The Ultimate Vacation Countdown: 14 Tips to Make Every Day Leading Up to Your Trip Incredible

As any seasoned traveler knows, the countdown to a vacation can be just as enjoyable as the trip itself. One way to amp up excitement and anticipation is by creating a countdown countdown. Whether it’s on a physical calendar or on a digital app, marking off the days until your departure adds another level of excitement and helps you visualize the trip getting closer.

Here are 14 tips to help you make the most of your countdown and get psyched for your upcoming adventure:

1. Use A Trip Countdown App

Using an app to countdown the days until your vacation is a great way to get excited and watch the days, hours and minutes pass by! There are a few different countdown apps available, but (surprise, surprise!) we recommend using our free Vacation Countdown App.

Not only does it show the remaining days, hours and minutes until your next trip(s), but you can also add custom background photos and, play travel-themed trivia games, add a packing list, read travel tips and share the countdown with your friends.

2. Use A Printable Countdown

If you’re not into using an app, or if you want a physical countdown that everyone in the house can see, consider printing a countdown clock. A printable countdown clock can add to the excitement and anticipation, providing a tangible reminder of just how close you are to jetting off on your adventures. 

Fortunately, there are plenty of options available online. Just search for “printable vacation countdowns” and browse through the numerous options, ranging from minimalist designs to colorful and fun illustrations.

Hang it up in a central location where everyone in the household can see it and check in daily as the big day draws nearer. The visual reminder will help pass the time until you finally get to pack your bags and escape on that well-deserved vacation.

3. Create Your Own Countdown Calendar

Another fun way to countdown to your next vacation is by creating a countdown calendar. Counting down the days until your next vacation is a lot of with the creation of a personalized countdown calendar. This creative activity can be as simple as printing out a calendar and marking off each day, or you can add some extra pizazz by decorating it with travel-themed stickers, cutouts, and quotes.

Not only is this a fun activity for all ages, but it also helps to build anticipation and excitement for the upcoming trip. So gather your supplies and get crafting- your vacation will be here before you know it!

4. Create A Travel-Themed Playlist

Music has the power to transport us to different times and places, evoking memories of past experiences or setting the tone for future adventures. That’s why creating a travel-themed playlist is a great way to get in the mood for an upcoming trip.

Choose songs that make you feel happy and carefree, or that remind you of past vacations. Listen to your playlist in the weeks leading up to your trip, and let it transport you to distant lands as you eagerly anticipate your adventure.

Don’t forget to add some new songs that fit the theme during or after your trip – music can help preserve those fond travel memories for years to come. So start curating those tunes and get ready for takeoff!

5. Make A Packing List

It’s never too early to start planning for your upcoming trip by making a packing list. This can help prevent any last minute stress as you gather all the necessary items for your journey. Not only that, but checking items off of your list as you go further along in the packing process can bring a sense of accomplishment.

Luckily, there are various resources available to assist in your packing endeavors. The Vacation Countdown app includes a packing list feature, or you can make your own personalized list. There are even printable lists tailored to specific destinations, such as tropical locations or beach vacations. Don’t wait until the last minute – start planning ahead with a packing list now and wherever you’re going: Make sure to use packing cubes!

6. Research Your Destination

When planning a vacation, it’s always important to do your research. Learning about the culture, history, and attractions of your destination helps you make the most out of your trip. It can also prevent unpleasant surprises and ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable experience. Fortunately, the internet offers a wealth of information about pretty much any destination you can think of.

Reading up on your chosen location can also inspire new experiences and activities to add to your vacation itinerary. For those feeling overwhelmed by their research options, travel guides are a great place to start for top destination suggestions and insider tips. So before packing your bags and jetting off on your next adventure, make sure to do some preliminary research on your destination – it just might lead to the vacation of a lifetime.

7. Get Travel Insurance

When planning a vacation, the excitement and anticipation of your travels can sometimes overshadow the less glamorous tasks. One important, yet often overlooked task is purchasing travel insurance. It may seem like an unnecessary added expense at first, but it can offer valuable protection against unexpected problems that could potentially ruin your trip.

Lost baggage, canceled flights, or even illness can all be covered by a good insurance policy. And while thinking about negative possibilities may not be the most fun aspect of vacation planning, having travel insurance in place allows you to fully relax and enjoy your time away without stress or worry.

So before you pack your bags and jet off to your next destination, make sure to add purchasing insurance to your vacation checklist. It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to protecting yourself and your travels.

8. Start Saving For Your Trip

Planning a vacation can be so much fun, but the financial aspect of it can often be overwhelming. It’s important to start saving for your trip early on in the planning process to ensure that you have enough money set aside to fully enjoy your time away. Each month, set aside a certain amount in a designated travel fund and watch as your savings grow.

Not only will having this travel fund give you peace of mind, but it will also add to the excitement of counting down to your trip. Smart savings now means stress-free exploration later. So go ahead and start setting aside those pennies for paradise!

9. Begin Daydreaming About Your Trip

It’s time to let your mind wander and imagine your upcoming vacation. Envision yourself exploring new sights, lounging on a picturesque beach, or savoring a delicious meal in a foreign city. Allow yourself to get lost in these daydreams, as they will only ramp up the anticipation for your upcoming trip.

Cue up some travel inspiration, browse through photos from past adventures, or even start making a list of must-do activities at your destination. The more you can visualize yourself actually being there, the greater your excitement will be. So go ahead and indulge in those daydreams – the adventure awaits!

10. Buy All Your Travel Must-Haves

In the weeks leading up to your trip, start stocking up on all the travel must-haves you’ll need for your vacation. This includes things like sunscreen, insect repellent, travel-sized toiletries and any medications you might need. You should also make sure you have all the necessary travel documents, such as a passport or visa (if required).

It’s also a good idea to consider buying some useful travel gadgets and other other essentials that will make your trip more enjoyable. For example, a portable charger can be a lifesaver when you’re on the go, and a good pair of noise-cancelling headphones can help you relax on long flights or train rides.

This article will help you get started:

23 Useful Amazon Travel Must Haves – Handpicked By Travel Experts

11. Plan Some Excursions and Activities

There’s nothing worse than arriving at your destination, full of excitement, only to spend the entire trip lounging by the pool or flipping through channels in a hotel room. If you want to truly immerse yourself in your destination and create unforgettable memories, it’s important to plan some excursions and activities beforehand.

Sites like GetYourGuide, Viator, and Tripadvisor offer endless possibilities for unique experiences in almost any destination. Want to go on a wine tour in France? Take a cooking class in Italy? Explore ancient ruins in Peru? These sites can help make it happen. So don’t wait until you arrive at your destination – start planning now for a vacation filled with adventure and discovery.

12. Get Your Home Ready for Your Trip

Before heading out on your next vacation, don’t forget to prepare your home for your absence. Set up a hold for your mail, or have a trusted neighbor pick it up for you. Make sure any valuables are secure and can’t easily be seen by passersby. You may also want to inform a neighbor or friend about your plans, in case they need to check on the house while you’re away.

And don’t forget about your plants! Arrange for someone to water them, or invest in a self-watering system. Taking these steps will not only protect your belongings, but also make coming back home that much sweeter as you’ll return to a clean and welcoming space. So before packing those bags, don’t forget to get your house ready for vacation too.

13. Pack Your Bags

This one is pretty self-explanatory! Packing for a trip can be a daunting task, but there are a few tips and tricks to make the process much smoother. First, start packing several days before your departure to avoid any last-minute stress.

It’s also important to choose the right type of bag for your needs – while a carry-on may not fit all your belongings, it can save you from potential headaches and extra fees at the airport.

Packing cubes are another essential tool for organization and maximizing space in your luggage. So, before heading out on your next adventure, remember to pack your bags with these things in mind for a hassle-free journey.

14. Start Thinking About Next Trip

As any avid traveler knows, planning your next journey is half the fun. While you may be eagerly anticipating your upcoming trip, why not start thinking about where you want to go after that? Jotting down destination ideas and starting to research potential itineraries can get you even more excited for the adventure ahead.

Plus, it can prevent any post-vacation blues once your current trip has come to an end. So go ahead, start dreaming and brainstorming your next great adventure. The world is waiting to be explored!

Bottom Line

We hope these tips have helped get you excited for your next vacation. No matter where you’re going or what you’re doing, remember to enjoy the journey and create lasting memories. Safe travels and make sure to start your travel countdown now!