Growing up our vacations as a family looked like two week trips to the Upper Peninsula in my parents converted school bus. Traveling like this planted a seed in me. A seed that loves rock collecting, Lake Superior's cool breeze, and finding everything there is to do and see in the Great Lakes State and beyond. My belief is that a lot of people put off booking the trip because they just don't know where to start. If you are prepared, planning and booking are a walk in the park (literally).
WHERE TO GO
Do you have a list of places on your Notes app or a ‘bucket list’ of places saved on Instagram or Pinterest? Great – this is a great place to start!
If you don’t have that list, do some basic research with free online resources or asking your loved ones about a place they've always wanted to visit or love to take a trip to.
Once you know where you want to go dive deeper in your research.
MY TOP 5 TRIP PLANNING TOOLS:
Facebook Groups. Become a member of a few pages that pertain to your desired destination. If you have chosen a well-known park system or destination you should be able to find a Facebook group pretty easily. If you have picked a more desolate area, you may be able to find a broader group to cover your destination. Look for the groups with the most members. In my experience these socials typically provide the most detailed and up-to-date information about the desired location.
Instagram. Start by creating a folder in your Saved Collections. Use a title that will identify it for your research. Search keywords that are specific to your destination. Save landscapes, trails, breweries, attractions you want to see while traveling. Save things that look interesting to you and profiles that include your destination information. A lot of travel profiles will include additional information like Linktree or Blog posts that you can grab information from.
Podcasts. Look for podcasts with specific destination information or state-wide content. Make sure to write notes or jot down time codes for information that catches your ear.
Blogs. This is a great spot to find honest opinions and itineraries to copycat.
Government / State Websites. This is a great place to learn about lotteries, permits, closures, and public transportation tickets that might be required.
One of my favorite ways to pick a destination is to pinpoint a few hobbies my partner and I love to do and plan a destination solely around those activities. Those trips usually turn out to be the most fun and there is a good chance you won’t get bored!
WHERE TO STAY
Proximity to destination, airport, public transportation, grocery stores, restaurants, etc.
Use Google Earth to check out the area you are staying in to verify the surrounding area is somewhere you feel comfortable.
What amenities do you need, showers, kitchen, laundry, etc.
Minimum/maximum stay.
Parking.
If you’re staying at an Airbnb or VRBO
Double check if your stay is a private room or shared space.
Immerse yourself! If you’re staying somewhere with views, try to find an Airbnb that includes great views. I find that Airbnb’s with great views don’t always have an up charge.
Look for unique stays. This is a fun way to have an experience unique to your taste.
Always check the stay policies!
If you’re camping and looking to indulge yourself in nature, I recommend going all in. Go for the rustic, wooded, lake front or water view sites because there are really no better views! it is a great chance to have a very special location
Things I love about State Parks:
1. Safety – This might totally just be in my head but I always feel most safe in a state park, especially when I am alone. The fact that you are typically required to pay for an annual pass, a camping pass, and strict check-in / check-out times are enforced provides a nice sense of comfort.
2. Cleanliness - state parks are typically well kept in all seasons.
3. Facilities – Fire rings (where fires are allowed) at each campsite, lake front hammock stands, vault toilets, shower facilities, groomed beaches, activities like Dark Sky Parks, habitat exposure, and trail access.
4. Locations – State’s typically have the best real estate when it comes to lake front campgrounds, they are usually also placed in prime locations that are easily accessible and central to local activities.
If you can’t find a State Park, I recommend seeking a county park.
- County Parks are usually booked online or over the phone.
If you can’t find a county park, seek a private campground.
- Private campgrounds are usually booked over the phone, sometimes online.
Hipcamp is an excellent resource that streamlines booking with variety across camping, cabins, and RV parks.
WHEN TO GO
Research weather patterns near your destination to determine what the safest and most desirable time of year may be.
Determine popular travel times to avoid tourist overflow.
Confirm how much PTO is available for you to use. If you don't have PTO I always recommend asking about your employers deduct day policy. Your employer may allow you take unpaid scheduled days off work. If you don't ask, you don't get.
Is there a specific attraction or destination that is pulling you to this area, if so, find out if it is seasonal. If it not seasonal, make sure the landscape is visible in the season you are going.
Consider limitations to access of the destination. Some areas close due to weather conditions such as snow or flooding. Sometimes large events may close certain areas or re-direct traffic.
WHO WILL GO
If you plan it, they will come.
I typically plan several trips over the year, all planned by late April to make sure I get the time off work and obtain a reservation. At that point in the planning process, I let people know where and when i'm going and inform them how to book if they would like to join.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO THINK ABOUT
Always double check time zones.
Always check for scheduled road closures, maintenance in and around your desired area.
Use my packing lists to help you bring everything you need!
Check the expected climate – I am not a huge advocate for constant weather watching but you should know relative to the area you are visiting what to expect.
Are you taking the dogs and/or kids. If yes, double check that your desired location is friendly for both. If not, seek a dog-sitter or baby-sitter.
Clean the house before you go, it makes coming home so much more enjoyable and allows you to focus on breaking down your gear and tools from your trip.
Happy Planning!