Planning that “Trip of a Lifetime” by Marcela Marenco

Happy New Year, GTW!
As the New Year begins, I’ll tell you my secret to make the leap from the dream vacation or get-away ”wish”, to a concrete event. The key is simple: A calendar!
I found out that my travel ideas stayed as such if I kept “wishing” or “wanting” to go…. And they became a reality as soon as I started “plotting” every trip in my calendar. So, how do I do it?
First, write down all the important events you need to attend (e.g. family gatherings, birthdays, kids’ activities, work events, etc.) for the coming year. In this way, you can completely focus on your trip without having to switch dates back and forth. Plus, if something else comes up, you know it is probably not extremely important, so you can keep your focus on making your trip a reality.
Find a time of year that is suitable depending on your destination. If you are going to hike the Grand Canyon, maybe you want to choose the cooler weather, but not freezing weather! If you are going to Egypt, probably the summer months will be too hot to enjoy the bazaar or the pyramids. Think about what you want to do and plan accordingly. If time is not an issue, check hotel rates and airfares (if needed) to see if there is a big difference between seasons. Sometimes one week might have a great price in a particular month. Who doesn’t want to save (to shop later) if given the opportunity? To make your dream trip even more real, make your reservations as soon as you have set the date! This has some advantages. One, you can make your financial plans with real numbers (not what you think it might cost); also, you can start saving or paying in advance, so when the time comes you are better prepared. Plus, airline tickets offer great deals if you buy in advance –if your plan requires them. In addition, pay attention to cancellation policies just in case some real obstacle interferes with your trip. Don’t purchase tickets that you cannot change!
By writing down your destination and the reservation numbers on your calendar, you will already feel that your trip “wish” has moved to a more tangible level. This will give you a sense of accomplishment that is hard to beat. So, if you have always wanted to see the sunflowers in Provence or the White Cliffs of Dover, set it up. Make it real! And while you’re there, send us a postcard! Bon Voyage!! Marcela