Talk to all the people going on the vacation, unless you are travelling solo, about your destination and the types of sites you want to visit. This could include nature reserves, sites of historical interest or the beach. Try to include something for everyone in your plan and set a budget.
Agree on how you will travel. If you are going by road, decide on a vehicle, who will drive and, if necessary, how to split driving costs.
Consult guidebooks and other resources to find out more about your destination. Make lists of possible activities and sites to visit before you finalize your plans. Find out about entrance fees and opening times. If you're traveling with your family or a group, split up responsibility for research.
Plot your route on a map. If you are traveling by car, decide if you want to stick to highways, look for scenic routes or include a mixture of both. Plan rest stops in advance, perhaps at a point of interest just off your main route. Planning on a stop every 100 to 150 miles with give you a break roughly every two hours.
Book any accommodations necessary unless you want more flexibility and can take a chance on what you find. Advance reservations sometimes provide discounts that save money.