30_8-2012.pdf

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