So you’re a procrastinator?

Well, you’re not alone. According to a survey by Pies Steel (an HR prof at the University of Calgary), a whopping 95% of individuals admit to procrastinating. However, contrary to popular belief, you can snag last-minute fun family vacation deals. Here’s how to prepare for a trip with less than two weeks (that’s fourteen short days, folks) before “lift off”…

Days 1-2: Pick Your Destination

Of course, we suggest you jump over to GuestQuest to pick a family vacation destination, but if you’d rather do a Google search, that’s your prerogative. Generally, if you are planning your vacation with less than a month before traveling, it’s best to choose a locale that won’t require you to get special shots or fill out tremendous amounts of paperwork.

Days 3-5: Get on the Phone

It’s time to play The Negotiator, a la William Shatner. Once you’ve looked through all your vacation guides and picked where you want to go, start dialing those telephone numbers. ($ave by using the toll free ones.) By connecting in a personal manner (as opposed to via emails or faxes), you’ll have better luck negotiating a good deal.

Days 6-7: Finalize Travel Arrangements

Once your family vacation destination is in the bag, so to speak, repeat the steps you did before, only with airlines, stopover hotels and/or car rental companies. Again, don’t take prices you see online at face value. If you get on the telephone, you’re more likely to get a better rate, perhaps an “unadvertised” special.

Days 8-10: Pack Your Bags… Lightly

It’s almost time for your fun family vacation! So start packing… but make sure you don’t overdo it. Remember – you can’t possibly wear nine pairs of jeans on a weeklong trip.

Days 11-13: Make All the “Little” Arrangements

With a few days to go, GuestQuest recommends you do all the “little” things: ask the post office to hold your mail while you’ll be away, get someone to come to the house and play with your kitties once a day, tell your neighbors (those whom you trust, anyway) you’ll be gone, et cetera. Make a list of all these items so you don’t forget anything.

Day 14: GO!

(Now that was easier than you thought, wasn’t it?)