Traveling is a joy for some and a task for others. Some go on vacations to relish the beauty of places far from where they live, while others just want to have some fun with their loved ones. Irrespective of their goals, there are broadly two categories of travelers, who have somewhat different vacation planning experiences. While the first category is thrilled and start packing as soon as possible, the second category just arranges for the tickets and immediately starts worrying about getting everything else done. Managing the stress and anxiety that comes with vacation planning can be quite a task if you’re in the latter category of travelers. So read on for a handy checklist that will help you in that endeavor.

Don’t hurry and mess up: Any planning for travel requires some advance planning. This gives you the time to be better organized. Experts recommend booking tickets 40-60 days before your trip. The fare is generally at its lowest when you do so. This will also give the traveler more than enough time to search for the best accommodation, a traditional route, less expensive rentals, and a comfortable conveyance throughout. Ultimately, it will save you loads of vacation stress.

Medical benefits: Another benefit of planning ahead would be that the traveler will get enough time to get any required medications or vaccination beforehand, and thus avoid any health issue to prop up while traveling. People with pre-existing conditions can get their blood test reports checked, consult a family doctor and take medical prescriptions for when they are on the move. Also be sure to take travel medical coverage, so that you can readily have access to emergency treatment and transportation if required. Taking care of your medical needs beforehand will go a long way towards reducing your vacation planning stress.

Perfect travel packing: Packing is most likely the most onerous and mind-boggling task when it comes to preparation for your vacation – a source of endless amounts of stress. One can never be sure of what to take and what not. Packing is never optimal, and there is always the fear of leaving something behind. Deciding exactly what you need to pack is the first step, and is half the battle won. As with other aspects of vacation planning, it would be best to start with the packing process early, so that you have more than enough time to make adequate modifications when required.

A few additional packing tips – Pay attention to extra-spaces and ensure that rolling and layering is done properly. Distribute items appropriately between carry-on and checked-in luggage if you are traveling by flight. Make sure important travel documents such as your passport, tickets and travel insurance are stored properly.

Take care of all this, and you’ll be neutralizing the biggest source of vacation planning stress!

Extra time is always good: Another mark of well-planned travel is arranging for an extra day at the end of your vacation period. This extra day will help you recover from trip, and take care of tasks such as bill payments, clearing invoices, getting reimbursements, medical allowances, and other due work.

Avoid over planning: While planning is important, excessive planning can be counterproductive, and a great source of stress. Make a simple plan, leave certain details up to chance, and enjoy freedom from all obligations and worries.

So, to summarize – plan early, plan carefully and plan simply, in order to avoid the stress of vacation planning. Have a wonderful, relaxing and stress-free vacation!