1. Think Summer 2021

While planning a post-pandemic vacation can be therapeutic, you must remain realistic. Even after vaccines have been distributed to the general population, it could take months before things are safe. So, if you’re going to set a date, stick to summer 2021 or later in the year.

2. Be Mindful with Destinations

It’s going to take a while before the entire world is coronavirus free, so be mindful of this when selecting a travel destination. Do some research to see which areas are high-risk and try to avoid them. It may also be ideal to avoid traveling internationally and take a road trip to somewhere within a day’s drive like the California coast or maybe a ski trip if you live in the midwest. As a safety precaution, look for popular destinations in your native country to visit.

3. Plan on Your Existing Budget

When it comes to setting a budget for your post-pandemic vacation, don’t go overboard. It is best to plan this trip based on your current budget. Planning a trip that’s more than you can afford in the hopes that you’ll get that job back or get some financial assistance isn’t ideal. If funds are tight, you can always start setting aside money now to spend on your vacation.

4. Ask about Flexibility

As you begin deciding on things like your plane tickets, hotel accommodations, and activities, ask service providers about their flexibility on your post-pandemic trip. Let’s say you want to reserve a hotel room for August 2021, but travel restrictions aren’t removed. Can you reserve another date or receive a full refund? You want to know these things before you make any payments to ensure you don’t waste money. Lastly, try to avoid locking into deals too soon.

5. Get Your Must-Haves Now

Summer 2021 may be months away, but you don’t want to wait until the last minute to grab your must-haves. Everyone is going to be ready for a vacation, which means everything travel-related will be in high demand. If you’ve been eyeballing that triangle bikini or new luggage set, you may want to start shopping for it now.

6. Put in Your Time

Keeping in mind that everyone will want to take a post-pandemic vacation, it’s best to put your time in early. While you don’t want to jump the gun, you also don’t want to be stuck in the office while everyone else is enjoying themselves. So, about a month or two before your scheduled vacation, get things squared away with your boss. If you’re self-employed, ensure that you’ve developed a system to keep your business operational while you’re away.

At the start of the coronavirus pandemic, life as we knew it seemed to be gone forever. Here we are, entering a new year, and things are optimistic. As you wait out the winter months in anticipation, planning a vacation can lift your spirits. While it could be a while before things get back to normal, making plans for a brighter tomorrow can help pass the time. As you’re planning your post-pandemic vacation, just be sure to keep the tips mentioned above in mind.