Planning a vacation involves so many moving parts. Planning a winter vacation can seem even more stressful. This article will outline a few specific things to keep in mind as you’re planning your winter get-away to ensure that it is a success.
Choosing Your Destination
Figuring out your destination is by far the most important part of planning your vacation escape. Do your research about a specific location so that you can be best informed when you decide on a specific place.
It’s important to even research things like the altitude and the humidity levels so you can compare it to your level of normal. If you don’t know what to expect, a warm tropical escape may actually end up being horrible for your asthma with its 100% humidity levels.
Whether you decide on a cozy magical winter cabin or a warm beachside vacation home, think carefully about what you want from your vacation. While someone else may find a winter escape to be exciting, it could end up being simply too cold for you.
Find a Place to Stay
After you’ve selected your destination, think carefully about where you want to stay. You can consider hotels, vacation home rentals, or even camping. Each of these options comes with different pros and cons.
Hotels and vacation homes offer different specific amenities and experiences. With a hotel, you’ll most likely have access to a pool, jacuzzi, and a high-end workout facility. While you may not have these amenities with a vacation home, you will probably have more space, a full kitchen, and a BBQ.
Look for Cozy House Features
Only you know exactly what will make your vacation the relaxing experience that you want it to be. So, pay special attention to rental home features that may help build that experience.
One of these features that can be easily forgotten is the type of bed in the bedroom. If you want really relaxing sleep, consider searching for a bed that has a memory foam mattress. Other features to think about could simply be a cozy fireplace or comfortable shaded outdoor seating. Decks are also great for relaxing. A deck has many uses, and any home sporting a deck should be at the top of your list.
Plan Outdoor Activities
Being on vacation should involve being outdoors. Being outside in the snow, on a hike, or relaxing at the beach have incredible health benefits and will help you relax to the fullest.
If you’re not really the outdoorsy type, consider outdoor activities that don’t require as much physical exertion. You could plan some time to go explore a local farmer’s market or simply walk around the grounds of the hotel you are staying at. Maybe even try golf—you’ll be able to leisurely explore the grounds in the golf cart while trying your hand at one of the poshest of sports.
Book Your Flight Early
When you’re planning a winter get-away trip, it’s especially important to book your flight early. Traveling during the holidays tends to be much more expensive than traveling at different times of the year. Try to book your flight as early as possible so that you can get a better price. You should also consider planning your vacation to be at a time other than the actual holidays themselves. Choosing to go earlier in the month of December or later in January can help you avoid pricier tickets.
When you’re researching flights, be sure to always do your searches in a private browser. Otherwise, airline companies will be able to hike their prices on you.
Don’t Check a Bag
If you’re going to be on vacation for more than a couple of days, it can be tempting to check a bag. While checking a bag most likely means you’ll have more clothes to choose from while on vacation, it could mean a ruined vacation if it got lost.
If your flight is taking you to a relatively far away location, checking a bag becomes even more risky. Even though it may seem daunting at first, packing only a carry-on will force you to bring only the clothing that you most want.
Having fewer decisions to make when dressing can actually contribute to your overall relaxation. But, if in the end, you must check a bag, be sure to distribute clothes between both your carry-on and your checked bag. This will help you to survive if your checked luggage does get lost.
Plan for Jet Lag
Winter destination trips often mean traveling across multiple time zones. While this shouldn’t deter you from a particular location, plan in time to adjust to the jet lag. It can be easy to get so excited about various activities that you forget to allow yourself time to sleep. Planning in long mornings and afternoon naps will also help you relax more overall. You won’t be feeling stressed that you’re missing out on something.
Try New Things
While it’s important to plan in the time-tested activities that you love, a vacation is also the perfect time to try new things. Whether you try snorkeling or eat at a restaurant with food you’ve never had before, new experiences will help you have fun.
Trying new things will also help you best experience the culture and environment of the destination you travel to. Participating in cultural experiences, attending museums, and trying new food will help you appreciate moments out of the ordinary.
Winter vacations can be complicated with the influx of holiday travelers and complicated pricing. But planning a winter get-away doesn’t have to be overwhelming if you follow some of these key suggestions. You can book the perfect holiday for you and your family. Be sure to think about your family’s specific needs out of a vacation and then make decisions accordingly. If you do your research, your winter vacation will be just what you need to get refreshed.
If you’re planning on coming to Destin this winter, let us take care of your groceries for you! Start shopping here.