Find a destination. Depending on where you are, a great beach trip could be within driving distance. If your plan is to go local, do a quick search of what's available in the surrounding areas (official tourism sites are great for this), then begin narrowing it down according to how far you want to drive and any other specific items on your wish list. While the economy has made vacationing close to home more attractive, your daydreams of a lounging on the beach may involve a more distant destination. If you are considering leaving the country, there are some factors to definitely consider when choosing your locale. Do you want saltwater or freshwater? A large or small beach? A nude beach? A private beach? Again, official tourism sites will be very helpful.
Agree on a place with your boyfriend. This is probably not a time for surprises, unless you're picking a place you've both talked about wanting to visit. It won't be romantic if he hates the area.
Check the weather. It doesn't matter if it's an hour's drive away or a 12-hour flight, check the weather for the time when you will be there. It's also important to remember that, while it might be summer here, it is winter in some parts of the world (Australia, for example). This can actually be a good thing for travelers hoping to escape the cold winter months.
Read the news. Has your destination seen a crime wave recently? Has the area been devastated by tornadoes, hurricanes, floods or earthquakes? Is the air quality or pollution bad? Has your local government issued a travel advisory against traveling to that country? It might seem overwhelming, but it's better to know in advance and steer clear of any trouble. Always search for news or check for government travel advisories before visiting an area.
Obtain a passport. Passports are generally required for travel outside of the country, particularly if you are traveling by airplane. Some areas see a quick turnaround on applications for passports, but it's best to be apply several months in advance. This is important for a couple reasons. The first is that you will probably get your passport in more than enough time, eliminating any stress about canceling your trip due to missing identification. Another reason why it is better to apply well in advance is that many people attempt to apply for a passport, only to discover that they are missing key documentation (birth certificate, Social Security card and so on). By planning ahead, you will have time to request those items and still apply for a passport before your trip.
Get vaccinated. Some travelers mistakenly assume that the vaccinations they received growing up are adequate to protect them, regardless of where they are. This is not true. Different regions have different diseases, therefore, the best way to determine which immunizations are required is to visit your family doctor or a travel clinic. It is very important to start the process at least four-to-six weeks before your trip, since many vaccinations require a follow-up dose a couple weeks after the initial injection.
Insure yourself. Anything can happen --- even during a dream vacation. Therefore, it is wise to make sure you have some sort of health insurance before leaving the country. Check with your own insurance, which may offer travel coverage. If it doesn't, ask if it can refer you to a travel insurance agency or do a quick search on the Internet.
Book your hotel. There are a few things to consider when picking the right place to stay. Some travelers assume that hotels in warm areas are automatically situated close to the beach, and they are disappointed when they discover they have booked a property in the middle of the downtown core. On the flip side, being in the city is exactly what some travelers want. Therefore, it's important to decide in advance --- how close do you want to be to the beach?
It is also a good idea to decide which amenities are most important to you, then search for properties that offer what you want. Many couples enjoy resorts that have a spa on the premises (a couple's massage can be very romantic), and most want to share at least a queen-sized bed, so make sure the rate isn't for two doubles.
Travel packages are a great way to go, especially if you are flying to your destination. The packages can include flights and hotel accommodations, but you can also find all-inclusives that will put all of your costs into a single price.
Pack the right clothing. While it might seem like a no-brainer, it is actually a good idea to do some research when choosing clothing. Determining the weather is the first step to packing the right items. Some areas are extremely hot in the daytime, but drop to surprisingly cool temperatures when the sun sets. Therefore, it's probably smart to take that jean jacket or cardigan and a pair of long pants just in case.
Exchange some money. Many banks will exchange your money for foreign currency if you give them enough time. If not, check out currency exchange agencies in your local area or ask your credit card company if it offers traveler's checks. It's always important to have money in case you lose your credit card.
Also, while most places will accept Visa, MasterCard or any of the major credit cards, small vendors, like the ones you find along the beach, are likely not equipped for such transactions and will only take currency.
