by Marcy Burlock

Created on: May 22, 2009

So this is your first trip overseas? The Caribbean? Or maybe even just across country? Perhaps you don't travel that often and worry about those little details that can seem incredibly overwhelming. Well just relax and take heed of a few simple tips that can help you make your vacation the enjoyable fun time it should be.

Before hitting the road, you first have to decide what type of vacation are you planning on doing? If it's a road trip, you will need to make sure your car is in good repair, taking it to the shop for a check up might be a good idea, especially if you haven't for some time. Make sure the night before the car is gassed up and all necessary maps, GPS, spare tire and all other important checks have been made.

Packing the car the night before a road trip is a good idea as it saves time and stress wondering if your timetable is going to be kept. Long distance trips can be hard enough as it is, especially with kids, so make sure all appropriate toys, drinks and snacks are loaded into the interior of the car instead of the trunk for easy access. The kids will be entertained for awhile and you won't have to keep stopping if they are thirsty or hungry.

Before you even start out on your journey you will have to decide where you are going? Do you wish to plan out your entire trip on your own, or do you prefer to take a package deal? Each have their own advantages and drawbacks and you must decide which appeals more to you.

Using a Travel Agent to book your trip is usually a good idea, especially if it's your first trip to Europe or a longer distance than your cottage. There are plenty of online resources you can use as well, but bear in mind, the prices the sites quote are not what you will end up paying. There are airport taxes, customs fees and just plain sales taxes heaped upon those very low airline fares and hotel stays.A Travel Agent can slough through the mess of taxes and conversion rates to get you the best prices they possibly can.

Which brings me back to a package deal or plan it on your own. A package deal is usually an all inclusive plan, yes including Airfare, Hotel, car rental and sometimes food vouchers and passes to amusement parks and the like. It's great for families and first time travellers or those who wish for their holiday to be already planned.

If you decide to plan it yourself a travel agent is also a good idea, but you can book some hotels online, same with airlines and car rentals. In the end it may end up costing you

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