the frustration and regret that comes from overspending.

3. GET YOUR WORM

They say that the early bird gets the worm... well, what are you waiting for?

I’m not suggesting that you get up before sunrise during your stay. I’m suggesting that you get things going early to start your vacation. First, get to bed early the night before. Why not? You’re already packed, you’ve done your last-minute shopping (ahead of time), you’ve checked your itinerary, and you’re ready to go. No need to stay up until the wee hours in the morning, stuffing those suitcases, or stressing over what you might have forgotten. You’re already done because you're pre-prepared, good for you! Now, get some sleep so that you can rise and shine early enough to start the first day of your vacation the right way. Next, let’s get some breakfast, or at least some coffee, and do it casually. Relax, sip your coffee, review your plans and your items (just to make sure), and now you can be leisurely as you get ready to partake in some serious relaxation and enjoyment.

Now, throw your bags in the car and get to the airport early, because you already know that when it comes to airlines, airports, and security issues, you can only count on one thing: that you can’t count on anything. But no sweat, you’ll arrive early enough to get through what you need to without all (at least most) of the drama… because you’re early. If all goes well, you will arrive at your destination rested, relaxed, and ready for that well-deserved vacation. If everything does not go according to plan, at least you will be a little calmer, better-rested, and more ready for anything.

4. Be Prepared
Develop the perfect vacation plan and then break some of that plan

Well, you’re already ahead of the game because you have all of these cool little travel trips to make your vacation awesome. Now, the next thing to do is to be aware of the other issues that make traveling (and therefore vacationing) a lot less fun and a lot more aggravating. The best way to avoid this is to take care of the little things ahead of time; otherwise, they can become huge, irritating issues that can literally ruin your vacation. So, here is the best way to avoid those little monsters.
 

First, make a list of all of the “necessities” for your trip
• Driver’s license and or passport • Bathroom supplies • Travel Documents, including airline tickets, transfers, gate number, etc • Show Tickets, entry tickets, and/or any other tickets or passes that you need • Cell Phone and Phone Charger • Written itinerary, if you have one • Cash or Credit Cards • Medicine (ensure you have a couple of days extra in case of an emergency)• And any other necessities.
 

The next task is shopping, not till you drop shopping, but shopping for any of the things that you feel are necessary to make your trip more fun and less of a hassle. When doing this, remember to pack your bathroom essentials, such as toothpaste, floss, deodorant, hairbrush, and shaving kit. The time to think this through is not 5 minutes before you need to board the plane. By taking a leisurely shopping trip for the things you absolutely need, you will avoid headaches and absolute frustration. Next, pre-pack your bag. That’s right; start packing a day or two in advance. You can continue to throw things into your bag leisurely thereafter. Imagine that in the morning, you're ready to go on your wonderful vacation, and as everyone else scurries, yells, and curses, you’re sipping your coffee and contemplating your relaxing journey. See Tip 5. Dump Your Bags
 

Finally, inspect your goodies. Again, review your list at least a day or two in advance to ensure you’ve included everything. Check your bag to ensure you haven’t overlooked something. If you have meds, ensure you have enough for your trip. Review that bathroom bag. Review your itinerary to ensure everything is complete and that you’re ready for some much-deserved fun. Being Pre-Prepared means less hassle, less aggravation, less quarreling, and much more enjoyment. It’s the perfect way to start your vacation.

5. Dump Your Bags… 
Most everyone hates to pack for their vacation, yet we're the same people who overpack

What a hassle! First, you begin the long selection process: what do I take and what do I leave? Then you start emptying the closet and the drawers. Oh, and don’t forget the folding, packing, shifting, arranging, repacking, rearranging, and refolding. Boy, what a great way to start your vacation! Now, it’s lugging time. You lug the luggage to your bedroom. Then you fill it. Then you lug it out of the bedroom. Then you lug it outside. Now you’ve to lug it into the car and attempt to stuff it in, forcing it until it all fits (and still have room for passengers). Have you ever wondered why they call it luggage?
 

Wait, neither the fun nor the lugging is even close to finished yet. Now you get to unload the luggage, parade through the airport with it, and of course, try to check it at the counter. Soon, on the plane it goes… and the entire time you’re hoping it will show up the same time and place that you do. Oh, wait, you have lots more lugging! Once you arrive, and just in case your luggage does, you get to stand... forever (or a little longer) at the airport luggage turnstiles waiting, pleading, whining, and hoping that your luggage comes out of the little secret hole in the wall, somewhat unscathed. Boy, is this fun! Finally, you and your luggage arrive (hopefully) at your final destination. Now you‘ve got to get it to a cab… and pack it in again. Of course, once you arrive at your hotel, you’ll need to unload your luggage or pay someone to do so (remember, the more you have, the bigger the tip). Eventually, you get it to your room and can begin to relax and enjoy your well-deserved vacation, but wait - now you’ve got to unpack, unfold, hang, and store your belongings in the drawers and small closets that await them. However, as you know, there’s never enough drawer or closet space for all your belongings, so you keep some of them in your luggage. For the first time, you can relax, that is, unless you realize that you will have to reverse and repeat the entire process when you're ready to check out.
 

My, oh my, this is a vacation. No? Well, then, let’s make this your new #1 rule for having more fun when you travel: keep your luggage as light as possible by taking as little as possible. Get rid of the heavy boots and coats. Dump the 15 pairs of shoes and travel lighter. The smaller the baggage, the less hassle you have. The fewer hassles you have, the more fun you'll have. Here’s the very best way to ensure you always follow this rule: ask yourself before you pack- am I packing this because I need it… or because I want it? For everything that you answered “I need it,” pack it. Forget the rest. Believe me, you’ll survive without it. See, isn’t this more fun already?!

6. Contact Your Credit Card Company

Before you split, call your bank and credit card companies and inform them that you'll be traveling.

I visited Maui a few years ago with my family and a few business associates. Everything was fine until I received a call from my credit card company informing me that there were charges from Maui being made to my card. I explained to them that I was on a personal/business trip in the islands. They replied, stating that they understood; however, an unusual number of charges were being incurred. I again mentioned that I was in Maui. To no avail, the individual attempting to communicate with me (although he barely spoke English) informed me that my card had been suspended for "unusual activity."
 

Needless to say, this put a significant damper on my trip, as I was using the card for both family vacation expenses and business charges. Since that time, I always contact my credit card company prior to a trip where I may spend a fair amount of time (or money. Plus, I always take more than one card, just in case.

I've also learned it's good to keep some cash on hand, specifically larger bills, since they are easier to manage, just in case of a weird or unusual situation.

7. DO NOT Advertise Your Travel Plans On Social Media

This could open you up to a huge disaster

I understand that this trip is very important to you. I'm certain that you'd like to share the experience with friends and family alike. Just beware that when you share your plans on social media, the whole world will know. This could pose a very scary situation in today's world. The fact is, there are predators waiting to jump on an opportunity like this.

If you want to share your amazing vacation and all the fun experiences, share them after the fact. Also, remember that if you have an annual vacation, around the same time each year, you may not want to share it at all. Burglars and thieves can be very savvy, and they watch for patterns. Don't become a victim of a potentially serious situation.

8. Make Copies Of Important Documents

This could save you both time and grief

Take the time to make copies of documents that are important, such as your driver's license, secondary or backup identification, passports, and any other important documents that you feel might come in handy. Scan your documents and save them electronically, and then print out multiple hard copies. Ensure they are available when you travel, in case you need to return home someday. 

9. SAFEGUARD YOUR HOTEL ROOM

No matter how reputable your hotel is, your safety is inevitably your responsibility

Today, hotels are safer than ever, especially domestically. Regardless, no matter how safe your hotel is, you can always make it better. Always be aware of your surroundings. Always lock and deadbolt hotel doors, and be mindful of secondary doors and windows as well. For even greater safety, consider purchasing a door jammer— a portable device that slips under the door. They are small and inexpensive.

Always give the impression that you’re in your room (even when you’re not). Place the Do Not Disturb sign on the outside of your door. You can also keep the blinds and windows closed. You need to manage the balance when it comes to safety. Beware of potential issues but don't let yourself get paranoid, otherwise you might as well stay home. Most of the nicer hotels today provide room safes. If the room you have has a safe, it's a good idea to store some of your cash and important documents in it.

Above all, use common sense when traveling. It could prevent a disastrous vacation.

10. FORCE YOURSELF TO ENJOY THE JOURNEY

This isn't something you do every day, so practice living in the moment

It may sound funny, but many people never get the full enjoyment from their vacations. Why? Because most people don't travel every day, nor do they vacation every week, it's so far from their routine that they don't know how to do it. For the most part, people are not used to relaxing and enjoying the personal time they have earned. For many people, this may be the toughest part of a vacation, the part where you sit back, relax, and take everything in.

The fact of the matter is that most people struggle to enjoy their vacations because they don’t know how to do so. But you, my friend, are ahead of the pack. You are ready! You’ve taken the hassle out of packing and lugging, as you pre-prepared so that you didn't need to worry the entire first day of your trip. As a result, you were able to be leisurely on your travel day, which is pretty much unheard of. Plus, you have a well-thought-out plan! Wow, now all you have to do is take it in, capture the moment, and have the greatest vacation of your life… regardless of what you do, or don’t do.