Dollar Car Rental Florida

I’m one who likes to plan out my vacation days in advance to maximize the stay and have the ultimate vacation experience.  I want time for excursions, souvenir shopping, and have a bite to eat at some great local restaurants.   I want to learn as much as possible about the local culture.

An advanced vacation planning schedule is a great way of knowing what you can do when you arrive to your destination so that you don’t waste precious time trying to figure everything out when you get there.  A schedule will also give you an idea of how much time you can spend on each activity.  When I’m on vacation, I want to relax and not have to think about arranging tours and what to do next.

One way to plan ahead is to figure the number of days you are staying.  Google your destination on the web, and look for the attractions and types of excursions available for your vacation spot.  For example, if you want to go on a day sailing trip or snorkel adventure, many times you can book these excursions in advance.  I try to make a variety schedule, and include something that’s going to make everyone traveling with me happy and that we’ve agreed upon ahead of time.  I think it’s nice to combine a few adventure days such as a beach outing or boat ride, with perhaps a lower key day of city tour and shopping. 

Tripwiser.com is a good vacation planning website that can assist you with recommendations from other travelers.  You can borrow another traveler’s trip itinerary if you want and build upon it.

Here’s a basic Trip Planning Checklist:

Passports:  Confirm if passports are needed for your destination.  If you don’t have a passport, or yours is about to expire, here’s the US government passport site.

Form of Money:  Plan ahead for the type of currency you will need (particularly if traveling to a foreign country).  Travelex is a company where you can buy foreign currency on the web.  Credit cards for international travel can be useful.  However, if you are traveling to an out-island in the Bahamas, such as Eleuthera, many places there do not accept credit cards–in this case you will need to think about cash and traveler’s checks.  American money is interchangeable with Bahamian dollars when making purchases on the island.

Maps:  For directions on how to arrive to your location, Mapquest may be helpful, or there may be printable maps elsewhere on the web for the area you are staying in.

Transportation:  How are you going to arrive to your destination (Plane, Auto, Boat?)   Upon destination arrival, determine how will you get to your vacation home–will you need transportation during your stay to get around to attractions in the area (taxis, car rentals, golf cart rentals, boat rentals, bike rentals, or just walk?).  If you need transportation arranged, it’s a good idea to get an advance reservation if possible.

Excursions/Attractions:  Examples are city tours, zoos, museums, beach parks, snorkel, sailing, fishing boat tours, horseback riding, aquariums, rainforest and botanical garden tours, shopping etc.  Local Chambers of Commerce are also excellent sources of information and many have online websites. You may also check into recreational rentals such as boat rentals, kayak rentals, and jet skis for something to do.

Medical/Facilities:  It’s a good idea in advance to have an address list and phone contact of a local hospital and/or medical care center for anything that comes up, and a pharmacy in case you need to get prescriptions.  Don’t forget to bring your necessary prescriptions with you for your trip and your medical insurance ID card in the event of an emergency.

Clothing:  Most vacations involve casual wear unless you need to pack a dressier outfit or two for something more formal or a special evening out.  If you are going to a beach destination, of course you will want to remember the swimwear.  If you are a sports enthusiast, you will need to pack the appropriate sporting gear.  It’s good to know what is appropriate attire for your travel spot.

Groceries/Restaurants:  If you plan on eating in at your vacation home, you may want to scope out how far the nearest grocery store is from your rental.  I would also google the restaurants and try to find the names and locations ahead of time of my favorite picks.  I prefer to eat at unique or local authentic restaurants where I cannot get the same type of food back home. 

Children:  Bring something entertaining so that your children do not get bored during the traveling process.  Also bring any necessities for infants, such as the diaper bag, bottles and supplies.  Baby rental equipment vendors are located in many resort communities, and they will often deliver larger equipment such as a baby crib, pack-n-play, and high chair to your vacation home.   With airlines restrictions on weight, baby rental equipment is a real convenience for parents.

Pets:  If you have pets, you will need to determine whether to bring them with you, or board them.   There are some vacation rentals that are pet-friendly.  You would also need to check with the airlines if flying for any pet restrictions.

Extra Considerations:

Umbrella (for rainy days)

Cap & Jacket for colder or windier days.

Sunglasses, Sunblock, Caps, Water Shoes, BeachTowels for the beach

A good book to read

First Aid Kit

Fishing, Diving or Snorkel Equipment (for those that want to use their own equipment)

Watch-so you make it to your excursions on time

Digital or Video Cameras to take memorable pictures.

September 6th, 2010 | Posted in Dollar Car Rental Florida Articles | No Comments