Vacation Planning + Free Packing Printable

Hi all! I've been in a summer mode these past few weeks, hence the summer-themed blogs. So I'm giving you some Vacation Planning Tips, and some Staycation Tips in this one! Not every country is open for travelling yet so lots of us will have to stay put during Summer Break. Let's make the most of this 2021 Summer.

Tip 1. Pick a destination

This could be the hardest ór the easiest part. If you're already set on a location then you're done haha. If not, do some research on places that pop in your head. Make a list (always with the lists ha!) of places you like to visit someday and write down the things you like to do on vacation so that you can find a place that'll fit those needs.

Tip 2. Pick a time of the year

When you have your spot, pick your time! For example, you don't want to be on certain islands or in certain area's when it's monsoon or hurricane season. Choose a period that'll have the best weather you'd like to have. 

Tip 3. Choose the duration

Then choose how long you'd like to go there. Will you be flying over for a few days or multiple weeks? Will you be driving or will you be doing a road trip over multiple weeks? Pick whatever works for you and start mapping out your stay at all the different places or what places you want to visit during that period. 

Tip 4. Start saving money

A big one! Start saving money, you can start well ahead of time by saving vacation money in general or save up when you've booked everything so you can work towards a specific goal. Whatever works best for you. Also, save some extra spending money. That always comes in handy during vacations. 

Tip 5. Check for last-minute deals

If you want to save some money look for last-minute deals. Even looking at those before you book can be helpful to see what kind of deals those trips/hotels are having. With the money you save, you can do fun day trips or put it towards your regular savings. 

Tip 6. Book your trip

The fun part, booking your trip! Book all your hotels, transportation, apply for the needed VISA's as well. Make sure you've checked those requirements so you won't get disappointed and won't have to re-book your trip. If you're doing multiple hotels make sure to book them all or leave room in your itinerary for impromptu hotel/motel/campsite visits if you'd like that.

Tip 7. Book your activities or make a list of 'want to do'

When you're done with booking your trip and transportation etcetera, look at booking your day trips and activities as well. If booking those beforehand is difficult or not possible, write down all the things you want to do and book them when you arrive at your destination. Look into how you can book them and get that sorted when you can. 

Tip 8. Arrange travel insurance

Make sure you have your travel insurance up to date or arrange a new one that fits your needs and your travel plans. For example, if you're from Europe and you're going to let's say Australia, make sure your insurance is set to Worldwide. And if you're from The Netherlands and you will be staying in the country for your holiday, make sure you've set to that instead of Worldwide or Europe. This can save a lot of money. Also, check the terms, will you be paying for months of not travelling as well or can you arrange it for just your trip.

Tip 9. Start a countdown

A fun thing to do to get in the Vacay Mindset, start a countdown/timer. This can be on paper in your planner or look online for a countdown app. This will help to get you to look forward to your travel plans but also see how much time you have left to get things like saving, finding a place for your pets, booking trip, arranging travel insurance ready.

Tip 10. Set up a vacation budget and stick to it 

Set up a budget you're comfortable with spending during the Summer and your vacation. Calculate things like day trips, date nights, dinners, lunches, spa days, coffee to go, whatever is on your list. Write it all down and see where they'll fit into your overall budget. If some don't fit, try to scratch them out of the programme or try and find a way to get to do those with coupons or discounts. You can do budget by day, overall or making it fit onto your itinerary. 

Tip 11. Automate bills 

To make sure you're not falling behind on any important payments, try and see if you can get those automated. You won't have to think about it or do anything about it during your vacation. Such a lifehack!

Tip 12. Check expiration dates on passports and such

Make sure all your travel documents such as passports, visa's, drivers licenses but also credit cards are valid long enough. This will save you from a lot of airport hassle or a lot of phone calls to your bank. 

Tip 13. Find a home for your pets during your vacation 

As mentioned in Tip 9. look for a place for your pets to stay at. Maybe you can arrange for them to go on a pet pension or have them stay with a family member. You can even try to see if someone will house- and pet sit for you. But have everything arranged well ahead of time so you won't have to worry about that.

Tip 14. Read reviews 

Read all the hotel reviews! Look at the criteria people are giving and decide if that's a no-go for you. Also, look at reviews for things like restaurants and theme parks. This will help you decide IF you want to go but also WHEN you want to go. For example, if you read that Theme Park X is busy on a Tuesday but not on Fridays, maybe you'd like to go on Fridays. Or if Restaurant Y isn't very child-friendly, you'd like to go somewhere else (or not if you don't have kids haha).

Tip 15. Think about transportation  

When booking your trip you're probably looking at the way of transportation that will be getting you there. But also look at transportation when on location, if needed. Rent a car or bikes or look into public transportation to get prepared for your trip. 

Tip 16. When travelling with family: include the kids in the process

Kids love helping out so let them. Let them tell you what kind of activities they'd like to do and maybe schedule in a kid day. A day where they decide the rules and where to go or what to eat. Including them in the organisation process will be a fun and helpful process for them. They will feel responsible and super grown-up because they're helping mom and dad.

Tip 17. Start a packing list

Use a packing list. This makes life so much easier, like for real! I love making lists and using lists so it's a no-brainer for me, but it's soooo helpful! That is why I've created a fun printable, you can check off everything you need/want to pack and add your own things to it. Just an easy way to get you started.

I like to start my packing early, to make sure I have everything I want and not have to wait until the last load of laundry is finally dry.

Tip 18. Prep the house

Get some extra cleaning done before you leave, not to give you any more work BUT this will make sure you come back to a sparkly clean home and who doesn't love that?! 

• Clear out the fridge and freezer
• Vacuum and dust the whole house
• Make sure all the laundry is done and put away (when you come home all you have to do this way is wash your Vacay Laundry)
• Make the beds before you go, after the last night at home, coming home to freshly washed sheets is the best
• Right before you leave, do a quick clean of the kitchen and bathrooms and sweep the hallway
• Empty the trashcans throughout your house/property

As I said up top, not every country is open for travelling yet so Staycation might be your only option this year. Or maybe you don't have the funds yet for a trip by car, aeroplane or boat. Staying at home can be just as fun as going away. I have some tips for a Fun staycation as well:

Tip 1. Make a Bucket List

If you know me a bit by now, you know I love Pinterest for all the Bucket List inspo! It's the best! In my Summer Bucket List Pinterest board, I've made a section for Staycation! Lots of fun ideas to check out there! I've got some things like free activities on there, crafty ideas, at-home summer camps and lots more. Just to give some inspiration.

Tip 2. Set up a budget and stick to it

Even when staying at home, Yep try and set up a budget you're comfortable with spending during the Summer. This will help with finding fun stuff to do outside of the house but may also spark some creativity to do more cheap things at home when your budget won't allow local outings and dinners outside the house. Calculate things like day trips, date nights, dinners, lunches to go, coffee to go, whatever is on your list. Write it all down and see where they'll fit into your overall budget. If some don't fit, try to scratch them out of the programme or try and find a way to get to do those with coupons or discounts or recreate them for (almost) free at home. 

Tip 3. Include the kids, what do they want to do?

Kids love helping out so let them. Let them tell you what kind of activities they'd like to do and maybe schedule in a kid day. A day where they decide the rules and where to go or what to eat. Including them in the organisation process will be a fun and helpful process for them. They will feel responsible and super grown-up. 

Tip 4. Theme days

If you need some fun ideas for a couple of fun days, do themed days. You can do countries and pick a couple of countries with fun activities and food from that country. Or you can go with things like princesses, superheroes, a spa day, girls day, boys day etcetera. Get creative! (and let Pinterest help you)

Tip 5. No phones or internet

To get into the Vacation mode and relaxing holiday vibes schedule in a couple of offline days. Put your phone away and just enjoy your time off work, nature, family, free time. Zone out, make memories and recharge!

I hope these tips have been helpful with planning your Summer and I hope you'll have an amazing Summer, a great vacation or make the most of your staycation! Talk soon! xx