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Vacations - European Travel Planning

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Europe has always been a popular travel destination. Whetheryou're a seasoned traveler or planning your first trip, thereare several important things to keep in mind before calling yourtravel agent and booking your next vacation: 1. Time of year: While "Paris in the Springtime" sounds veryromantic, the truth is that you're liable to spend many daysindoors, because the weather can be cold and rainy. On the otherhand, the French Riviera in the springtime boasts warmtemperatures, sunshine and beautiful places to visit. If you'renot sure of weather patterns, check with your travel agent whocan advise you on rainy seasons or other weather-related issuesfor traveling to a specific spot. 2. Your Budget: Decide how much you've got to spend, and don'tforget to include extras like tourist attractions, gettingaround, souvenirs and meals (which are typically more expensivein Europe than in the states -- dinner can cost upwards of 50Euros per person, especially in metropolitan cities). If yourbudget is smaller, consider visiting Eastern Europe, looking forpackaged tours, or, if you're flexible, book a "last-minute"trip, which can often save you 30% or more. Check out thecurrent exchange rate between your currency and that of thecountry you'll be visiting, to have a better idea of what yourvacation is going to actually cost you. Whenever possible,travel during an off-peak season to save even more. 3. Your secret dreams or "someday" wishes: For most of us,taking a vacation is something we get to do only once a year,and often plan and save the whole year for. So if you havealways wanted to visit somewhere or do something special -- whywait? Include it in your next vacation plans. 4. Political Climate: While most countries that rely on tourismmake every effort to ensure the safety of tourists, these daysit's always a good idea to keep up on the current politicalclimate of the country you're planning to visit, especially ifthere have been problems in the past. 5. Your own "internal clock": If you prefer sleeping in in themornings, and "doing your own thing" then a guided tour isprobably not for you. Most guided tours start early in themorning, and you're on the go until evening. You may visitseveral cities in a country or countries within a specifiedamount of time, and you're required to stay with the group. On the other hand, if you don't like traveling alone, you enjoythe companionship of others and getting to see as much aspossible in the time you've got, a guided tour or cruise may bejust the thing for you. 6. How you like to spend your time: Take a little time to thinkabout what you like doing before planning your


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trip. Do youprefer the water, or the mountains? Lying on the beach, orrock-climbing? Adrenaline rushes or visiting an art museum? While going outside your comfort zone and trying new things canbe a great experience, spending your time doing something thatbores you silly or makes you uncomfortable and unhappy justdoesn't make sense. Once you know what you want to do, figureout what you'll have time to do. Many times, in an effort to getthe "most bang for our buck" we tend to over plan the vacation,and end up needing a vacation from the vacation when we gethome! Prioritize your list, and be willing to save someactivities or attractions for another trip. 7. Use the resources that are available to make your tripspecial and save money: Today's travelers have numerous optionswhen planning their vacation. You can use the Internet to findout more about the cities or countries you want to visit, checkout prices, even book your flight or hotel room. If you'revisiting a place for the first time, check with a travel agent,talk to someone who's "been there, done that" on an InternetForum, or contact local chambers or commerce or travel councilsto get more information about where to go, what to see and whatto do. 8. Get organized: You can use trip-planning software, or yourown favorite organizing system to organize and plan your trip.Don't forget things like making sure your passport and pictureID are up-to-date, finding out if travel insurance is somethingyou need, and how and where to exchange your money. The moreorganized you are in the beginning, the better vacation you'llhave. 9. Pack lightly: Most of us take too much on a vacation, and endup lugging heavy suitcases and other bags along filled withitems that we either don't use or don't need. When planning yourtrip, look at your wardrobe and pack as lightly as you can. Takeonly what you'll really need, and remember that if you forget orend up needing something, chances are you can get it once youreach your destination. 10. Have fun! Get organized, make your plans and expect thebest. That way, once you're on your way, you'll be able to relaxand enjoy yourself. But remember, there are very few "perfect"vacations, so if something does go wrong, try to relax and "gowith the flow" as much as possible. Experienced travelers saythat sometimes their best vacations have been the ones where theunexpected happened. About the author: Jay is the web owner of http://www.Rental-Cars-In.com Rental Cars , a websitethat provides information and resources on rental cars,vacations, airfare, hotels, and travel. You can visit hiswebsite at: http://www.hotels-in.net Discount Hotels

Written by: Jay Bauder

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