Vacation planning isn’t quite what it used to be. There are countless digital tools intended to simplify the planning process, but those same tools can easily lead to information overload. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, below are a few tips to help take the stress out of travel planning.
Know what documents you need
Step number one in planning any trip is ensuring that you have the documents you need, especially as requirements continue to change. All U.S. travelers aged 18 and older must now have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or other acceptable ID (like a passport) to board domestic flights. Those traveling abroad will also need to pay close attention to the requirements of all stops along their route. U.S. visitors to the U.K. are now required to obtain Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). The European Union is currently rolling out its European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), which will be required for U.S. visitors once it’s active. Of course, check to make sure your passport is valid and understand that many countries also require your passport to be valid six months AFTER you return from your trip.
Plan ahead
International travel is seeing a strong resurgence in the post-pandemic years, and some popular destinations are raising concerns about overtourism. Domestic leisure travel in the U.S. also remains robust. The bottom line is, more people are traveling, which means more competition for flights, accommodations and attractions. “If you’re planning on visiting heavily traveled destinations like Paris, Venice or Barcelona, planning ahead is key,” said Debbie Steinfeld with TravelMax. “Ideally, try to book at least a year in advance — this gives you access to the best prices, more lodging options and easier reservations for popular attractions.”
The same holds true for U.S. for hotspots like national parks, Disney cruise lines and cruises to Alaska. Think even further ahead for once-in-a-lifetime experiences like an African safari, Gorilla trekking in Rwanda, cruising through the Galapagos or cherry blossom season in Japan.
Think outside the box
If the key European cities are on your bucket list, by all means, plan the trip. If the goal is simply to travel and enjoy new experiences and cultures, consider alternative destinations. “Those classic European cities are iconic for a reason, but many travelers are starting to branch out — and sometimes that means looking beyond Europe altogether,” Steinfeld said. “Even destinations that are hugely popular right now can offer incredible experiences away from crowded tourism.” Steinfeld pointed to Iceland, Alaska and Japan as popular spots that aren’t as overcrowded as some European hotspots. “Iceland draws visitors because it’s a relatively easy flight from the U.S. and packed with dramatic landscapes, waterfalls, glaciers and geothermal spas. Alaska is another amazing option closer to home, offering wildlife, national parks and breathtaking scenery on a scale that naturally spreads visitors out. Japan is also a major travel destination, because there is a favorable exchange rate that makes food, transportation and accommodations more affordable than many people expect.”
Travelers can also avoid peak crowds by skipping popular summer months and traveling in the shoulder season or off-season. “Traveling in the spring or early fall often means fewer crowds, milder weather and a more relaxed experience overall,” Steinfeld said.
Build in downtime
As important as it is to research and plan, it is equally important to create realistic expectations and build in some downtime. “I am a person who loves to be on the go and see all the things and do all things while on vacation! However, I have also learned the importance of slowing down and to not always have every minute of the day planned,” said Sherida Cook with Genie Travel Company. “Allowing space for quiet mornings, leisurely afternoons or unplanned exploration gives your mind and body a chance to relax, rejuvenate and restore balance. It will prevent vacation burnout (yes, it is a thing!) but also makes the high energy moments more enjoyable.”
Buy travel insurance
Even the best laid plans are susceptible to unexpected disruptions. That is where travel insurance comes in. “Vacations are an investment and travel insurance helps protect your vacation should an unexpected situation arise,” Cook said. “It can help cover non-refundable trip costs, emergency medical care while traveling away from home and additional expenses caused by delays or cancellations.”
Cook advises her clients to use third-party travel insurance rather than the standard coverage offered by suppliers. “Using a third party, such as Travel Insured, will offer broader coverage, higher medical limits and cash reimbursements. They are superior for comprehensive protection, including pre-existing conditions, and have cancellation options.”
Work with a travel advisor
As we mentioned, travel has gotten complicated. Dynamic pricing has disrupted the standard “sweet spots” for buying airline tickets and purchasing windows for tickets to popular attractions are all over the map. A travel advisor can help streamline all the intricacies of planning the perfect vacation. “Working with a travel advisor gives you expert guidance, time‑saving support and personalized recommendations, whether you’re booking a cruise out of Tampa, a theme park package or an overseas adventure,” Cook said.
Steinfeld added that many people are surprised to learn that, in most cases, there is no additional fee to work with a travel advisor. “Travel advisors are typically paid by airlines, cruise lines, hotels and tour companies, so travelers usually pay the same price whether they book on their own or have a professional handle the details,” she explained.
Working with a travel advisor has added benefits. “A lot of people think travel advisors just book flights and hotels, but we’re often able to offer perks and access that travelers simply can’t get on their own… things like complimentary upgrades when available, daily breakfast, resort or onboard credits, and flexible check-in or check-out times. We can also help with special touches that make a trip feel more personal, whether that’s a surprise welcome gift, amenities for a honeymoon or anniversary, or help getting into experiences that look sold out.”
Travel advisors book travel every day and are typically seasoned travelers, which means they are always thinking one step ahead. “Even details like choosing the right flight times, understanding airport layouts or knowing the best time of day to visit certain sights can have a big impact on how enjoyable — or stressful — a trip can turn out,” Steinfeld said.
But the number one benefit of working with a travel advisor is having a human in your corner. “Flight delays, cancellations, missed connections or last-minute changes can quickly become overwhelming,” Steinfeld said. “Instead of spending hours on hold trying to sort things out yourself, you have a knowledgeable advocate who knows the system and can step in to help fix the problem.”
Your ChatGPT spreadsheet can’t offer that level of support.
“At the end of the day, a travel advisor helps make the planning process smoother, more personalized, and a lot less stressful, so you can focus on the fun part: actually enjoying your trip.”
Turn to page 28 for a list of travel professionals who can help you plan your next dream vacation. Happy travels!