So you’re planning a vacation…that’s great, but before you hit the beach you’ll have to prepare. You’ve got a lot of work ahead of you, from choosing your destination to creating your itinerary to making sure you have all the appropriate documentation (when did you last renew your passport?). Of course, there’s also the simple matter of getting there! Here’s some things to keep in mind when planning your next getaway.
Quick Tips:
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- Take time to pick your destination – it’s a big world
- Make an itinerary and rank your activities from most to least important – this way you’ll be able to see the things you want to most
- Make sure you have all your documents and currency
- Shop around before booking your flights
It’s a Big World
The sheer amount of things to see and do in this wide world of ours can be a bit overwhelming. Is it classical European cities you’re interested in? Looking to relax on the sunny beaches of the Caribbean? Hiking through the Alps? Ever wanted to go on an African safari? What about…you get the idea. Take some time to narrow down your options and decide which part of the world you’d like to visit before delving deeper into the specifics.
Itinerary
No matter where you choose to go, you’ll want to make the most out of your trip. Make a list of the places you absolutely have to see. From there, decide on a plan of attack. If you’re just staying in one city, this isn’t too hard but if you plan on visiting multiple countries, it’s imperative to figure out the most effective way of navigating between them. If you really want to be prepared, try ranking activities and sights by importance. This way you should be able to hit all your must-see highlights.
If you’re unsure about what there is to see and do in a country (or there’s simply too much), head on over to Continental’s Countries. Here you can find an ever-growing list of Travel Guides (along with Currency Spotlights and Country Profiles) that can help you plan. If you know someone that’s been to a place before, talk to them and see what they recommend doing (or avoiding as the case may be).
Documents
This is one of the most important parts of pre-trip preparation. A detailed itinerary and plan is only worthwhile if you can actually make it to your destination! Make sure you have your valid passport, identification, tickets, emergency contacts, currency, and anything else you might need (such as travel insurance). Check with your nearest Canadian government office or visit their website to learn more.
Flights
Unless you’re heading to the states (and even then sometimes), you’re likely going to arrive at your destination of choice on a plane. This can often be the most expensive part of any trip- especially if you’re traveling overseas. That’s why it’s incredibly important to do your research before booking a ticket. Every year there are more and more options for flying – different connections, layovers, airlines, or airports. Shop around on a variety of different travel websites to find the best possible deals. You can also adjust your arrival and departure dates – even a small change sometimes makes a big difference! Sometimes a trip is just expensive and there’s no two ways about it, but you’d be surprised at the savings you can find if you search.
What to do While You’re There
Upon Your Return
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