Taking a little road trip a couple hours away, or flying across the globe, preparing for a vacation can be fun and rewarding. For the free spirit or extreme procedural thinker, there are benefits to planning ahead.
If traveling to Kauai and interested in the bucket list of activities scroll on down to the “Sample Plan” below the bucket list image.
Benefits of Planning Ahead For a Getaway:
Saves the time and hassle of looking up “things to do” or “places to eat near me” while on your vacation
Saves money
You leave vacation feeling like you’ve done what you wanted to do
Increases opportunities. A) some activities require reservations so getting in early improves chances of getting to do what you want when you want to do it and B) if places are closed certain days of the week it’s helpful to know this ahead of time
“Live with no excuses and travel with no regrets. ”
Get Ready, Get Set To Go
Growing up, my mom was always the one who planned out all of our vacations. She would read books for weeks ahead of time, map out where every place was located and how long each adventure would take in order to maximize our time. We gave her a hard time but now that I’m the one planning, I totally get it! Ok, it’s not my personality nor do I have the focus to put the effort into a vacation that my mom did but I certainly enjoy looking ahead and making lists of what I want to do on vacation. When I am traveling to a place I’ve been before my bucket list is usually more specific and often includes dining experiences. When I’m traveling somewhere new I try to chat with people who are familiar with the destination and record their suggestions. My planning is far less extensive than my mom’s ever was (and still is, she’s traveling more now than ever) but it serves the purpose of making sure I cover the places and experiences I want while visiting new or familiar places.
In trying to take risks, I include at least one “to do” on vacation that stretches my comfort zone. I have never regretted doing something new!
Sample Plan: Kauai
Wailua River Kayaking is definitely out of my comfort zone, mainly because I’ll have my 3 kids with me and am going to have to put full faith in the guides. Not only will we be kayaking a long way in new territory, there’s a hike and picnic included. It sounds absolutely breathtakingly beautiful and adventurous. At the same time there are many, many opportunities for disaster (ok, not in reality but in my worst case scenario thinking perhaps). Choosing adventure over fear of the unlikely on this one!
Puka Dog - it’s in a cute little Hawaiian shopping center, and the deliciousness of this hot dog is impossible to explain. Kids can share, they’re huge. Make sure to allow enough time to choose from the extensive sauces!
Waimea canyon trail is self-explanatory. A great way to enjoy the beauty of Hawaii, get some exercise, and take some amazing pictures.
Princeville Botanical Garden is a place I would go back to every day if I could. The tour has a very up close and personal style. There’s cacao education and tasting too, can’t beat that.
We heard about Spouting Horn Park last time we visited Kauai. We didn’t have time to go, so I knew this had to be on the list for this time.
Mermaid Cafe is an example of a place we probably wouldn’t have notice or chosen had we not put out a request for suggestions from friends who had visited Kauai before. So glad we did! Their burritos are as unexplainable as the Puka Dog, and the feel is very “local Hawaiian.” It’s a walk-up-and-order sidewalk cafe and there’s something for every type of eater.
Anini Beach is a place we fell in love with on our last visit. We didn’t realize bonfires were allowed until our last day there so we hope to light one up this time! This beach was a reminder why it's beneficial to simply explore once in a while. We never would have found it in an internet search, yet it stole our hearts (and almost one of our kids’ permanent teeth in a body surfing fail).
Luau…because, well, Hawaii! This one we’re going to hold off on choosing and see what pops up when we get there. So we're not sure the specifics, but it’s on my list so I can plan accordingly when packing and managing time.
Preparation
Once you have an idea of what you want to do on your vacation, you can pack accordingly. While leaving room for spontaneity (living in the moment or doing something unplanned) is fun, when you plan ahead you can be prepared. For example, knowing I want to go on a kayaking tours means I head to Hawaii prepared with my athletic water shoes. Since I try to pack as little as possible on vacation due to my minimalist tendencies it’s nice to be able to pack precisely if I know what I’ll be doing, such as knowing I only need one dress for a luau. For tips on luggage allowances, check out any airline website. There are also packing ideas galore on Pinterest.
Start Planning
Where do you want to go? If you already have a trip planned, make a bucket list if you don’t have something planned, think of where you want to go and start saving and planning!
Choose a place
Find a place to stay and book
Figure out transportation and lock it in
Bucket List! Including links to the places you find is really helpful later.
Take risks, live your life, ask questions, and find your fun!