| Europe is a very popular travel destination. Whether | | | | 6. How you like to spend your time: Take a little time |
| you're a seasoned traveler or planning your first trip, | | | | to think about what you like doing before planning |
| there are several important things to keep in mind | | | | your trip. Do you prefer the water, or the |
| before calling your travel agent and booking the next | | | | mountains? Lying on the beach, or rock-climbing? |
| vacation: | | | | Adrenaline rushes or visiting an art museum? |
| 1. While "Paris in the Springtime" sounds very | | | | While going outside your comfort zone and trying |
| romantic, the truth is that you're liable to spend many | | | | new things can be a great experience, spending your |
| days indoors, because the weather can be cold and | | | | time doing something that bores you silly or makes |
| rainy. On the other hand, the French Riviera in the | | | | you uncomfortable and unhappy just doesn't make |
| springtime boasts warm temperatures, sunshine and | | | | sense. Once you know what you want to do, figure |
| beautiful places to visit. If you're not sure of weather | | | | out what you'll have time to do. Many times, in an |
| patterns, check with your travel agent who can | | | | effort to get the "most bang for our buck" we tend |
| advise you on rainy seasons or other weather-related | | | | to over plan the vacation, and end up needing a |
| issues for traveling to a specific spot. | | | | vacation from the vacation when we get home! |
| 2. Budget: Decide how much you've got to spend, | | | | Prioritize your list, and be willing to save some |
| and don't forget to include extras like tourist | | | | activities or attractions for another trip. |
| attractions, getting around, souvenirs and meals | | | | 7. Use the resources that are available to make your |
| (which are typically more expensive in Europe than in | | | | trip special and save money: Today's travelers have |
| the states -- dinner can cost upwards of 50 Euros | | | | numerous options when planning their vacation. You |
| per person, especially in metropolitan cities). If your | | | | can use the Internet to find out more about the |
| budget is smaller, consider visiting Eastern Europe, | | | | cities or countries you want to visit, check out prices, |
| looking for packaged tours, or, if you're flexible, book | | | | even book your flight or hotel room. If you're visiting |
| a "last-minute" trip, which can often save you 30% | | | | a place for the first time, check with a travel agent, |
| or more. Check out the current exchange rate | | | | talk to someone who's "been there, done that" on an |
| between your currency and that of the country you'll | | | | Internet Forum, or contact local chambers or |
| be visiting, to have a better idea of what your | | | | commerce or travel councils to get more information |
| vacation is going to actually cost you. Whenever | | | | about where to go, what to see and what to do. |
| possible, travel during an off-peak season to save | | | | 8. You can use trip-planning software, or your own |
| even more. | | | | favorite organizing system to organize and plan your |
| 3. Your secret dreams or "someday" wishes: For | | | | trip. Don't forget things like making sure your |
| most of us, taking a vacation is something we get to | | | | passport and picture ID are up-to-date, finding out if |
| do only once a year, and often plan and save the | | | | travel insurance is something you need, and how and |
| whole year for. So if you have always wanted to | | | | where to exchange your money. The more organized |
| visit somewhere or do something special -- why | | | | you are in the beginning, the better vacation you'll |
| wait? Include it in your next vacation plans. | | | | have. |
| 4. Political Climate: While most countries that rely on | | | | 9. Most of us take too much on a vacation, and end |
| tourism make every effort to ensure the safety of | | | | up lugging heavy suitcases and other bags along filled |
| tourists, these days it's always a good idea to keep | | | | with items that we either don't use or don't need. |
| up on the current political climate of the country | | | | When planning your trip, look at your wardrobe and |
| you're planning to visit, especially if there have been | | | | pack as lightly as you can. Take only what you'll really |
| problems in the past. | | | | need, and remember that if you forget or end up |
| 5. Your own "internal clock": If you prefer sleeping in, | | | | needing something, chances are you can get it once |
| in the mornings, and "doing your own thing" then a | | | | you reach your destination. |
| guided tour is probably not for you. Most guided | | | | 10. Have fun! Get organized, make your plans and |
| tours start early in the morning, and you're on the go | | | | expect the best. That way, once you're on your |
| until evening. You may visit several cities in a country | | | | way, you'll be able to relax and enjoy yourself. But |
| or countries within a specified amount of time, and | | | | remember, there are very few "perfect" vacations, |
| you're required to stay with the group. | | | | so if something does go wrong, try to relax and "go |
| On the other hand, if you don't like traveling alone, | | | | with the flow" as much as possible. Experienced |
| you enjoy the companionship of others and getting | | | | travelers say that sometimes their best vacations |
| to see as much as possible in the time you've got, a | | | | have been the ones where the unexpected |
| guided tour or cruise may be just the thing for you. | | | | happened. |