Dream Vacation Countdown!
We know that sounds cliche, but heck, isn't that what we all are hoping for, that the trip we are planning will be the fulfillment of some sort of a dream! Honestly!
Have you ever wondered from whence the term "Dream Vacation" came from? Here's my take on it. Vacations truly are something we dream about, wish for, plan for, save for, etc. But what is so interesting is that it may only last for a week, or 10 days, or occasionally a little longer. In my experience, all of the planning, dreaming, and then talking about it afterwards are what makes travel so exciting! It's not just the length of the trip. It's the before, the after and the changed person that emerges from the experience. With so much invested and so much at stake, attention to detail in the preparation is sumo importante!
So here's our Dream Vacation Countdown checklist along with a few explanations. We've started from the 3 months out point. Of course you could start earlier or even pull things together at the last minute, but this seems to be the ideal time frame to start getting serious about a European Vacation!
As soon as possible-but no less than 3 months out
We know that sounds cliche, but heck, isn't that what we all are hoping for, that the trip we are planning will be the fulfillment of some sort of a dream! Honestly!
Have you ever wondered from whence the term "Dream Vacation" came from? Here's my take on it. Vacations truly are something we dream about, wish for, plan for, save for, etc. But what is so interesting is that it may only last for a week, or 10 days, or occasionally a little longer. In my experience, all of the planning, dreaming, and then talking about it afterwards are what makes travel so exciting! It's not just the length of the trip. It's the before, the after and the changed person that emerges from the experience. With so much invested and so much at stake, attention to detail in the preparation is sumo importante!
So here's our Dream Vacation Countdown checklist along with a few explanations. We've started from the 3 months out point. Of course you could start earlier or even pull things together at the last minute, but this seems to be the ideal time frame to start getting serious about a European Vacation!
As soon as possible-but no less than 3 months out
- Purchase Getaway Package. We suggest you do this as early as possible due to early bird specials and your opportunity to get the best airfares.
- Apply for your Passport if you do not have one or if it will expire in less than 6 months: If you have recently changed your last name (or any name for that matter) you will need to (1) change your name on your driver's license (2) apply for your passport with your new name. This would all need to be done prior to purchasing your airline tickets because your name needs to match on all three items...(license, passport, airline ticket). If your passport will expire within 6 months of your getaway you will also need to renew. Please check www.travel.state.gov for details on other reasons you many need to get a new passport as well as current lead times. Doing this now as opposed to waiting will save you both anxiety and MONEY. It is possible to expedite a passport but it certainly is not free!
- Start checking airfares and then purchase when you feel it is the best time. Note: Airfares should only be purchased after you have received notice from us that your spot on the Getaway has been reserved. Also, since it will be a trans-atlantic flight you must depart the US the day before the first day of the getaway. So for example, if your tour dates are October 15-23 your departure date would be October 14th and the return date would be October 23rd. Most of our getaways start around 3pm so it would be important that you arrive at your destination city no later than 1pm to allow time for airport to city center transport, catching a bite to eat, settling in, etc.
- Research Travel Insurance. For details on options, click on the button below!
Two Months Out
- Continue observing airline rates. Consider purchasing if you have not done so yet.
- Purchase appropriate luggage: We suggest 1 carry-on that will fit in the overhead bin. Check with your airline for measurements. and (1) small personal item such as a backpack or purse that you will use during the tour. More details will be sent with the packing list.
- Submit flight plans to Lori Ann's World Tour's, llc.
- Consider a language learning program for the country you will be visiting. I have two FAVORITES for doing this. First go to www.duolingo.com. This is a listen, speak, and write website where you can learn for free! For conversing skills try out Pimsleur Language Program. This CD series can often be checked out from your local library free of charge. Second hand book stores such as Half-Price Books also have a good selection of language learning materials if you want to invest a little money. Of course you could survive without attempting a foreign language...but what fun is that?! Learning the language will provide you with a richer experience and leave you with a more profound understanding of the country you are in.
- Check out your shoe situation. I like to bring 2 pairs of comfortable shoes with a good sole that will buffer uneven walking surfaces. Some people are okay with just one pair. By the way, if you are not used to climbing stairs or walking 3-7 miles a day, starting an exercise program at this point would be a great way to break in those shoes!
One Month Out
- Decide on your camera and make sure you know how to use it. You might be saying...DUH! But on a personal note, I have really lousy pictures from more than one trip because I purchased a new camera and didn't know how to use it! Hopefully you will have a better experience!
- Decide on how you are going to communicate with friends and loved ones at home. Check with your carrier to see if you need to make adjustments to call from abroad. Also, be aware of any extra charges.
- Plan your wardrobe and make any necessary purchases. We will give you information on expected weather conditions so you can plan accordingly. (See packing list for details)
- Call your credit card company and debit card company and let them know the dates of your upcoming travel. Without doing this, most card companies will suspect fraud and block all foreign purchases. I like to bring one debit card and two credit cards so I have a backup. I usually call again the following week again just to make sure it is on the record!
- Go to bank and order 200 euros. This can also be done earlier, but not much later. Depending on your bank it could take anywhere from a two days to over a week for your bank to complete this transaction. Bank branches typically do not have foreign currency in their vaults and have to order it. To know what the exchange rate is for Us dollars to euros go to www.xe.com. Please note when you purchase your euros you will be charged foreign exchange fees.
- Pull out $200 US dollars. Here's why: Occasionally there will be delayed flights or glitches in the use of your credit or debit card (heaven forbid that banks ever make a mistake on your travel dates!) If you have $200 cold hard American cash and 200 euros you will be covered in the US and in Europe until things are resolved.
- Make a copy of the identification pages of your passport. If your passport should get lost or stolen, having a copy stored in a different location can make all the difference in the world.
- Start packing it up! Woot! Woot! We are almost there.
One Week Out
Make arrangements for getting to and from the airport. Please note that most US airports require you to be at the airport THREE hours in advance if you are flying internationally. Also, this is a good time to double check your departure time. Full disclosure in my early 20's I missed a flight because I didn't do this--ouch!
Night Before & First thing next morning---avoid any showstoppers!
The night before I pack my passport, credit card, and license and don't touch them again until I am at the airport. While it is not essential, checking in the night before is helpful too.
First thing in the morning-I suggest you pack your cell phone charger and laptop or tablet charger if you are taking one.
We assume you will take a shower + get dressed too (we hope anyway:/) But if you don't they are not showstoppers.
Hope this helps! Once you sign-up we'll send you the details for the specifics of your tour and what to do upon arrival. Until then--happy travel dreams!
Make arrangements for getting to and from the airport. Please note that most US airports require you to be at the airport THREE hours in advance if you are flying internationally. Also, this is a good time to double check your departure time. Full disclosure in my early 20's I missed a flight because I didn't do this--ouch!
Night Before & First thing next morning---avoid any showstoppers!
The night before I pack my passport, credit card, and license and don't touch them again until I am at the airport. While it is not essential, checking in the night before is helpful too.
First thing in the morning-I suggest you pack your cell phone charger and laptop or tablet charger if you are taking one.
We assume you will take a shower + get dressed too (we hope anyway:/) But if you don't they are not showstoppers.
Hope this helps! Once you sign-up we'll send you the details for the specifics of your tour and what to do upon arrival. Until then--happy travel dreams!