With vacation season just around the corner, many of us are planning to enjoy time away from work and school for some much-needed rest and relaxation. Vacations are an integral part of maintaining mental and physical health, as those who vacation at least once yearly are half as likely to suffer a heart attack, and up to three times less likely to suffer an episode of mild to moderate depression. So it's important for your health and well-being to take regular vacations, but it's equally important to vacation smartly.

Most of us have little trouble remembering bathing suits and sunscreen as we prepare for fun in the sun, but there are a few other practicalities that make for a smooth and safe vacation experience. Here are a few tips.

Get a pro to do the planning

If you're like most of us, you don't relish the thought of jumping back and forth between the myriad travel booking engines available online. There are services that take care of the planning for you that don't charge nearly as much as a regular travel agency. If you're a Vacation Wellness member, you'll have access to several hundred professionally planned vacations each year. You can click to order complete vacations, available at discounts from 30% to 70% off of the regular online price.

Don't forget A2B transfers

A2B transfers are the leg of your trip that take you from the airport to your final destination. This service is also called a limousine service, depending on the area. Many travelers forget to book A2B transfers in advance, ensuring that they'll have to endure maximum wait times and high prices at their destination airport, waiting for shuttle transportation to the resort. Booking this leg of your travel in advance can save you considerable time and money.

Invest in holiday insurance

Life is full of unanticipated twists and turns, and it's best to protect your vacation investment. A holiday insurance policy will provide reimbursement in case you have to cancel your plans at the last minute, experience additional hotel stay costs due to schedule perturbations, have to purchase last-minute airfare due to an emergency, or even in cases where you experience a medical emergency while overseas. Be sure to read your holiday insurance policy's fine print, but don't leave home without one!

Plan for serious relaxation

Don't overbook your time while you're on vacation. It can be tempting to plan side trips, excursions, activities, and sightseeing tours until you drop. While you want to enjoy as much of the local color and culture as possible, it's important to schedule unstructured time to just unwind and relax. For every day you plan an event, outing, or excursion, you should also plan an entire day of unscheduled leisure. That way, you'll return rested, rejuvenated, and relaxed from your vacation.

Stephen M. Jameson is a frequent world traveler and global wanderer. He has lived in Asia and Europe, and traveled extensively throughout those continents over a period of years. He is webmaster for Zoescent's travel resources, with focus areas in holiday travel insurance and A2B transfers. A Colorado native, he has lived in 8 North American states and still travels frequently.

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Winter sports travel insurance is considered to be a great way to safely prepare for a winter vacation. Regardless of the place you intend to spend your vacation, you can still expect the insurance to work suitably for your needs. Here are other tips that are capable of helping you enjoy your winter:
1. Dream List: Create a list of the different places that you intend to visit during winter. When making the list, make sure that you consider factors like your budget, logistics and the amount of time that you want to spend in there.
2. Amenities: Include in your list places that are capable of providing you the kind of amenities that you desire. If you are travelling with your kids or an elderly relative, then you also have to make sure that you look for a place that can offer activities that are suitable enough for everyone in your family. In addition, think about other comforts such as an old-fashioned fireplace or easy access to ski hills.
3. Research: Gather as much information as you can get about each of your choices. You can obtain a lot of accurate details from the tourism website in your state, travel agent, travel guide, close friends and relatives. Once have some research notes prepared, it will be easier for you to make decide what kind of winter vacation you want.
4. Activities:Make sure that you research the restaurants, hotels, nightlife, facilities, and family activities of each of your choices. It is also important for you to check out the pros and cons of your planned destinations to ensure that you are able to pick the best choice.
5. Access: Choose the most suitable place for you and start making early reservations for your flight and hotel accommodations.
6. Insurance: Look for an insurance company which is capable of providing you a good winter sports travel insurance coverage. You have to find a legitimate one to ensure that you are prepared emergencies and mishaps during your trip. If you are planning on undertaking high risk sports like snowboarding or mountain climbing, you might need extra coverage.
7. Packing List: Create a list of the items that you need to bring on your vacation. Check your list several times to ensure that you are able to bring with you everything that you and your family need.
8. Weather Forecast: During that time when your flight is already near and you are already doing some packing, you have to make sure that you constantly check out the weather forecast on the place that you are planning to visit. This will allow you and your family to have a safe travel.
9. Winter Clothing: Make sure that you pack clothing items that are not too light so as to keep you freezing during the winter season and not too much so as to give you a hard time maneuvering your things. When it comes to this, you are advised to make a plan as to the most functional clothing items for your winter vacation. In order to pack the right clothing, refer back to step 4 - what activities are you planning on during your vacation?
10. Winter Accessories: Although many winter resorts will sell winter gear, it is best to bring your own equipment from home. Suggested accessories for winter travel scarves, ear muffs, gloves, sunglasses and warm caps and hats. If you're freezing, you will not be able to enjoy yourself very much. If it has been a long time since you put on your winter coat and other accessories, try everything on before you go to make sure everything still fits and is in good condition. If it does not fit, then it is time to go shopping.
All of these tips are useful in making sure that you have a wonderful winter vacation whether you go to Aspen, Switzerland or Banff. But of all the tips, one thing that you should never forget tip number 6: get yourself and your family winter sports travel insurance. This will save you from facing all of the financial consequences that may become apparent whenever emergencies strike you.
Before you depart on your next trip, make sure you purchase discount travel insurance that meets your needs. For example, you may want to purchase extra winter sports travel insurance coverage. Think carefully about purchasing the first option you see - you may be able to save more money and get better coverage by comparison shopping.
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