Never Traveled? Here Are 25 Things To Do To Plan Your First Vacation

Plan a budget for your vacation. Write down how much money you want to spend on the hotel, activities, food, transportation, shopping and souvenirs. How long will you need to come up with that money? If you have it now, would you want to save and have an even more luxurious vacation in a few months?

Think about how much time you can realistically take off. What time of year is best for you to travel? Short on time off? You could take a day off on either side of a long weekend and make a 5 day trip out of it.

Research destinations that interest you. Find books and magazines that focus on travel to specific regions. Join Facebook groups that are specific to the locations you’re interested in visiting.

Sometimes, travelling off season or finding interesting flight and hotel packages can lead you to an unexpected travel destination. Who knew a quick trip to San Diego would be so fun?

Now may be a good time to start your travel bucket list. There are 195 countries in the world and unending beautiful sights. Narrowing it down to 3 may be difficult. But it can be done in 10 days or less.

Taking friends or family on a trip can be fun. Travelling solo can be a great time too. Group travel is another way fun way to travel. Consider who you want to travel with and see if it fits their time and budget. If not, don’t wait for them. Go anyway!

Look for credit cards with travel rewards, bank accounts without big international fees. Sign up for travel newsletters to get last minute travel deals on hotels and flights. Look for student discounts too. They hit different.

Create a list of unique restaurants and a list of activities that catch your eye, and then narrow it down from there. Make sure you know if you need to reserve activities or restaurants ahead of time and plan for that as well.

A couple of weeks before you book, start looking (in incognito mode on your laptop) for last minute deals to your destination. Sometimes, you can find a nice cheap flight that is only around for a day or two.

Since it’s your first time flying, we recommend booking directly with the airline. Delta Air Lines, United and American are all great choices for domestic and Caribbean travel.

Red eyes, or late night, flights have fewer people and cost less. Look at the type of plane and seating chart for clues on how packed the flight will be.

This is one part of planning we always take our time on. The decision of where to stay is always one of the big ones. Great amenities, a unique experience and nice accommodations are all a plus.

If you’re traveling out of the country, be sure to check to be sure you have all the vaccines you need. Certain countries require the COVID-19 and yellow fever vaccinations.

While it’s wise to insure your domestic travel, it’s required in order to travel to some countries. Look into the requirements of what the coverages need to have before buying travel insurance.

There are countries that grant you a visa upon entry. Other countries require that you apply ahead of time. Be sure you know before you go.

While you may be tempted to go shopping for clothes, shoes, bags, swimsuits, travel size everything and brand-new luggage. Remember that you can also take a day to go shopping at your destination. Is it cheaper to shop when you arrive? Shopping on vacation is our jam!

Pre-paid cell phones or SIM cards may be your only way of communicating with friends back home (or to post on Instagram or Facebook). Check with the country you are going to visit to see what their cell phone service is like. At worst, you may have to get a SIM card when you arrive, which could take up half a day.

To keep from over packing, plan your wardrobe ahead of time. Remember, your toiletries won’t actually go into your bag until the day you leave. And leave a little space for the things you’ll buy when you’re on your trip, too.

Your carry on should have your laptop, an extra outfit, snacks, ear pods and chargers, at the very least.

Download a map of the area you’ll be visiting on your phone and screenshot directions to your hotel. Write down the address of where you are staying and go over your transportation reservation. The key to a good vacation is a seamless start. Knowing where you’re going is on the top of the list.

Be sure to pick up enough cash for your trip. If leaving the U.S., you can get the country’s local currency from your bank. As long as you have an account, there won’t be an exchange fee.

A good travel day outfit takes careful consideration. Some want to be cute, but comfortable. Others, stylish yet cozy. Layers work best, but pick what works best for you and lay it out for travel day.

Let your friends and family know where you’ll be. Email them a copy of your itinerary (and check in with your parents while you’re away, you know they worry).

You can check-in 24 hours before your flight through your airline’s app. You can pay for luggage and pull up your boarding pass there too. Skip standing in the check-in line at the airport. If you have luggage, drop it in the luggage drop and head to security.

Be sure your water bottles are empty and take your laptops out of your bag. You’re ready to take your first vacation!