| This time of year I'm inundated with people asking | | | | calculate distances. I can't tell you the number of |
| for my vacation planning advice - I own a regional | | | | people that think they can drive from New York |
| vacation site and offer free consultation. The | | | | to the Maine Wilderness in one day and still have |
| problem is information overload. Vacation web | | | | time to hike a mountain. |
| sites contain so much information that people get | | | | Which is a nice lead in to... |
| overwhelmed with the confusing number of | | | | WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO SEE AND DO? |
| choices and decisions - it can be disheartening. | | | | Don't try to see and do everything, or the |
| I've developed a few questions I get people to | | | | vacation will just be one big blur. Be realistic on |
| think about and answer that really gets them | | | | just how many attractions you can enjoy and not |
| realistic about vacation planning for their | | | | be exhausted at the end of the day. |
| destinations and accommodations. | | | | So write out the things you like to do and see. Do |
| So here are the questions and advice I give to | | | | you like excitement and plenty to do at night or |
| people touring my specialty region - New England | | | | enjoy a quiet village atmosphere? Are you a |
| - but I know are relevant to vacation planning | | | | history and museum buff, or attracted more to |
| almost anywhere. | | | | the scenic beauty of an area? Do you like to hike |
| HOW MANY DAYS DO YOU HAVE FOR YOUR | | | | in the mountains, or doze on a beach? |
| VACATION? | | | | Once you've chosen a few themes they'll help |
| If you're flying in to a central airport allow the | | | | make your vacation planning easier by zeroing in |
| first day to pick up your car and drive to your | | | | on a realistic area to cover during your stay, |
| destination. Take time to settle into your | | | | depending on whether you'll be housed in one spot |
| accommodation, get orientated and scout out for | | | | or touring around. |
| a relaxing dinner location. | | | | WHAT DO YOU WANT IN ACCOMMODATION? |
| Similarly on the last day, you should allocate for | | | | Are you looking to lodge at a Four-Star resort |
| driving back to the airport, dropping off your car | | | | and spa or a campground near a lake? |
| and getting through security to catch your flight. | | | | The one thing these two extremes have in |
| So if you're planning on seven vacation days in | | | | common is reservations. You can't expect to turn |
| the area - now you're down to five for touring | | | | up in the height of summer or a popular seasonal |
| and sightseeing. | | | | time and hope to find a room. Do some quick |
| DO YOU PREFER TO TOUR OR STAY IN ONE | | | | research to find out what's available in the region. |
| PLACE? | | | | For example the New England region is famous |
| This is an important question for you to answer | | | | for its Country Inns and Bed and Breakfasts - a |
| as touring requires more vacation planning but also | | | | type of accommodation that suits couples and |
| offers the chance to see more of a region's | | | | singles, but not necessarily families with young |
| diversity. | | | | children. |
| If you prefer to be based at one location then it | | | | I always urge visitors to book their |
| makes the lodging choice easier. But there may | | | | accommodation early in their vacation planning - |
| be no one place centrally located for destinations | | | | even before their flights. |
| and attractions, so you need to ensure where | | | | I hope this brief article will help you zero in on that |
| you stay is close for all the things you want to | | | | trip of your dreams and avoid an expensive |
| see and do. Check with a regional map and | | | | mistake you live to regret. |