8 Tips For Planning Your Best Trip Yet – By Guest Blogger Lovebird Productions

In the blogging world, us bloggers tend to make friends with others who are similar to us. And when we do, we typically make it a priority to visit each others blogs, leave comments and generally support the other in whatever way we can. It’s really a neat experience to meet and make friends this way, especially because in most circumstances, we’ve never actually met in person. Nevertheless, the friendships are strong and so is the support. And that’s exactly how I became friends with today’s guest blogger Katie from Lovebird Productions. And…Katie was kind enough to offer to do a guest blog for this week to which I happily accepted!

Happy Thursday y’all! My name is Katie and I write a little blog called Lovebird Productions. I am beyond excited to be guest posting for Stephanie today. Isn’t she such an inspiration?

In the spirit of Stephanie being on vacation I thought I would cover a few topics that will help with planning your best trip yet. These are simple tips but helpful!

Image via Lovebird Productions

1. Destination Unknown. Picking one place to visit for a vacation can sometimes be hard. Some days, a week long getaway to a tropical resort sounds good while road tripping through the mountains with many stops along the way may be your cup of tea the next day. Write it down. If you have a lengthy list of “one day” destinations, research a few, but settle on one trip itinerary. Make sure you are picking your destination based on things that make you happy. Choosing to go to Colorado to ski even though you hate winter is silly. Colorado has a gorgeous summer time with plenty outdoor activities that may suit your taste. Research your vacation city’s upcoming events, festivals, live music and activities. Be adventurous and know that you will eventually see your favorite places. Celebrate the one you have picked and run with fun ideas.

2. Getting There.

• Flying: If you have selected a destination that you will need to purchase a plane ticket for, then booking flights are cheapest on Tuesday afternoons. Who would have thought? Also start checking fares for flights on a Tuesday or Wednesday because these two days offer the lowest rates. Check sites like Southwest for specials. Also sites like Expedia, Travelocity, Kayak and Hotwire offer great bundle deals. Sometimes their packages of a combined flight, car and hotel offer better rates when booked all at once. These sites also give you the option to receive updates on flights when they are at their lowest.
• Driving: Road trips can be a blast! Whether you are driving 3 hours or 12 hours, remember to have your car serviced a week or so before you trip. Air up your tires and fill up your tank! These are simple things but they are important. Make sure to pack a treat bag, an emergency car kit including first aid. If you are renting a vehicle, research companies. Some agencies charge a fee for drivers under 25. Be smart when selecting your vehicle size as well. Remember you have to pay for it plus the gas. Yes, driving a Jeep would be nice, but with only two people in your party it just doesn’t make sense.

Image via Sarah Tucker

3. Lodging Finds. I love staying in hotels. I actually research hotels before checking flights, dates or funds. I am the guest who at a hotel likes to unpack my bags and put away things in the drawers. If hotels are not your things, check sites like VRBO or Home Away. These sites offer great deals on vacation rentals like condos, beach homes, apartments and houses. Find a place that suits your taste. Check rates and shop around when it comes to lodging. Don’t be afraid to call various spots and see if they can offer a night free. Asking never hurts!

 Image via Fairfield Suites Chicago

4. Meal Time. This is one of my favorite parts of traveling! I love trying new dishes, desserts and cocktails. When traveling to a new city, look up the best places to eat. Find the local treasures and hole in the wall spots. They make for the best meals. Ask for suggestions from others who have been there. Take coupons. Try new things. Make yourself happy!

5. Play Time. 99% of the time when on vacation I enjoy resting. The best part about vacation is you can do what you want, when you want. If you want to spend the day sightseeing and the next day by the pool, guess what? You can. Isn’t vacation nice? Take the time to do things you normally wouldn’t do. Spend the day shopping and your nights karaoking. Take the time for yourself. Recharge your batteries!

 Image via Lovebird Productions

6. Money Saving Ideas. Like I mentioned already, time of booking is crucial. Save money with bundle deals. Picking a rental home that offers a kitchen can also help save on eating out costs. Research, research, research. It may take a few hours or even weeks, but researching your destination is the biggest way to save money. When it comes to packing, revamp your wardrobe before running to the boutique for a new dress. Don’t get me wrong. I love a new outfit, but try playing with things you already have at home. You would be surprised by how many ways you can wear that cute black sundress. You should also practice the cash in the envelope system. When traveling within the U.S., withdraw a certain amount of cash and place part of the cash in an envelope marked food and the other in another marked activities. It is a proven fact that having cash in your hand and seeing the cash deplete helps when spending/saving on your trip. This also helps cut down costs or swipes on your credit card. Knowing that you only have a set amount of money for food helps. Once that envelope starts getting low, you’ll know to pay more attention to spending.

Creating such envelopes before your vacation can also help when it comes time to pay for your vacation. Once you have picked your trip, start pulling a little cash each pay period and place it in your envelope. Even if you pull $10 for 5 months, $50 can equal two meals for a couple. Penny pinching helps! 

Image via Lovebird Productions

7. Packing Right. I have to be honest. My tips for this point may not be the best. I tend to overstuff everything and use little when it comes to traveling. Take your time packing. Do not wait until the last minute because that is when extra supplies get added. Plan out your outfits, shoes and accessories. Making a list of what you need never hurts whether for a weeks vacation or just a few days. Remember that some locations even allow you to wash your clothes. Also, don’t forget toiletries like sunscreen, lip balm, hair ties, sunglasses and comfortable shoes. Ziploc bags are lifesavers!

Image via Lovebird Productions

8. Enjoy. This may be a mute point to include, but I feel it is necessary. Put away your cell phone. Grab your regular camera. Pack magazines, books, DVD’s you haven’t watched and shut out everything else. Enjoy your time with your significant other, family and friends. Vacations are meant to be a treat. Splurge a little on a spa package since you saved by booking your flight on the right day or spend a little extra on a fancy meal since you saved by booking 1 extra night at your hotel. Enjoy your surroundings and take lots of pictures. Have fun! You deserve it.

I hope that these tips help when planning your next adventure. And if nothing else, at least I got your minds churning about taking a nice little getaway. Thanks again to Stephanie for letting me share!

Thank you Katie for an awesome post!

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