As a newly married couple it was important to know costs for a specific trip. As our family grew the desire to travel never wained. Trip planning was a must for us to be able to budget. I began planning at least a year before a big trip. It has included family opportunities sometimes including pets. My wife needs plan A thru E as options and alternatives. Whether it was a timeshare, hotel, or RV, planning for costs helps prepare.
This started as lists on a notepad with options and costs looked up in travel books. As computers became popular the list migrated to a computer word-processing file. Somewhere along the way it became a spreadsheet with tabs as it remains currently. Travel books gave way to magazines and finally internet searches and online reservations and discounts. It is important to list mileage and hours in the spreadsheet for adjustments.
Attractions have included animals like at zoos and aquariums. There are also zoos in Amish communities often consisting of cart rides through fields of animals. Local shows are always fun to check out. One of my favorite venues to research is monuments and historical places. I found amusements parks, but discovered that all of the kids were turned off by the lines which accompanied these visits. Sometimes a trip with the kids in the car would start with “Not again” but often ended with a discussion of discoveries which is what I strive for in my planning.
My wife started creating accompanying meal ideas and shopping lists for our arrival. Today my wife creates an accompanying meal plan for stocking the travel trailer before we leave. See her planning post here.Planning to Travel . For multi-week trips there is an additional shopping list created for a stop along the way. We look for opportunities to experience local food as well.
Trip Planning makes Enjoyable Trip
Trips have been planned with the idea that this might be the only opportunity to visit the area. At the same time there should be down time for rest in the plan. Therefore, trip planning efforts always help to make a more relaxing and enjoyable trip.
Do you plan for your trips? We would love to see some of your tips. Please share with us in the comments.
Leave a Reply