No matter what kind of vacation you’re planning, you want it to be perfect. Many times, though, we over-plan and under-prepare. We’ve put together a list of ten things you can do when preparing for and enjoying your vacation that will make it that much better!

1. Leave your work where it belongs: at the office. First and foremost, you’re going on vacation, so leave your work where it belongs: at the office. If you’re traveling with family, this is especially important to remember. Even the most business-minded folks need a break every once and a while, whether they know it or not! If you’re just not able to leave your work where it belongs, set time limits for yourself on how much of your vacation and attention will be spent on work-related activities. You’ll get more out of your vacation and your family will appreciate the extra time they’ll get to have with you as a result.
2. Don’t over-pack! It’s natural to want to take enough clothes, accessories, and extras to get you through all manner of situations, but when you’re on vacation the last thing you want to do is lug around a fifty-pound suitcase full of useless items (or pay extra for locals to carry them). Pack only what you can be sure you’ll need and maybe a few minor extras. Other than that, everything else is excess. For those who are serious about learning how to pack lighter and travel smarter, check out these articles:
   • Pack Light and Travel Happy, a great guide for packing, especially to Europe.
   • How to Travel the World with 10 Pounds or Less, for those who really want to be mobile!
3. Pack your camera and plenty of extras. You’re going to want to remember your vacation, so you better make sure you pack your camera. Whether you’re shooting digital or still using a 35mm, make sure you bring enough batteries, film, or memory cards to photograph your trip! There’s nothing worse than going to snap a photo and realizing your battery is dead or you’ve run out of film/memory. To prepare yourself to capture the true essence of your beloved vacation, read these tips for taking great travel photography here.
4. Take your time. There’s nothing worse than trying to pack in a million different things and not being able to get to half of them because you underestimated the time it takes to get to and from different activities. It usually ends with you feeling like you didn’t get the most out of your vacation. Take your time and build in a few extra minutes in-between your plans. This will allow you to be flexible as well as more thoroughly enjoy your vacation without feeling rushed from place to place.
5. Book early! The key to planning ahead and getting the most out of your vacation is booking early. Whether it be accommodations, airfare, rental car, or special activities, booking ahead usually provides you with a better selection of rates and options. It could mean all the difference between a window seat or the one next to the bathroom!
6. Stretch your dollar. Make the most of your vacation by making the most of your money. Come up with a flexible travel budget that will be pretty easy to stick to and make it a point to enjoy yourself within your means. One of the best ways to save a lot of money is to abstain from those 199-item buffets and cook meals yourself. Our vacation rental accommodations are mostly equipped with full or partial kitchens, allowing you to save hundreds of dollars on your trip. If you really want to minimize your cost, and have flexible dates, check out our last minute deals where you’ll get amazing rates on top destinations around the world.
7. Don’t sweat the small stuff. It’s your vacation; you want it to be perfect and memorable but sometimes it’s easy to get too focused on the minor details. Make it a point to appreciate all of the things that are making your vacation great, rather than the few minor details that may take away from it. Most importantly, be flexible with your plan and if a few things get off kilter, don’t worry! After all, you can always change your agenda!
8. Familiarize yourself with the destination. Get acquainted with the area beforehand. You’re going to want to do all there is to do so make sure you check with our agents, blog, other websites, and travel guides to familiarize yourself with the activities and sights in and around your destination. It’s important to thoroughly experience all there is, so always take a few minutes to find new and unique things to check out while you’re vacationing.
9. Travel in Groups. This is a big money saver as well as just plain fun! Not only can you get group rates, but it’s sure to be a blast. You’ll grow closer with your group and it’ll be an experience you’ll be able to talk about for a lifetime!
10. Take your pets. If you’re traveling to a pet-friendly destination, it’s always great to take your pets along. After all, they’re part of the family, too. They need a change of pace just as much as you do, and it will definitely be cheaper than housing them in a kennel for the duration of your trip.

We wish you the best as you travel this coming year and we want you to get the most out of your vacation. Use these tips to help enhance your experience and always travel smarter! Continue checking our blog for more tips and information about all of our destinations.