Arguments about details can put a strain on your travel adventure or leisurely vacation. Whether you’re traveling with a group, or traveling as a couple, answering these simple questions before you take off can help alleviate common personality problems vacationers face.

1. Will the vacation be relaxing or will it be a touring and sightseeing vacation? Knowing whether the agenda will mostly include sleeping on the beach or touring the sites in town can help set each person’s expectations before the plane even takes off.

2. How much money will be spent? Is the trip expected to be expensive or will everyone travel on a tight budget? Stops for meals and plans for entertainment will largely depend on each persons allotted budget.

3. Know the interests of those on the trip. Is one person a beach lover; one a museum explorer? When dealing with differing interests, trade offs can be an option to keep everyone happy - a day at the beach in exchange for a day of exploring museums.

4. If you’ve decided to take in the sights, which ones will you see? Each person on the trip will want to see his or her own favorites. A leisurely stroll in Venice shopping for Venetian masks and exploring the never ending alley ways is a completely different way to spend the day than visiting the churches it has to offer.

5. If you are planning a sightseeing vacation, what is the designated mode of transportation? Will you rent a car, hail a cab, or take the metro? Budget and timing will be affected by your decision. Choosing a mode upfront will help you get the most out of your time and energy.

6. What time will you wake up each day? An early riser coupled with a late sleeper does not make for a peaceful morning. Decide what time will start the day for each person and bring an alarm clock if needed for any sleepy heads on the trip.

7. When traveling with a group, what time will each person shower and for how long will each have the bathroom? If you are traveling with a group of women and sharing a hotel room, designating bathroom time is essential.

8. What time will you leave each day? Designating the start of the day can help plan breakfast times and coordinate the early and late risers so everyone will leave on time.

9. How long will you be out each day? Will you leave early in the morning and stay out through dinner, or will each day run about three hours returning to the hotel after?

10. Will you sit down for meals or is quick snacking expected instead? Those with low tolerances to hunger will need to pack extra snacks if few or no stops for meals will be the norm.

Making these important decision can help avoid potential vacation disasters. Whether there are two, four, six, or eight people on the trip, each person will have their own agenda and their own needs. Deciding what those needs are upfront will ensure a great trip for everyone in the end. Bon Voyage!

6/06/07