5 Things to do before you call your Travel Professional

You want to go on a vacation!
Great!
But, before you call your travel professional there are a few things you should do to make the process a bit easier.

1- Pick your date range.  
While it is important to be flexible, it is just as important to have an idea of when you want to travel.  If you really have no idea - then how about picking a month or season.   Letting me know you are flexible but was thinking about an early Spring trip will give me a place to start.  If you know you can't get off work until say... after tax season...let me know.  If you have to go during kid's school break, then give me the dates.

2-Pick your destination area.
Again, being flexible will help, but we need to know where to start looking. If all you are sure about is "Someplace warm!", well that is a good place to start!

3-Choose a budget.
This is a biggie.  Some people have no idea how expensive a vacation can be.  While there are cost savings and deals available, remember the old saying. "You get what you pay for."  This is very true with vacations.  Start with a realistic budget, but don't get upset if it isn't enough.  
And be truthful with your travel professional.  If your budget is $3000, and you tell me it is only $2000 (expecting me to 'pad' it and upsell) you might be missing out on a great value.  I would not even look at that perfect vacation that is $3200.  The one that matches every single wish on your list.  Remember this is YOUR vacation.  The more information you arm me with, the better chance I have of getting you exactly what you want!

4- Check your passports.  
If you are stepping your foot off US soil, you NEED a passport.  While it is true you can cruise on a "closed loop" cruise without one, I do not recommend it.
Don't have one?  Remember to allow 6-8 weeks for it to be delivered.  Of course, they do have expedited processing and delivery - at a premium price.
Now that you are looking at it...notice your expiration date.  Remember more and more countries require your passport to be valid for 6 months AFTER your return date.

5-Decide on the purpose of the trip.
Relax? Sit on a tropical island?  Family time?  Golfing? Snorkeling? Checking off an item on your bucket list?
This is where all the other items start to come together.  
Let's say you want to go 'now'; someplace warm; less than $1000 per person; and the purpose is to relax, enjoy the warmth, and reconnect with your family; and you have your passports in hand.  I might suggest a quick cruise or an all inclusive on an island in the Bahamas.  

Of course, this just gives me a starting point.  I'll ask tons of questions to narrow it down to what you really want!

And the above picture?  Was taken from a bus zooming along the road in Nassau.  In the middle of December.  Where it was in the low 80's....