10 Questions to Ask Yourself When Planning a Vacation

Do you want to go on vacation? Vacationing is a great way to relax and have some fun! But before you can do that, you have to figure out exactly where you want to go and what you want to do when you get there. There’s actually a lot to consider before going on vacation, especially if you don’t have a lot of experience with traveling! To help you make all those decisions, use these 10 Questions to Ask Yourself When Planning a Vacation!

10 Questions to Ask Yourself When Planning a Vacation

1. Why do I want to go on this vacation?

The number one question you should ask yourself is why you want this vacation in the first place? Just going somewhere because you want to be able to add your fun vacation photos to Facebook and Instagram to get some attention isn’t a good reason. But going somewhere because you want to unwind, or want to experience a new culture, or want to try a fun activity are all valid reasons.

2. What environment would I like to be in- big city, small town, beach, forest, etc.?

The environment can make or break a vacation. Would you be okay with a hotel in the middle of a busy city? If you want to experience the nightlife, that could be fun. How about in the forest? If you hate bugs, that could be a nightmare.

3. Which do I want most- to relax or to be active?

This is one of the most important questions to ask yourself when planning a vacation! If all you want to do is unwind in the sun or in a hotel, you’ll want to look at places geared toward that relaxed kind of experience. But if you want to hike, go canoeing, ride horses, go bungee jumping, etc. you’ll want to find a vacation destination with more of an active approach to vacationing.

4. How do I want to travel to my vacation destination?

If you’re afraid of flying, that will affect your vacation choices. Similarly, not everyone is up to taking a long road trip, going on a train, or traveling by boat.

5. When I’m on vacation, how would I like to get around?

How you get around during your vacation is another important aspect to consider. Will you drive around? Will you be able to rent a golf cart to get around? Will you just walk? Will you need to take a boat or ferry?

6. What’s the maximum I would want to spend?

Your travel budget is important! If you’re not planning to go on an all-inclusive vacation, make sure to account for all the different fees and expenses that could occur during your trip. You wouldn’t want to come home broke!

7. Am I okay with not knowing the local language?

Some vacationers are fine with not knowing what anyone outside of the resort is saying. Other people feel more uncomfortable about having to use a language book to make basic requests. If you don’t know the language of wherever you’re going, will you be okay not knowing it? If you choose to learn the language, do you have enough time?

8. Will I be alone or with my spouse, friends, kids, pets, etc?

If you’re planning a vacation with companions, that can change a lot of things. Some resorts don’t allow kids or pets. And if you do bring kids and/or pets, will you be able to keep them entertained where you’re going? If you’re going with a group of friends, will you all be staying in one cottage, a block of rooms, or even trying to all fit in one single room?

9. What’s the longest I’d like to be on this vacation?

How long can you be away before you need to get back home? And equally important, how long are you comfortable being away before you’ll feel homesick? Some people are fine with leaving their home for weeks, while others (especially those who don’t travel often) miss familiar surroundings within a few days.

10. What will I eat?

This may seem like a minor concern, but nothing is really minor when you’re planning a vacation! If you require a special diet (gluten free, vegetarian, vegan, low fat, etc.) will wherever you’re going be able to accommodate you? Or will you have to cook your own food? In that case, will a grocery store be close enough to where you’re staying, or will you have to bring a big cooler? This is really important, because it’d be horrible for your vacation to be ruined by digestive issues!

What makes planning a vacation easier for you?