PREPARING FOR A ONCE-IN-A LIFETIME TRIP

Are you considering a dream vacation? Do you see far-away places on the internet or television and think to yourself, “someday?”

If you have any travel dreams, let us incorporate them into your overall financial strategy. As we help people pursue their goals, we often learn that big family trips are on their “life adventure” lists.

We can work to get you prepared on the financial side. But you might want to address some other details as you make preparations. Here is a short list of some items to consider:

Invest in Research

Set aside some time long before your trip to investigate your destination. Research can not only help you focus but also be a chance to think about what is possible before you get practical. Allow yourself time for once-in-alifetime imagination to prepare for your once-ina-lifetime trip. Give careful thought and prayer to your research!

Timing

Ensuring that you are timing your trip at the right time of year is critical. For example, if your big event is a tropical getaway, you will want to have a good understanding of when the rainy season starts and ends. If you are planning a holiday trip that falls between Thanksgiving and New Years, you might want to consider indoor events as well as outdoor activities depending on the location.¹

Expect the Unexpected

What if you want to stay another week? What if you want to make a last-minute change during your trip? Preparation is key. Being flexible may allow you to take advantage of an opportunity or indulge a whim. On the other hand, what if an emergency occurs just prior to your departure? It is best to make certain you can be as flexible as possible with your plans.

Professional Insight

Although you can do some research on your own, having a professional’s guidance for a once-in-a-lifetime experience is something to consider. Numerous online resources are available that can provide amazing insights, but bouncing those ideas off a professional with travel experience may prove invaluable. 

Extravagant vacations may not only build lifelong memories, but they also introduce your family to new cultures, cuisines and experiences. If you are considering a trip, keep in mind some of the preparation tips we have highlighted, and let us know as soon as possible so that we can help get your finances ready to travel.