Have you ever stopped and thought about how stressful planning a vacation can be and that funny enough, the ultimate goal of the vacation is to get away from it all and actually relax? After dealing with travel agents, airline price fluctuations, accommodation communication and coordinating time off work, it can seem ironic that a vacation that is meant to clear our minds can be preceded by so much hassle!

So, if you are currently planning a vacation somewhere or are maybe even looking to book a Roatan house rental, here are some tips to make sure that the planning stages won’t be fraught with anxiety. Afterall, planning a relaxing vacation should be fun!

Transportation

With the wonders of the internet, it’s now very easy to book your own flights online – no travel agent necessary.  That said, for those who aren’t very comfortable online or have trouble navigating websites under the pressure of a large monetary output, you may find it easier to let a travel agent take care of your transportation arrangements.  If, however, you are going to do it yourself, take your time and carefully fill in the required information.  Simple mistakes such as misspelling a name, getting a birth date wrong or missing a number from your passport can cause problems when it’s time to fly.  Make sure you pay careful attention to the details.

Accommodation

With so many online sites available to book accommodation nowadays, it may seem overwhelming when deciding where to begin.  Simply pick a website to work with until you get an idea of the prices and types of places available.  Once you’re close to choosing a place you can then check a few other sites to see if you can find a lower price or extra amenities.  Review sites can also give you an idea of what previous travelers thought of the accommodations. Also, with private vacation homes, it is worth contacting the owner directly to inquire if they may be able to provide a lower rate than what is advertised.

Documents and Visas

The fact is you’ll need a passport if you’re traveling outside your country of residence.  Make sure there’s a minimum of six months remaining before your passport expires.  Many countries won’t allow entry with a passport that’s due to expire.  Also research if the country you’re visiting requires you to apply for a visa before traveling.  Many countries, such as Honduras, simply grant you a visa when you arrive, but others require an advance application.

Money

You should find out the local currency of the country you’re traveling to and possibly exchange some money before you go.  Exchange rates in airports and hotels tend to deviate widely from the actual going rate while other businesses may not even have the facilities to exchange foreign currency.  For example, although your Roatan house rental will likely be paid for in US dollars, you will generally get a better rate using the local currency when shopping and eating out.

Packing

Although many items are easy to pick up once your arrive, like sunscreen, bug repellent and pain relievers, these may end up costing much more than if you purchased at home.  If you have the space, better to pack these items – that way you don’t need to waste any time trying to locate them and you can use the empty space in your suitcase on the way home to bring back some special souvenirs, like local Roatan coffee or honey.