Travel Planning

Lesson 2: Restriction Questions

Time

Time is probably the next most significant restriction when planning a vacation. Despite what the book says, traveling the world in 80 days is not very likely. I am not saying that you can’t have a great holiday unless you have six months vacation time. Great trips don’t necessarily have to take a long time. In fact, sometimes less is more, especially if you are visiting your mother-in-law.

The important factor with time is to use the amount of time you have to its fullest extent without frazzling yourself. You’d be amazed at what you can accomplish between business meetings or during well planned rest breaks on a long car trip. Again, with a few hints and a little research, you can use your time fully.

On the same piece of paper as you did the previous exercise write the title “Time”. If you have a specific range of vacation dates write down the dates under this title. If you have an approximate time range, say two weeks, write this range. Also note if the dates or ranges are flexible or not.

Under this title also rate how busy you want your trip. Rate your choice between one and five. How busy do you want your vacation to be? How flexible do you want your schedule? One on this scale means you want an incredibly slow, relaxed, extremely flexible holiday where you do nothing but sleep or tan on the beach. Sounds wonderful doesn’t it? Five on this scale means you want a frantic, activity filled, highly scheduled vacation where almost every spare moment is filled with some sort of activity. Some conventions and business trips require a level five busyness level. Exactly between these two extremes is a level three busyness level. A level three busyness level allows for an almost equal amount of flexible relaxation and scheduled activity. A two on the busyness scale allows ample time between activities with quite a bit of flexibility. This level may be appropriate for those traveling with small children or the elderly. A four on the busyness scale involves a fairly tight active schedule. This level of busyness may be appropriate for those with little time, those traveling with teenage children, or active adults.

It is important to note that, if possible, schedules should always be somewhat flexible. Remember that planes rarely arrive and depart on time. Gas fill ups and rest breaks slow down road trips. Meal times and lengths will vary substantially depending upon if you are eating fast food or at a luxurious restaurant.

It is also of note that if you fly you should try to compensate for jet lag. Jet lag may slow you down substantially for the first couple of days. In this way, the first couple of days after a flight may require a more relaxed, flexible activity schedule.

If you are taking children on your vacation, remember that kids tend to slow you down (except when you really want to take a long close look at that interesting painting or museum exhibit). A preschooler tends to add a third more time to any task. A baby tends to add twice as much time. Also remember that children will require additional time for naps, snacks, and diaper changes.

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