Now is a great time to make plans for your 2008 vacations. Not only can you get early bird discounts, but you are more likely to get the sailing date and cabin deck of your choice by reserving now! By making a commitment to a certain trip far in advance, you have time to talk it up with your friends too. Perhaps some of them would like to join you on your 2008 adventure. Don’t wait until calendars get full and you hear a “gosh, sorry, we’d really like to, but we are already busy at that time.” Also the planning and anticipation of a vacation is part of the whole fun experience. I love the countdown on my calendar of “6 more months until….,” “4 more weeks,” and eventually “only 1 more day.” The months before are used to research the destination through guidebooks, internet, or friends who have traveled there. I will know more what to expect in this foreign country, what to shop for, and any particular aspect I want to try to include in my visit. I also try to find a historic novel that takes place in the location to take with me to read during my trip. For instance I read “Angela’s Ashes” in Ireland, “Dr. Zhivago” in Russia, and “River Town: Two Years on the Yangtze” on a cruise in China. A pending trip may also be a good excuse to shop for a new outfit chosen especially for the trip! Little by little my whole wardrobe is becoming things bought for travel: mix and match colors and either lightweight, wrinkle-free clothing or those with wrinkles built into them. While you are shopping, are there any travel accessories that would be handy? A small pair of binoculars, travel sized toiletries, a fold up umbrella, brightly colored luggage tags, an extra memory card for a digital camera---these are a few things that come to mind. Speaking of camera, if you’re thinking of purchasing a new one, now is the time to do it. You need to practice with it before your trip, so you are not fumbling around with the instructions manual while the perfect picture passes you by. Several years ago I was given a camera for Christmas and left for a trip January 1st. So I speak from experience about the “fumbling” part. As most travel involves more walking than some of us are used to, now might be a good time to invest in a sturdy pair of walking shoes and “go into training.” You will build your stamina for sightseeing excursions, AND you’ll also be healthier in the long run. So let’s start planning together. Please give me a call or email me as I would like to help you make your 2008 vacations your best trips ever!