Lesson 2: Restriction Questions
No doubt you have a few basic boundaries or restrictions for you next trip. We all do. These restrictions may include adhering to a budget or a time schedule; attending specific events; or planning activities with consideration for other participants. These restrictions create the framework that your trip will fit. It is important to remember that this framework bounds but does not completely control your holiday.
Nonetheless, the first step to good travel planning is to define your basic restriction framework. In this lesson you will learn the questions to ask to define your restrictions. You will also learn to organize this information into a useful framework.
Finances
Of all of the Restrictions, Money is perhaps the most significant barrier when planning a vacation. Let’s face it, few of us can book the vacation of our dreams and then look at the costs later. Most of us have some sort of vacation budget.
I am not saying that you can’t have a great vacation unless you have a hundred thousands dollars to spend. Great vacations don’t necessarily have to cost a lot. In fact, some of my most significant trips started with gas money and a bag lunch. Furthermore, with a few hints and a little research, many amazing deals can be discovered.
Take a piece of paper and write the title “Finances”. I have also posted a Restriction Questions Form in the Exercise section of this lesson. Feel free to print out a copy of this form for your own use.
If you have a specific budget write down this dollar amount. If you have an approximate budget write down the approximate range. Try to keep this estimate quite conservative. It is always better to have a few extra dollars in your pocket at the end of a trip rather than have a calamitous shock when taxes or taxis cost more than you budgeted.
When creating a travel budget, keep in mind that travel expenses go beyond accommodations, food, transportation, and activities. Other expenses may include travel documents (such as passports and visas), travel insurance, medical expenses (including everything from medical insurance, immunizations, prescriptions, and medical care), taxes, and ATM charges, as well as lost or forgotten items.
Also note that just because a holiday package advertises “All Inclusive” doesn’t mean you won’t have to pay extra on your trip. Often drinks, between meal snacks, and entertainment are not part of an All Inclusive deal.
Likewise, the admittance fee into an Amusement Park generally gets you past the park gates. Rides, entertainment, and refreshments (usually at twice the normal cost) are extra.
