This post “5 Things You Should Do Before Every Vacation” is not sponsored, but contain some affiliate links. For more information on the sponsored post and/or affiliate link policy, please click here.
I just came back from a trip to Greece booked from a glitch fare and had the best time ever. Some of my vacations have been spontaneous like my birthday trip to Barbados, but I try my best to organize each vacation to avoid any kind of confusion. If you’re not sure of what things to do before vacation, read more.
Set a Budget
After budgeting your general expenses (rent/mortgage, utility bills, credit cards etc), set aside the amount of money you’d like to bring for your trip. Bring enough money for food, transportation, shopping and whatever else you may need to enjoy your stay. You can have cash on hand and bring a credit or debit card just in case; it’s never a bad idea to bring more than what you have since unexpected fees pop up all the time.
Notify Your Bank or Credit Card Company
Part of vacationing is spending money. Making multiple transactions based on the location and/or price may cause your account to be flagged. You should call the bank ahead of time to avoid these transactions from being declined.
Bring Identification
Bring your state ID, Green card, passport card or driver’s license if you’re traveling domestically and a passport book if you’re traveling internationally. It’s pretty much a one-off situation, but it is possible to get arrested for not having identification; you can keep your passport in a hotel safe and walk with your regular ID when you get there.
Have a Place to Stay
Services like Hotel Tonight exist, but it’s always best to know where you’re staying before going on vacation. While in Athens my cousin and I stayed at the Athens Atrium Hotel about a 10-minute drive from the city center. When picking lodging areas, see what amenities are offered for bed and breakfasts, vacation rentals, hostels or hotels to make sure it fits your budget and lifestyle. You should also research the neighborhood to make sure it’s safe.
Arrange for Transportation
No matter what, you should always make sure to know how you’re getting around. We used a round trip cab service for airport transfers and got around the city via Uber. If you’re visiting friends or family, communicate times for transportation pickups or drop-offs so you’re in and out without any issues.
Plan Activities
What’s the sense of going on vacation when you’re sitting around doing nothing? Check to see what activities are offered via the city’s tourism board or sites like Trip Advisor or Viator. For both sites, you are able to view previous traveler’s reviews. One thing I love about both services is they give sample itineraries no matter the length of stay. Trip Advisor also gives options for free and paid “things to do”, hotel and restaurant suggestions.
What are some other things to do before vacation?
