Make your bucket list vacation a reality
We all have a bucket list – a collection of things we’d like to see, places we want to visit, and experiences we want to have. Fulfilling the goals on that list are often seen as probably unattainable, but it doesn’t have to be that way. As far as traveling goes, you can make any trip happen if you follow the tips below.
Decide which trip you’re crossing off your bucket list. Chances are good your bucket list has a few trips on it, so think carefully about which one you want to do first. Any number of factors can play into making this decision, but the most important one is the feel of the trip. You should feel comfortable deep down in choosing to cross this trip off your list over the others – it will help you get the maximum enjoyment out of it.
Save, save, save. This next step is really all about figuring out how much money you need, and waiting. Patience is key here! You don’t want to do a low-rent version of your big trip that leaves something to be desired, and you don’t want the cost to prohibit you from having a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Make sure the amount you’re saving accounts for any splurges you may want as well.
Get advice (and motivation) from other travelers. There are a few websites dedicated to trip planning, such as Trip Advisor, that can be invaluable when it comes to not only planning your trip, but understanding what your trip will be like. Feel free to ask specific questions of travelers who’ve been where you want to go – you’re likely to find that they’re more than willing to give plenty of pointers and share their own itineraries.
Set aside time– lots of it. A long weekend probably isn’t going to cut it for this trip. You want to do more than just visit your dream destination; you want to have an immersive experience that leaves a lasting impression. So, don’t just book a long enough stay to be a tourist. Plan to spend a long enough time to really explore the culture, to take chances on new opportunities, and to go off the beaten path. Take every opportunity to talk to people who live in the place where you’re visiting. It will be satisfying to say that you had more than the typical tourist experience at the end of your trip.
Plan it, book it, and go! Once you’ve saved enough, squared away enough time, and created an itinerary that balances your prioritized activities with enough room for improvisation, all that’s left to do is book it! Look for airfare deals on travel websites like Google Flights and Kayak that could save you a little extra money. If you can’t get a deal, don’t let that deter you from going. Now all that’s left to do is pack your bags and go!
How to Make Your Dream Trip a Reality [Independent Traveler]
From bucket list to ‘booked it’: A 4-step plan for making your travel dreams a reality [Mashable]