Travel planning is a full-time job around here. About twice a month we pull out a calendar and decide what’s next. Then we look to what’s coming up and figure out how to better complete these plans.
In general, flights are booked at least three weeks before travel. Long-haul trips, or trips using upgrades from airline status, require a little more advance. Popular locations will require accommodations to be booked several weeks in advance. We’ve yet to join the crowd who will book the same location a year in advance, though.
In addition to your calendar, open a map. Pick a date. Are you traveling for an event? To escape the weather? Because you need sand in your toes? Different times of the year will provide unique responses.
Our conversations go a little like this:
Him: So where are we going in February?
Her: North Dakota is probably a bad idea.
Him: Beach or desert?
Her: Desert, but in the U.S.
Him: Because?
Her: No COVID testing, please.
And so it goes. We talk budget; hotel or vacation rental; landmarks to visit. If you are traveling as a couple, the very best thing you can do is talk it out. Make sure to be aware of the differing travel styles. Is it pool-side with umbrella drinks versus desert hiking? Both can be managed in the same trip.
Be sure to take notes in case any “someday” travel pops into the discussion. A travel planning notebook is a great idea. Later it can hold a to-do list. But to begin, it can help you sort through ideas for your next trip.
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