Resolved to Travel in the New Year? Four Tips to Make It Happen

Some of us vow to be healthier as a New Year’s resolution, or aim to spend more time with loved ones. Some want to be more social, while others commit to quitting a bad habit. These all take work and commitment. For those of us that want a new year with travel to sandy beaches or adventurous destinations, it would seem to be easy enough to follow through. But we get busy in life and procrastinate because it takes time and research. Like any other goal in life, there needs to be a plan on how to make it happen. For me, I start with a few simple tools that include maps, a calendar and an idea of what the travel budget is for the year. I usually have a good idea of places I want to visit. I tend to focus (daydream) on tropical destinations that offer adventurous activities. If you find yourself having one of these daydream moments, stop what you are supposed to be focused on and start planning the getaway! 1. Jump onto Google maps and feed the dream. Zoom all the way out so you have a view of the world. Then click around until a region catches your attention. As you travel the world of Google maps, you will find great pics and the street view app. The Google street camera has been everywhere. You can see topography; find bicycle or hiking trails as well as hotels and restaurants. As you explore, write down a few places that are on your bucket list. Include a mixture of destinations that are a short drive from home as well as ones that are more distant. Some of them may be unattainable or out of reach this year due to other commitments, financial reasons or the lack of time off from work. (It has always amazed me how Europeans are able to take so much time off from work in order to enjoy life and see the world.) Some of your options could be as simple as taking time to drive and explore what is in your immediate vicinity. I often encourage clients to step outside of their comfort zone while doing this! 2. Once you have an updated bucket list, grab the calendar and start picking potential dates for a few trips. Which destination is best for you during what part of the year (while factoring in school and work vacation schedules)? When do you have the most time and what places are highest on the list? If you are able to travel during “nonpeak” times, you will find the best deals and smaller crowds. If you have to work around school schedules, then it’s best to make reservations 6-12 months ahead. 3. Budget: what can you afford? It could be 1 or 2 big trips or maybe just some local getaways. If you can’t afford the “dream vacation” this year, don’t let go of that dream. Plan it for the following year, but be sure to budget the time and finances in advance. Make the commitment and find room in your budget. You don’t have to sacrifice quality of life in order to get it done. I know people that save pocket change in a 5-gallon water container to put towards travel. That change might include deposits from all cans and bottles that were collected by the family over the course of a year. It all adds up and can impact the future travel experience as well as the satisfaction that everyone in the family contributed to saving. 4. Contact a professional travel planner that is aware of specials as well as the best time to travel. A good agent will take care of the details and give great advice. I enjoy assisting others in the research, planning and booking process. It gives me a vicarious satisfaction to go through this process even if it is for someone else. Most clients don’t realize that travel planners get the same deals that are on the Internet and typically can save them money as well as time. Some suggestions of where you can get great value: Mexico. Flights are frequent and easy from where we live. There are resorts for all budgets and pricing is super competitive. Punta Cana. The Dominican Republic, in recent years has gained popularity. Beaches are pristine and it is also offers a variety of all-inclusive resorts. Costa Rica. This is my personal favorite and I have been there 5 times. The locals are amazing. They absolutely love to share the beauty of their country. It can be as adventurous as you want it to be. The rain forests feature ample wildlife including monkeys, toucans and sloths. The waterfalls are breathtaking and are a great place to swim, and there are 14 known volcanos in this country. Other great values can be found in Belize, Panama, and Jamaica, as well as parts of Asia, Europe, South America, Africa and of course the USA. Tony Mariotti is a travel planner and Cruise Planners franchise owner in Saratoga Springs. 518-250-1111 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..