Close to Home

• A trip planned without much research can be most successful when close to home. A good getaway can be at a bed and breakfast in a town that is within easy driving distance (think under two hours). Choose a place with activities nearby, such as a museum, park, movie theater or good restaurants. Taking a short vacation close to home allows for easy planning if children and pets are involved, as friends and family can be enlisted for babysitting.
  
  

Considerations

• An important consideration is trip comfort. For example, some people can handle hostels instead of hotels and jumping a train to the next city rather than taking a tour bus. For a combination of the two, try visiting a city where friends or family live. A sudden visit may create havoc, but staying in a nearby hotel allows for visiting and privacy. Family or friends can most likely offer places to see and good eateries.
  
  

Itineraries

• For an easy itinerary, take suggestions from friends and family or from the locals. Ask questions. Visit the tourist information center or visit the website. Many small towns and guide books for larger cities offer itineraries of what to do in just a few days. Activities are often grouped by type and/or location. Investing in a guidebook, particularly one that has a map, will often be worth the money--just be sure to skim through it before buying.
  
  

Book a Trip

• For those with passports handy and money and time to spare, pure spontaneity may be desired. A last-minute trip to a faraway place is most easily accomplished with the help of a trustworthy travel agent who can handle the quick decision planning. Or, for the Internet-savvy, websites such as Travelocity, Expedia and Priceline offer deals on spur-of-the-moment trips.
  
  

By Car

• Jumping in the car with a map or GPS is often easier and more cost-effective than flying. Heading out on the open road with the music playing loudly and a good traveling companion makes for a memorable outing. Bring a tent, make a hotel reservation and just get out of town. With the aid of the Internet and cell phones, it is easy to make reservations and plan on the go. Make sure to bring a credit card, cash or travelers checks. Be safe and follow the rules of the road.