A GUIDE TO VACATION PLANNING

Summer is almost here and with school closing in a few weeks and holiday specials already out many persons will be thinking about taking a vacation. Here is a guideline that the Consumer Affairs Commission hopes will help you clarify your plans and stay within budget.

Objectives. Ask yourself what do I want to experience. Do I want Relaxation, Adventure, Culture or Excitement & Entertainment? Your answer to this will impact on the location you choose and the amount of money you will spend.

Time. Whether you have a week or a month will impact on your decisions. Time also has serious implications for your budget and chances are the longer your vacation the more money you will spend and the farther you are able to go. For example, would you go to Japan if you only had two days? No, the cost would be enormous and you would be too tired from your flight to do anything in the few hours you have there. Perhaps a better choice for a weekend vacation is a local destination.

Money. After taking care of all your regular expenses, see how much money is left and decide if all of it will be used for vacation. This is the most critical part of any vacation plan as it determines where you can go, for how long and what you can do once you are there.

Location. When you have looked at how much money you can afford to spend, the amount of time you have at hand and what you hope to get from your vacation, you can now select a location (based on that).

Accommodation. Although staying with relatives and friends is often less costly, if it doesn’t fit into your plans or will end up costing you more in hidden charges, you might consider staying at a hotel. If you have selected a hotel as your accommodation of choice, decide on the specifications. Is it a large or small property? Is it family oriented? Is it all-inclusive? What is included in the all-inclusive plan? Can arrangements be made for a special package?

Shop Around. If you find yourself with enough money to afford a trip overseas, then use the Internet if you have access or a travel agent to find the best deals on prices. If you decide to stay in Jamaica and to vacation in a hotel, make a few phone calls and compare the rates. Make sure you ask for the local rate and if there are any specials? If your group is a large one, ask about group packages. Make a shortlist of destinations and accommodation options and then do some research. Ask a travel agent, use the Internet and ask relatives and friends. Only after all this should you make a decision.

In all your planning ensure that the money you have allotted covers all your expenses including those for gifts, transportation, entertainment and phone calls, as well as, an allowance for unforeseen circumstances. Remember, the best way to enjoy your vacation and the time thereafter is to plan for it.