5 Ways To Start Preparing for Your 2025 Vacation

Let’s face it. We all love being on vacation, but sometimes the process to get there can be a

barrier that keeps us from taking one. You may have a bucket list of destinations a mile long, but when you start to think about the details you freeze. There are so many things to

consider, decisions to make, and things to purchase. Planning a vacation can be a time

intensive process with many moving parts.

As a travel advisor, I find that essentializing and prioritizing are two crucial steps in the

vacation planning process. I’m sharing all my secrets, tips and tricks to start preparing now for your next great vacation. For most people, I find that preparing in this order works well. However, some people prefer to complete these steps in a different order depending on

what’s most important to them. My big caveat to this is that it’s never too early to find a

good travel advisor. We chat about this in depth below, but a great advisor such as myself

can be the greatest resource, asset and advocate for you throughout the vacation planning

process. Ready to plan your 2025 vacations and beyond? Let’s dive in and get started.

Decide on a destination

Deciding on a destination or narrowing your options to a few specific choices is going to

make the subsequent steps of vacation planning much easier. This may be a no brainer, but

if you have multiple places you’d like to visit, knowing which one you’re planning for next is going to help you and your advisor work together to make subsequent decisions. This

information is essential to set a budget, determine the best dates, and more.

Set a budget

Once you’ve determined where you’d like to visit, it’s time to determine your budget. I always encourage my clients to have a minimum and a maximum, so we have some room to work with. During an initial travel consultation, I always help my clients understand what can realistically be accomplished within their budget. During this meeting, I can advise on necessary adjustments and ask questions that will help us set your trip up to match your budget and ease financial stress. I can also talk about cheaper times to travel to certain destinations such as during the shoulder season. Setting a budget early on is helpful

because it creates clear boundaries and can ease stress if the financial side of vacations is

a concern. Having a budget simplifies other decisions because it acts as a filter.

If this is a piece you’re struggling with, it can be helpful to think through dates and priorities, and work with your advisor to set an appropriate budget. As an advisor, I have a pulse on pricing and what’s possible with various budgets. However, it’s important to be slightly flexible if you opt for this approach. Weeks like the one between Christmas and New Years, or times like Spring Break often carry higher prices due to increased demand, so if your budget isn’t flexible, dates, priorities and vacation expectations may need to be adjusted.

Select your dates

Keep your budget, and how much you can afford to save monthly, in mind as you set your

vacation dates. Making a deposit early and having smaller payments overtime can greatly

reduce stress and overwhelm. Additionally, when my clients take this approach, I price

monitor their vacations and can apply discounts if applicable. This can often save hundreds

of dollars and allows clients to spend their savings on a different portion of their vacation.

Selecting a range of dates is the best approach to selecting your dates. Keep in mind that

three-day weekends, or vacations including national holidays will often increase prices

considerably. While this often means you’ll utilize less leave time, you’ll often pay more.

Additionally, destinations like Walt Disney World® Resort have special events that affect

crowds. I keep a pulse on special events and dates that could impact your vacation and can

help you find ways to avoid crowds.

A date range, or several options can often reduce costs allowing you to stretch your budget

and avoid large crowds. It’s important to select dates and set priorities in tandem. For

example, if you really want to enjoy a specific cruise excursion that requires sunny weather, it may be unwise to cruise at the height of hurricane season. As your advisor, this is something we can talk through to figure out what will work best for you.

Set your priorities

It’s easy to think “a vacation’s a vacation.” However, everybody vacations differently. To have the vacation that you want, it’s crucial to prioritize what’s most important to you. Some people want a relaxing vacation while others are seeking adventure. As an advisor, this is also something I can help you process. As we talk through the trip dynamics, destination, and details, I’ll ask questions that help you name what’s most important so we can be sure to prioritize that.

This conversation is also a great time for us to chat through which parts of your vacation will be the most stressful. Naming what causes stress allows us to collaborate and create a plan to mitigate stress beforehand. Knowing your priorities have been accounted for and having a plan in place for stressful moments can help you travel more confidently and overall have a better vacation experience.

Find a knowledgeable, trustworthy travel advisor and work together to plan the

perfect vacation!

This likely comes as no surprise, but I always suggest finding a knowledgeable travel advisor that can walk you through the process. A great travel advisor will add incredible value to your vacation by sharing unique insights, helping you make decisions, saving you time, and answering your questions. These suggestions can make a huge difference when it comes to selecting the right resort or stateroom for you, staying within budget, and maximizing your vacation time. If you’re looking for an advisor, check out my about page! I would love to help you create a fantastic vacation.

When it comes to preparing for a great vacation, early preparation and planning is essential. Taking the steps above can help you plan the best vacation possible for you and the people you’re vacationing with. Not sure what vacation is right for you? I’ve got a great quiz to help you figure it out. Click here to find out for yourself. Got questions about vacation preparation and planning? Send me an email - I would love to help!