The Vacation Day

You may be all set to soak in the sun on a vacation. But don’t get carried away with the excitement so much that you forget to plan properly. Here are some ingredients to keep in mind:

First, ensure that your rooms at the resort are booked well in advance. Most of the best vacation resorts are fully booked way ahead of time, and having your reservations in place will ensure you have a roof over your head. In fact, some of the best destinations are booked months in advance, so do your planning early. Also remember that you just might get better rates on your hotel by booking and paying in advance.

Second, make sure your money is in a safe place. Instead of carrying cash, use traveler’s checks. In case traveler’s checks are lost or stolen they can be easily replaced. Or, better still, use a credit card. Most resorts accept major bank cards. You’ll also have a record of your purchases and can dispute any inaccurate claims. If your card is lost or stolen, it can also be easily and quickly replaced and you won’t be held responsible for fraudulent purchases made with it. Nothing can ruin a fantastic holiday faster than having your cash lost or stolen with no way to replace it, so don’t ever take that chance. Use credit cards or traveler’s checks to be safe.

Third, ensure that the kids are taken care of. In case your children are traveling with you, verify that the resort has adequate play areas and better still, a daycare service so that you’ll really have a relaxing vacation without chasing the kids through the sand all day. Many resorts have activity directors to organize children’s events, and the kids will undoubtedly have a great time.

Next, find out what the nightlife is like. If you and your significant other would love to dance the night away, fantastic! Just make sure that the location you choose has a reputation for great nightlife. Warm vacation spots that boast good nightclubs include Key West – the favorite of Ernest Hemmingway; Miami the home of Gloria Estefan; Honolulu, Los Angeles, San Diego, and if you don’t love the beach too much, Las Vegas has the most exciting night life on the planet. And don’t forget to take along some cab fare. You certainly mustn’t drive when you’ve been drinking.

Next think comedy. Are there reputed comedy clubs in the area? Nothing can beat a good stand up comedian. And if stand up doesn’t suit you, what other entertainment do you prefer. Magicians and musicians are an all time favorite.

Water sports and excitement always go together, and most warm, sunny vacation spots have plenty of both. How about a parasailing or hang gliding expedition? Or Scuba diving, snorkeling, or swimming with the dolphins? If you like the water but don’t like getting wet yourself, check out deep sea fishing if you by the ocean. If you vacation in Florida, remember all the inland lakes and the trophy bass they hold.

The seventh item in our list of necessities is something practical. It’s convenient to vacation in a place where you speak the language of the natives, or they speak English. That makes Jamaica a great pick, as well as Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. Also Bermuda, Tahiti and the Dominican Republic are all set to provide you with a wonderful vacation in paradise.

Number eight is very simple. How difficult is transport in and out of your vacation paradise? Do they have a good airport? Or will you have to drive? Make sure the transportation needs are taken care of well.

Next, number nine, an important thing for the ladies, is shopping. Does the spot you chose for your warm sunny vacation destination have adequate shopping facilities? Nothing can make a woman happier than a chance to shop.

Finally, the top necessity for your warm and sunny destination is that it should be a place you’ve always waited to visit. Whether you’ve always wanted a Florida beach, a California surfing wave, or a tropical island, ensure that your destination is one you’ve been wanted to visit from a long time. And number eleven, as a bonus, is to carry the video camcorder and still photo camera so that you can capture the memories of your vacation and enjoy them for years to come.