The choosing part of choosing a vacation should be fun, not daunting or irritating. Sure, planning a trip takes time, energy and thought, but choosing a vacation destination should be the part that leaves excited butterflies in your stomach. I know it always does for me. When it comes to choosing a vacation destination for my loved ones and myself, I keep a few important points in mind.

• How will I get to my destination?

When choosing a vacation, you should ask more than just “What will I do when I get there?” You should first ask, “How will I get there?” It is pretty easy to get caught up in the idea of lounging on a sandy beach with an umbrella drink in hand or swooshing down the snowy slope of a world-class ski slope, but let’s not forget the necessity of getting there safely and affordably. I know that for most people (those who can not afford a private plane), going to Vail or Aspen, Colo., will involve a very long car or shuttle ride, especially in snowy weather, so it is important to consider this. Maybe when choosing a vacation to ski in Colorado, you may be better off going to Keystone or Breckinridge. Both are beautiful resorts and are a much closer to the Denver airport than other slopes.

When choosing a vacation to somewhere a little more tropical, it is important to know if it’s going to take two planes and three boats to get to your final destination, and if it is, to plan accordingly.

• The time of the year you travel makes all the difference.

Whether you are choosing a vacation to suit your family or for you and your honey, the time of year always matters. Choosing a vacation destination that is in the off-season can save you a ton of money and also give you a little more privacy since there won’t be as many crowds. Just be sure that the weather will still be beautiful and that many of the sites you want to see are still open and accessible.

• What does your destination have to offer?

There are a ton of destinations around the globe regardless of what you are into. Whether you are looking for an adventurous trip, a relaxing trip, an educational trip or a romantic trip, you will have a plethora of options to choose from. So you might as well be a little picky when choosing your vacation destination because it is likely you will find exactly what you want. So make a list of things you definitely want to see or do before you start planning. This way, you will not miss out on the glass-bottom boat trip of your dreams because you forgot to check to see if your destination offers it.

Most important, when choosing a vacation destination, remember to give yourself plenty of time to decide where you want to go, when you want to go, and how you want to get there. The more time you give yourself, the more dreamy your dream vacation will be!

- Maya S.