The holidays have come and gone and after the excitement (and stress, and exhaustion) of all that time with family and friends settle, you deserve to treat yourself. And what better way to do that than with a fun and relaxing vacation?
Whether you’re a snowbird that loves to shred the slopes or more of a “lounging on the beach in a swimsuit and doing absolutely nothing else” kind of babe (raises hand), the winter months are a super popular time to plan a getaway. But, like any trip, it can be stressful if you don’t know what to plan for.
Between booking hotels and flights, and figuring out COVID precautions in the area you plan to travel to, it’s imperative that you plan ahead as much as possible to mitigate stress. Because your trip is supposed to be fun–that’s kind of the whole point, right? Right.
Ahead, we’ve put together a step-by-step guide to planning your perfect vacation.
1. Decide On Your Destination Climate
This is likely the first thing you’ll do when you begin planning your trip, but it’s important nonetheless. Are you trying to avoid the cold or embrace it? Both options offer fun, yet completely different experiences. A beach getaway offers sand, sun, and relaxation, while cold climates give an opportunity for adventure and winter sports.
Additionally, after deciding, it’s important to regularly check the weather of your destination, and the route it takes to get there. You wouldn’t want a flight delay due to a treacherous snowstorm. Plus, the weather can always surprise you. Even if it’s typically a warm destination like a tropical resort, it might be chillier than you think, and it’s always best to double-check.
2. Look Into Vacation Activities
Once you know where you’re going, consider looking into the activities happening in your vacay destination. If you’re opting for a ski resort, look into the protocol and see if you need to book a spot ahead of time.
If you’re going for more of a beachy vacation, see if there are fun activities that are offered, like scuba diving, booze cruises, or parasailing lessons. If you’re looking for something even more low-key, finding some live music in town is a super fun (and usually free) choice.
3. Book Your Flights and Rentals Early
The earlier you can secure your flights and rental stays, the better. Delaying the purchase can result in even higher prices or limited options.
When comparing places to stay, don’t overlook options like Airbnbs or resorts. They might appear more expensive than hotels upfront, but Airbnb’s often come with full kitchens, entire bedrooms to yourself, and personalized spaces, while tons of resorts offer all-inclusive deals. These added features make the added cost totally worth it. Plus, if this is a BFF trip, the total cost could be even less than you think!
4. Budget for Your *Whole* Trip
You’ll feel much more at ease when you have a good idea of how much the total trip will cost. It’s easy to factor in the obvious travel costs, like flights and hotel prices, but it’s also important to consider the additional costs–all of them.
This could include ski rentals, food for the trip, bar-hopping, or general activities. Be liberal when guessing how much money you plan to spend each day to ensure you don’t go over budget (who doesn’t love a little bit of vacation shopping?) If you’re open, you can save a ton of money by going to less popular destinations: Your trip will be cheaper and you’ll still get the fun vacation you’re looking for!
5. Make a Packing List
Your future self will thank you when you make a packing list ahead of time. Make sure to include all the essentials; your cutest tops, dresses, accessories, and shoes. After all, vacation is the perfect opportunity to show off your personal style.
It’s easy to get overwhelmed with options, so keep your packing as light as possible. There are a ton of combinations that you can make with staple pieces like jean shorts, wide-leg pants, breezy tops, and tanks. Two-piece sets are also the ultimate vacation style hack (three outfits in one? Yes, please). No matter where you’re headed, pack a few cute tops because even if you’re spending all day snowboarding, there’s always time for a photoshoot near the indoor fire and/or drinks at the lodge bar.
Do you have any tips for how to plan a vacation? Tell us in the comments–and don’t forget to show us your vacation outfits on Instagram @lulus using #lovelulus. For more resort wear options, head to our Vacation Clothing Shop!
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