Questions You need to Ask Before Planning a Spring Break Vacation

When you’re planning a vacation during Spring Break there are a lot of factors to consider.

I’m going to ask some of the tough questions that you need to think about to help you make the most out of your adventures…. and your budget.

I tend to be in a continual state of dreaming/researching/planning for my next trip. I shoulder the responsibility for the details of our vacations because I enjoy always having something to look forward to.

I’ve learned a lot along the way and I’ve found that planning is easier when you answer as many questions as possible upfront.

I’m going to take you through the questions to ask yourself for your next big trip.

How many days do you want to be gone?

Will you have any flexibility in your dates?
Do you already have the time off or do you still need to request it?
Do you have to work around any sports/previous engagements?

Where do you want to go?

Do you want to go somewhere you have never been to?
Do you tend to visit the same area?
Is the destination a popular location during spring break?
Is price a factor?
Do you have a specific budget?
Would you consider going to a destination that is off-season during spring break?
Is distance a factor?
What type of weather/activities do you enjoy?

Who is going with you?

Do you want to invite friends or family members to join you?
Will you be responsible for planning their overall trip as well?
Who will be staying with you?
Will they be traveling with you?
Do they have any special needs?

Are you considering a staycation?

What activities are important to you for a staycation?
Do you want to go on day trips?
Will you be staying at home?
Do you need overnight accommodations?
Will you be planning any overnight mini-trips?

Where will you stay?

What type of accommodations are important to you?
**hotel, cabin, suite, cruise ship, treehouse (find great rates here)
What amenities are important to you? (**free breakfast, parking, pool, kitchenette)
Is it important for activities to be close to where you are staying?
Do you want activities available on-site?
Do you plan on visiting family during your trip?
Will you be renting from a friend?
Will you be using Airbnb?

How will you get there?

Will You Fly There?

Have you checked if you have any airline points accumulated?
Do the flights go directly to the destination?
Will you need airport transfers?
Will you need to park your vehicle at the airport?
Do you need to rent a vehicle from the airport?

If You Drive to the Destination

Will you use your vehicle or rent one?
Do you need to break up the drive with an overnight to/from the destination?
Will you be using public transportation, cabs, Uber, or Lyft?

What activities do you want to experience?

What’s your vacation style?

Do you enjoy unplanned activities?
Does your family like to have an idea of what you are doing each day?
Do you enjoy lots of activities during your vacation?
Are there rare/unique experiences that you want to try? (If so, do you need a reservation prior to arrival)
Do you enjoy the outdoors, museums, sporting events, the arts, etc?

What is your plan for meals?

Will you be cooking a lot of your meals?
Will you be dining out? (How often?)
Do you have any special dining needs? *glutton free, vegan, special diet
Will you be taking any food tours?
What do you look for in a restaurant? **kid-friendly, fine dining, local cuisine, budget friendly

Have you researched for discounts?

Credit card points/discounts
Warehouse clubs
AAA
Military
Groupon, Social Living, Deal Chicken, Kayak, Priceline,Booking.com etc.

Forgotten Expenses

Tips *housekeeping, transportation, guided activities, and tours
Luggage fees
Items needed specifically for the trip **gear, special clothing, sunscreen, beach items
Meals while traveling
Souvenirs
Travel Insurance if you are going out of the country or planning an expensive trip
Parking fees/meters
Spontaneous activities (ice cream, mini-golf, movies)
Forgotten items