Month by Month Holiday Planning Timeline

Planning your holiday takes time, from your honeymoon, getaway or annual vacation, the overall planning needs to have everything taken into consideration to make sure no part of the planning is left out.

Below is a checklist of things to do before your intended date of travel.

9       Months to 1 Year Before                 

• Have a vision of how you want your vacation to be. If it’s the honeymoon planning; as the groom do you want it to be a surprise? Or are you planning the honeymoon together with your fiancee? If it’s the family holiday consider the same are you planning the holiday as a surprise for your family and what would you enjoy doing together?
• The time of year is important because it helps you know what to expect during your holiday and also plan an effective budget and take advantage of the offers available
• Pick your holiday destination based on the best weather for your month of travel
• Determine a budget.
• Research your chosen destination.
• Check travel-warning sites about your destination
• Find a travel agent who specializes in your destination or holiday type, or do the research yourself. Ask friends for insights

6 Months to 9 Months Before

• Book airline reservations, considering if you are travelling out of the country.
• Time schedules.
• Food specifications.
• Seat assignment.
• Check luggage allowance
•   Buy travel insurance
• Reserve a rental car, bus or train tickets.
• Keep all reservation confirmations and information organized.
• Find out whether the destination of travel needs vaccinations or medical clearances.
• Book resort, hotel or cruise:

                          Choose type of room and specify for preferred view, floor or location.

• Amenities preferred in-room.
• Specify that this is your honeymoon for added bonuses
• Make plans for transfers to and from your place of accommodation.

3 Months to 6 Months Before         

·       Apply for your passport, children’s passports and travel documents or renew them if travelling internationally.

·       Confirm the name on your tickets and passport match.

·       Research requirements for travel visas and apply for a visa if necessary.

·       Make an appointment with your doctor for any vaccinations, testing or prescriptions needed.

·       Book excursions, shows or special dinners.

·       Buy luggage. Or ask someone to borrow some pieces.

·       Ask around to borrow any specialty clothing or equipment.

1 Month Before

• Confirm travel reservations including hotel, air and excursions.
• Make reservations for any honeymoon beauty treatments.
• Check bank accounts and credit cards for ample funds
• Find out what adaptors or voltage converters are needed for your location to prevent ruining your equipment.

1 Week Before

• Begin packing, Pick up any clothing, equipment or luggage that you’re borrowing.
• Confirm travel reservations and flight schedules.
• Arrange for the transportation of your bags to your wedding night suite or other location from where you’re departing.
• Exchange money to foreign currency if travelling abroad
• Pick up all tickets or reservations from travel agent.
• Check weather reports for destination.

3 Days Before

• Label your luggage and place resort information inside bag in case your bag is lost.
• Confirm transportation for coming home from the airport.

Day of Departure

• Confirm flight schedules.
• Make sure all passports, visas, money, Ids and paperwork are easily accessible and secure in carry-on bag.
• Arrive at the airport early

Happy traveling :-)