When we sit down with our families and decide what kind of trip to take, many factors play into this important decision.  As we get older, and wiser, we realize that time is a precious commodity.  That is why it is important to experience life to its fullest.  Although, some believe travel is a simple thing right?  Hop on board a Southwest flight headed anywhere but your office?  Dreams of a beach chair and a frozen concoction in your hand?  Naaah, it is not that simple.  As much as I wish it was, many factors can go into a trip, and many of them could be extremely personal.  For instance, why are we taking this trip?  Before you decide where do go, you have to be honest with yourselves and ask why?  The answer could lead to a conclusion that may surprise you, but once you do you can begin to take ownership in a trip that should be personal, enjoyable, and dare I say a little self-righteous!  That’s right, make it about YOU!  Whether it is with your family, friends, or simply a weekend getaway with that special someone, it needs to be about you and what you will enjoy.   

Once you decide why you are taking the trip, then you need to get down to business and hammer out the blueprint which is Where, When, for how long and how much.  These are important decisions to make when planning a trip, and can have a dramatic affect as well.  Be realistic!  Do not budget $1,500 for a week in Bora Bora.  You want to make sure your budget and your time fit the place you are going.  For Instance, I planned a seven day trip for a couple to tour the Northeast Fall Foliage for a 10th Anniversary trip.  We set a budget and planned their trip accordingly staying in a more reasonable hotel one night, so they could afford to stay in a nicer hotel later in the trip.  They also only had six day to travel which meant shortening the itinerary to fit their time schedule.  They were still able to see everything they wanted to see and stay within their budget as long as they were willing to live with some reasonable compromises.