Making plans to get away this summer? Or even this year? Good for you! That is awesome, you totally deserve it. Now there are a few things that you need to keep in mind to make your vacation or trip be as smooth as possible.

Does it all come down to proper planning? Do you need to spend more to get peace of mind? Keep reading for a few, simple tips to help you enjoy your time away.

What should you do before you start planning your trip?

Photo by Julia Kicova on Unsplash
Photo by Julia Kicova on Unsplash
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When you do start planning, make sure to write everything down and if you don't want to actually keep track of papers, email yourself all of the confirmation details of your bookings. It is good to bring a paper copy with you since you cannot guarantee that you will have great internet access at your destination.

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What should you investigate before you make your final decision on where to travel?

Passport and Airline Ticket on Euros
Fuse
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When you are making your decision as to where you are going to keep the time of year in mind, as that will help to determine the prices of your flights, hotels, rental cars and activities. Is it a popular place to go?  Is there an 'off season' which would make it not only less expensive but also fewer people to get in your way.

READ MORE: Every New Yorker Knows: 5 Things Every Hotel Wants You to Do

Why should you use this form of payment almost exclusively?

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damedeeso
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When it comes to paying for your trip, the bookings, the travel, even making purchases at the airport you are going to need your credit card. When saying the word credit card, it is almost interchangeable with a debit card, just know that cash is not necessarily king when traveling. Yes, it is important to have cash for tips and gratuities, but you might find yourself surprised at how few places actually will take cash as payment.

READ MORE: Renew Your Passport Online

Have you ever felt completely alone when something does go wrong on your trip?

National Lampoon's Vacation
Warner Bros.
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There is something that you might want to do, that seems to be archaic in the world of internet bookings but have a chat with a travel agent. They don't charge you more for using them and in some cases, they have already been to where you want to visit and can give you some insider tips. Also, when something goes wrong on your trip, you can have them help you with the airlines, hotels, etc. while you are away.

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Road Trip! Visit Upstate New York's 'Irish Alps' For St. Patty's Day

The Catskill Mountain region of Upstate New York has been home to different groups from all walks of life over the years. While it was well known that many Jewish families made this their second home over a century ago with cottage communities and glamourous hotels (the famed "Borscht Belt"), it has also been a sort of a homeland for many Irish families from metropolitan New York. Both these groups (and others) chose the Catskills to escape the heat and crowded confines of New York City for a vacation land and place for fun and enjoyment. The Irish Alps are settled around Greene County and the heart of this area is East Durham, New York. This is a gallery of places to check out of you choose to visit the Irish Alps this St. Patrick's Day weekend!