Vacation Planning Checklist
Thinking about getting out of town? These steps―and sites―will help you plan your trip.
Transportation
-
Book a flight, if necessary.
Find the best deals by checking out sites such as airfarewatchdog.com.
-
Plot your route, if driving.
Visit sites like mapquest.com, randmcnally.com, and aaa.com for directions from Point A to Point B.
-
Get your car serviced, if driving.
Fill up the tank, inflate your tires, and check the oil.
-
Check your flight status.
Before you leave for the airport, go to flightstats.com for up-to-date arrival and departure information at most major airports (along with estimated wait times for security lines).
Accommodations
-
Reserve a hotel room.
Such sites as orbitz.com and hotels.com have many options, but some chains (Hyatt and Starwood, among them) offer the lowest fares by booking through their websites.
-
Or book a B&B or inn.
Check bedandbreakfast.com or iloveinns.com for information on rooms and rates.
-
Or find a house rental.
Research international and domestic rental properties on rentalo.com and vrbo.com.
-
Or locate a home exchange.
Choose a destination, then swap your abode with like-minded folks you’ll find listed on homeexchange.com or intervacusa.com.
Activities
-
Search recommendations of restaurants and services.
Locals write about major cities on yelp.com and gridskipper.com.
