10 Ways to Make Your Vacation More Fun,
More Relaxing and More Enjoyable… Guaranteed.

1. Make Your Plan… Break Your Plan

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

Personally, I like to make a plan and stick with that plan until I achieve exactly what I want to achieve. However, you’re on vacation, so remember it’s important to plan your vacation somewhat carefully… but it’s also important to realize that breaking that plan or changing the plan can be a good thing. A vacation plan is a very different kind of plan.

Start out by making a great plan. Get a good feel for what you and your traveling companions want to do. Purchase your tickets (ahead of time), make some reservations for entertainment, shown and dinners (ahead of time). Lock down hotel reservations and even some transportation, but leave room for 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 we possibly can, 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 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 In 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 and other areas of your life. We want so badly to have an amazing vacation that sometimes we spend beyond our means and drive ourselves into a deep, dark hole. If you spend more than you reasonably can, rest assured, you'll regret it later and probably be letting it get under your skin the majority of the time that you're gone.

Instead, budget your trip every step of the way, 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 TransportationEntertainment (including nightlife, beverages, entrance tickets, etc.)
Tips (be sure to include meal tips, bell staff, valet, etc)Gifts, Souvenirs, Clothing, and MemorabiliaAll other expenses that you feel might occurThen leave room for Emergency Expenditures 
If you can’t afford to travel at the level (or the destination that you had hoped) do an enjoyable, but more affordable vacation and save up for your bigger trip. 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 are 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 bag 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 is that you can’t count on anything. But no sweat, you’ll arrive early enough to get through what you need to do 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.

3. 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 do this is to ensure that you take care of the little things ahead of time; otherwise, they 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 hassle. When doing this, remember your bathroom bag items like toothpaste, floss, deodorant, hair brush, shaving kit, etc. 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 ahead of time. You can continue throwing things in your bag leisurely thereafter. Imagine the morning you are ready to go on your wonderful vacation, and as everyone else is scurrying, yelling, and cursing, you’re sipping your coffee and contemplating your relaxing journey. See Tip 4. Dump Your Bags

Finally, inspect your goodies. Again, at least a day or two ahead of time, inspect your list and ensure you’ve remembered 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. Check your itinerary and make sure that 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.

4. Dump Your Bags… 

Most everyone hates to pack for their vacation but those are the same people (most all of us) that over pack

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 and packing, and shifting and arranging, and repacking and 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 got to lug it into the car and attempt to stuff it and force it until it all fits (and still have room for passengers). You ever wonder 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! So finally you and your luggage make it (maybe) to your final destination. Now you‘ve got to get it to a cab… and pack it in again. Of course once you get to your hotel you’ll need to unload your luggage or pay someone to do so (remember the more you have the bigger the tip). Then finally you get it to your room and you can begin to relax and enjoy your well deserved vacation, but wait, now you’ve got to unpack, unfold hang and stuff your stuff into the drawers and small closets that await it. However as you know there’s never enough drawers or closet space for all of your stuff so you keep some of it in the… yes, your luggage. For the first time you can relax, that is unless you realize that you are going to have to reverse and repeat the entire process when you get ready to check out.

My, oh my, this is a vacation. No? Well then let’s make this the your new, Number 1 rule of 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 less hassle you have the more fun you 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?!

5. Contact Your Credit Card Company

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

I was in Maui a few years ago with 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 by stating they understood but an unusual amount of charges were being made. I again, mentioned that I was in Maui. To no avail, the guy that was 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 quite a damper on my trip since I was using the card for both family vacation charges and business charges. Since that time, I contact my credit card company and always take more than one card, just in case.

I've also learned it's good to keep some cash on hand (larger bills because they are easier to manage). Just in case of a weird or unusual situation.

6. Do Not Advertise Your Travel Plans On Social Media

This could open you up for 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 for a very scary situation in today's world. The fact is, there are predators just waiting to jump on an opportunity like this., I like to make a plan and stick with that plan until I achieve exactly what I want to achieve. However, you’re on vacation, so remember it’s important to plan your vacation somewhat carefully… but it’s also important to realize that breaking that plan or changing the plan can be a good thing. A vacation plan is a very different kind of plan.

Start out by making a great plan. Get a good feel for what you and your traveling companions want to do. Purchase your tickets (ahead of time), make some reservations for entertainment, shown and dinners (ahead of time). Lock down hotel reservations and even some transportation, but leave room for 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 we possibly can, 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 room for nothing because sometimes to get the most out of a vacation we need to get a little of nothing out of it.

7. 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 driver's license, secondary or backup identification, passports and any other important docs that you feel might come in handy. Scan your documents and save them electronically and then online print out multiple hard copies. Make sure they are available when you are traveling... in case you want to come back home someday. 

8. Safeguard Your Hotel Room

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

Today most 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 dead-bolt hotel doors and pay attention to secondary doors as well as windows. If you want to be even safer, you can buy 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 one it can be a good idea to leave some of your cash and important documents in the safe.

Beware of potential issues but don't let yourself get paranoid, otherwise you might as well stay home.

1. Make Your Plan… Break Your Plan

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

Personally, I like to make a plan and stick with that plan until I achieve exactly what I want to achieve. However, you’re on vacation, so remember it’s important to plan your vacation somewhat carefully… but it’s also important to realize that breaking that plan or changing the plan can be a good thing. A vacation plan is a very different kind of plan.

Start out by making a great plan. Get a good feel for what you and your traveling companions want to do. Purchase your tickets (ahead of time), make some reservations for entertainment, shown and dinners (ahead of time). Lock down hotel reservations and even some transportation, but leave room for 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 we possibly can, 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 room for nothing because sometimes to get the most out of a vacation we need to get a little of nothing out of it.