Making Memories Through Travel

Ask anyone who travels for pleasure, “Why do you enjoy traveling?” Most often, the answer will be related to “memories” or “unforgettable experiences.”

Ask them about details of a particular trip, and you’re likely to get a review that has you ready to start making plans for a similar trip immediately! Travelers love to give you a detailed trip rundown similar to a “foodie” extolling the greatness of a new restaurant experience or a movie critic proclaiming the new release that is a sure-fire Academy Award winner!

We love shared experiences! We love making memories! They just have a way of making us feel good!

We have heard so many times, “Traveling sounds fun, and I want to go somewhere, but I don’t know where to start!”  As a good friend of mine used to tell me, “The START is what STOPS people.”  In other words, don’t let the unknown keep you from giving it a try!

Here are a few things to consider that can help you get started traveling:

1. Make a list!

Where are some destinations that might interest you?  Have you heard others talk about a place that you “must see?”  Have you seen a promotional video on television or an advertisement on social media and thought to yourself, “That looks amazing!”  Write them down (the notes app on your phone is a great place for your list). Your list should be ongoing. Continue to add destinations that appeal to you or places that are curious. 

2. Research!

Research can mean a lot of things. YouTube is a great resource to learn about travel destinations. Many travelers document their travels, highlighting places to stay and eat, as well as things to do. You can go down many rabbit holes watching YouTube travel videos!

Google (or AI, such as ChatGPT) can tell you a lot and answer many questions. For example, ask ChatGPT, “Where should I travel?” and get ready for a lot of questions and recommendations from the chat bot! TripAdvisor.com is another great resource for learning about destinations around the world…or close to home.  Also, a good travel agent/advisor can be quite helpful.

3. Dream!

From your list and research, begin to dream of where you want to go! Narrow it down to two or three destinations. Maybe one involves driving, one requires a flight (domestic or international), and one is a cruise. Never done a cruise, but curious? Consider a shorter one the first time (3-5 day cruises are an option).

When it comes to cruises, we are so fortunate because one of the best cruise ports in the country, Galveston, is a four hour drive from us! (NOTE: we will do an entire blog article on cruises in an upcoming edition).

4. Budget!

So many factors make up the budget part of traveling. Considerations include transportation (driving vs flying), lodging, food, activities, and souvenirs. Travel does not have to be overly expensive, but it can be really expensive. It’s all about choices and priorities. This is where a travel agent/advisor can be quite helpful. Try to have a good ballpark idea of how much you are willing to spend.

5. Plan!

Check your calendar! The further in advance you can plan, the better. Traveling with school aged children? Don’t forget to check the school calendar! If you decide on an international trip, you’ll need a passport (FYI, a passport is always great to have, even if you are not a regular traveler).

Passports can take a while to be processed and sent to you, so take that into consideration if you are planning international travel. Most cruises also require you to have a passport since you usually port at international destinations. 

6. Go and Make Memories!

This is what you’ve been waiting for! The research, budgeting, and planning is done. The anticipation of a trip is full of wonder, the trip itself is exciting, and the memories of the trip will last forever!  In our 35 years of marriage, we have been fortunate to have traveled the world!  We’ve seen the Great Pyramids of Egypt, we’ve walked where Jesus walked in Israel, we’ve been atop the Eifel Tower in Paris, we’ve relaxed on beaches in the Caribbean.

We’ve also sailed on cruise ships in the  Caribbean Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea, the Nile River, and the great rivers of Europe. Our travels have also included many domestic destinations such as New York, Las Vegas, San Francisco, and Orlando. Every trip has multiple memories and unforgettable experiences!  We love sharing them with friends, family, and total strangers … because we know that traveling can change your life!

If you have questions about traveling, we are happy to answer them!  If you need help planning a trip, we can do that. The best thing is our service won’t cost you a thing! Don’t let the START be what STOPS you!  Start your list, and get ready to  travel!

Brought to you by:

Todd & Katy Robison, Dream Vacations

BookOurNextTrip.com

Email Todd: trobison@dreamvacations.com

Email Katy: krobison@dreamvacations.com

Facebook

FAQs

Q: How do I start planning a trip if I’ve never traveled before?

A: Start by making a destination list, researching locations, narrowing your options, setting a budget, and planning ahead. Taking the first small step removes the biggest mental barrier.**

Q: What are the first steps to planning a vacation?

A: Create a list of destinations, research travel costs and activities, compare options, establish a budget, and check your calendar before booking.**

Q: How far in advance should I plan a trip?

A: The earlier, the better, especially for international travel or cruises. Advance planning helps secure better pricing, availability, and enough time for passport processing.**

Q: Do I need a passport for a cruise?

A: Most cruises that stop at international ports require a passport. Even when not mandatory, having a passport is strongly recommended for international travel.**

Q: How can I travel on a budget?

A: Choose destinations wisely, compare transportation options, plan in advance, and prioritize experiences. Working with a travel advisor can also help you maximize value without increasing cost.**

Q: Is using a travel advisor expensive?

A: In many cases, travel advisor services come at no additional cost to you. Advisors can help with planning, pricing, and logistics while saving time and reducing stress.**