We all need a break. 2020 has been a crazy year. What better way to escape the memory of 2020 is to plan a vacation? And what better day to do it than National Plan for Vacation Day.
National Plan for Vacation Day is celebrated every year on the last Tuesday in January. The goal is to encourage people to plan vacation days for the entire year at the start of the year. In addition, Let’s Go There is an initiative that also encourages people to dream about the next trip and plan and book future vacations.
In 2021, of course, National Plan for Vacation Day is different from previous years with travel restrictions and health concerns due to COVID. In a recent study, 63% of Americans say they desperately need a vacation. Planning it gives you something to look forward to and you will be ready when you are ready to travel again.
5 QUICK TIPS TO HELP YOU PLAN YOUR NEXT GETAWAY
Here are 5 quick tips to help you plan that next getaway. Maybe you can’t go today, but the tips are good for when you are ready.
Search on Multiple Booking Sites
Often times you may get a different price or fees for the same vacation rental home on various rental platforms. You may even find different cancellation policies. Compare and go with the quote you feel most comfortable choosing.
Check out Google Street View
The vacation home you are considering may have beautiful pictures of what is inside the house on Airbnb or VRBO. But you also need to see close up what is in the surrounding area. You want to know before you go if the area is just right for your vacation spot. Many listing sites will not give you the exact street address until after you book, but some will. Search the neighborhood to see what is nearby.
Make Contact with Property Manager
Always make contact with the property manager or owner before you go. You will get a good sense of how they will treat you based on the responses you get to your questions…and ask a lot of questions.
Know the Amenities
Descriptions of amenities can be confusing and deceiving. Let’s say you want the convenience of hitting the ski slopes straight from the vacation rental. You may want to select a location with Ski-In/Ski-Out access. That should not be confused with other terms such as Ski Access which might mean you need to take a shuttle bus to get there. Or if you see pictures of the resort pools in the rental listing but based on how you booked your stay, you may not be authorized to use all of the amenities. Know before you go.
Continue to Monitor for Travel Restrictions
Monitoring travel restrictions was a way of life for most of 2020, and it will continue for a period of time. Check with your airlines, local authorities and travel professionals to ensure you are up to date with what is allowed in your favorite vacation destination.
Take advantage of National Plan for Vacation Day and get started on planning your next vacation. Let us know where you decide to go.
