WHY IT RATES: Check out these helpful tips for planning your next vacation- Eric Bowman, TravelPulse Senior Editor
The latest available research by the U.S. Travel Association shows that Americans log about 1.7 billiontrips for leisure purposes every year*.
In the spirit of National Plan Your Vacation Day on January 31, Mark Travel - one of the country's largest leisure vacation companies - is sharing 5 useful tips for exactly that: planning your next getaway.
? Consult a Travel Agent
Travel agents aren't a dying breed. In fact, their expertise will make planning your trip a convenient and easy experience. And, believe it or not, travel agents actually save consumers an average of $452 per trip and four(!) hours in travel planning, according to American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA).
? Decide on a Budget
Planning how much money you and your family are willing to spend before you ever step foot on a plane can help make trips a lot more stress-free. Pre-established budgets let you focus on fun instead of your wallet.
? Consider Preferences, Not Location
Rather than being dead-set on a specific destination, explore travel options by activity, theme and culinary preferences - especially if you're traveling in groups. Who knows, you may end up somewhere new, surprising and unusual!
? Plan Ahead
It may seem like a lot of legwork, but planning your in-destination trips, excursions and activities ahead of time will relieve the stress of doing it remotely from the beach. Plus, you can pre-vet them for quality, and that's just yet another thing your local travel agent can help you with.
? Bring Your Sense of Humor
Things happen unexpectedly - especially in travel. Remember to stay true the spirit of a vacation and remain positive, light-hearted from start to finish. (And don't forget to buy travel protection for when the unexpected does happen!)
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