10 Commandments of Vacation Planning

Posted by Susan Russo on March 1, 2016

Time is ‘Marching’ on.

This weekend I spoke with my sister, Dawn. She wanted to discuss our plans for Christmas 2016. She also wanted to nail down a week this summer when we could get together.

Dawn & Darren

As I started scrolling through my calendar I realized that her extremely early requests were not as absurd as I originally thought. Our 2016 calendar is filling up pretty quickly.
Our Spring Break trip to South Carolina is just around the corner. Then there’s Easter in North Carolina. We already have several weekends in June and July spoken for as well as a week camping in August. Renaissance Festival in September? Yup, on the calendar.

My work schedule primarily revolves around a standing weekend commitment. I work every third weekend. It is written in stone. Consequently, when vacation planning I try very hard to utilize the weekends I don’t have to work. Unfortunately, many people plan events that I am obliged to attend without first consulting me as to which weekend would best fit my needs. How rude!

So how do I balance my ever increasing vacation needs with my pesky job obligations? I practice my 10 commandments of vacation planning which I will share with you.

Written in stone
like my weekends.

1. Thou shalt always read the cancellation policy

Seriously, we always look for a liberal cancellation policy. Shit happens. Especially to us.

Read the fine print

2. Thou shalt follow a great deal

Looking for a villa on the Amalfi Coast but find a 2 week trip to China for a fraction of the cost? Be flexible.

Follow the deals

3. Thou shalt always do schedule favors for a coworker when possible
When you absolutely must go somewhere on your work weekend you can try to call in favors.

We’re all in this together

4. Honor thy weekdays
Don’s off all summer. Plan your trip during the week.

Less crowds on weekdays

5. Thou shalt not fear leaving early
Often a better rate is available if you book for a week especially with houses or condos. Come home before you have to drag into work at 6:50 a.m. Saturday.

Go home

6. Thou shalt use work as an excuse when you really don’t want to attend
Your Godchild has an oboe recital 6 states away? Sorry, no can do. I have to work that weekend.

Oh hell no!

7. Honor thy father and thy mother
Always make time to see your family. Even if it’s not convenient.

You’ll wish you’d spent even more time with them.

8. When in doubt ask about . . .
Early check-ins, late check outs, upgrades, amenities, discounts, rewards programs, freebies, extended stays, whatever! You’ll never know unless you ASK. What’s the worst that could happen?

Just ask

9. Thou shalt remember the shoulder season
You can score some great value if you book just before or after “the season” starts. Late March in Europe? Early September at the Outer Banks?