Suggestions for Planning Your Own Restful and Relaxing Vacation

The internet has made a world of difference in the way we plan our vacations. We can now search the globe for the perfect vacation spot with just a few keystrokes.

The first step is to make sure you are in agreement with your travel companion on what you hope to get out of the trip. If one member wants rest and relaxation and the other wants to explore, that could cause a problem. If you want to do both, search the web for peaceful places that also offer sights of interest to see.

There are many questions that you and your travel companion must discuss before you can even begin to search for a place to go for rest and relaxation. Do you want to stay on a tropical island, in the mountains or just any place that will provide a restful getaway? Do you want to stay at an all-inclusive resort,smaller hotel or rent a private home? Do you want to stay at a resort where children are allowed or do you want to escape the atmosphere that children will provide?

Of course finances play a huge part in the final decision that you make. The beauty of the internet is that it will allow you to search to your heart's content on the type of place on which you decide with your budget in mind.

Once you have decided on the approximate location for your trip, such as the Caribbean, and you have decided on the type of housing you want, begin by doing browser searches of the general area, and include in your search key words such as "all-inclusive", "private", "indoor swimming pool","villa on the beach", etc. Something to keep in mind is safety at the location at which you plan on staying. Many people find that when they go to a resort, they are often "stuck there" because the surrounding area tends to have it's share of crime. Consider also if a passport is needed for your destination. If so, allow plenty of time to obtain one.

Once you have narrowed down your decision, view some websites such as Lonely Planet, TripAdvisor and Frommers since these sites and others will have comment sections from previous visitors to the vacation spot and this will aid you in making the final decision.

You need to consider the following also in your travel planning:

• Find the best airline price. If you have plenty of time prior to leaving, set up an alert from websites such as airfarewatchdog.com and hotwire.com. These sites will alert you by email to the cheapest prices when they become available.

- How will you get to and from your home to the airport?
If you do not want to park at the airport, is there a friend or family member who can drive you? If not, you can make calls or email different limosine services. I have found that prices will vary quite a bit. You may want to consider one of the many facilities located near your airport where you can park your car and they will then drive you to and from the airport.

• Will you need to rent a car for your vacation stay? This will most likely only be the case if you are renting a private home. If so, the realtor who rents you the home, should provide you with a list of car rental places. I have found here also that prices can vary quite a bit, so call around.

• Check the TSA website for rules and regulations regard the size of your luggage, what you can pack and what type of containers you can have in your carry-on luggage. There is other useful information on the TSA site.

• Travelsmith.com provides a nice checklist of items that you will most likely want to take on your vacation.

• Be sure and go online to USPS to have your mail stopped for the period of time that you will be away. Also have your newspaper delivery stopped.
• If there is a sidetrip that you want to take while away on your vacation, you will need to make those reservations ahead of time.

One good rule of thumb is to confirm each reservation that you have a couple of days before traveling to avoid any confusion on your day of travel. Check with your airline to find out how many hours earlier they suggest you arrive at the airport. Be sure and relay this information to the driver taking you to the airport.

If your airline tickets are for coach seats, you may want to consider asking at the gate for departure about the possibility of sitting in first class. Many times if there are open seats in first class, you can get those seats for a cheaper price than if you bought them from the beginning.
Not only are the seats roomier, but the drinks are free and meals are served on most airlines.

Your restful and relaxing vacation should be just that if you consider my suggestions. Do enjoy yourself and leave your worries behind!