The days are frozen and life feels a little uninspiring at the end of January. To perk things up and give yourself something to look forward to, why not start planning your annual holiday? Or maybe a dream trip? Or both? Since Jan. 27 is National Plan for Vacation Day, this is the ideal time to look ahead a season or two, or even a year or two.

Start with determining what vacation days you are entitled to and when. See where statutory holidays fall and decide if you can use them to extend your break. Have an easily accessible system to track and store research, notes and checklists.

If you’re planning a vacation close to home, get a budget in order that includes both fun and contingencies, and see that you have the right type of insurance. Arrange for someone to keep an eye on the house, and make sure you are tracking your packing.

For adventure that’s further afield, all of the above still applies. Travel abroad is an investment, both financially and personally. It can be a grand deposit into your lifelong memory bank.

On the financial end, you want the most out of that investment, so take as much care with your holiday plan as you do with anything else.

Cassandra Jamieson, president/owner at McPhail Travel Brandon, has been building vacations for travellers for 17 years and has a done some far-flung globetrotting herself, having visited Central America, Europe, and parts of Southeast Asia, the Galapagos Islands and throughout North America. She said early planning, good research and a realistic budget are key starting points.

“Start the process well in advance, ideally six months ahead for popular destinations, which will help secure the best deals and availability,” she said.

“If you’ve got an idea, that helps us build on what it is you are looking for, like transportation, accommodation and activities. It’s good to establish clear priorities.”

She recommends researching thoroughly to understand the destination that you’re visiting, local customs, travel advisories, and any safety tips you need to know. An agent can help you set expectations with your destination including the best time of year. Are you going in the right season? Are there other considerations you might not know about?

“Use reliable sources, recent reviews that could help spot issues. Truly understanding what you’re buying and where you’re travelling to is of utmost importance,” she said.

If you aren’t sure what a realistic travel budget would look like, a consultant can help you to avoid pitfalls, like not fully understanding what you are buying, especially with a more ambitious destination.

“Maybe if you’re planning that African holiday, you come in a year ahead. We can say: this is what you need to look at for flights, for tours, for food, just so that there’s no unexpected costs. Things can add up quite quickly,” she said.

Jamieson said it’s important to be flexible to be available for unexpected opportunities like a sale that might come up if you make your departure one day later. Along with all the necessary bookings and arrangements, there’s something a travel consultant might be able to get for you: sales.

“Hopefully, we can access certain deals depending on where you’re going and what you’re doing. We do have access to special rates and amenities, troubleshooting and support,” she said.

A good travel plan has a little of everything to keep you engaged, and your accommodations are your “home-base.”

“It’s good to review your itinerary and have a balance of relaxation, and a little bit of sightseeing. Having a planning checklist is great,” she said.

“We’re finding a lot of families are interested in properties with water parks or activities that cater to families. For accommodation options, the further out you can book, the more we can tailor them. At the last minute, a lot of those properties or room categories are sold out.”

The right documentation is crucial and could include vaccination records, ensuring your passport is up to date, and any visa requirements. Know what you need. Many countries now require permits for entry.

The right travel and medical insurance will protect your investment in your holiday travel. Jamieson points to the recent snow storms in Toronto that caused major delays with people stranded at home and abroad.

“Insurance for trip cancellation, interruption, medical, and baggage are primarily what we see and or make claims for with a huge emphasis on weather disruptions. I would say that’s like a norm in Canada and Manitoba, just due to our climate,” she said.

“I don’t even question it. I think insurance should be part of a conversation that everybody needs to have. There’s so much that’s outside of your control — road closures, cancelled flights, delayed flights.”

Medical emergencies — big or small — are another possibility. She said health insurance plans have evolved and offer better options for clients. If a medical issue arises, it’s vital to have it in hand.

With so much to consider in a holiday plan, Cassandra Jamieson said that having someone in your corner is really valuable.

“Travel consultants do have an extensive knowledge of destinations, travel logistics, industry trends, and we’re here to ensure that you are well informed and that we can tailor your holiday specifically for you, so you can just relax and focus on enjoying your trip.”

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