1. Choose the right place to stay. This is the most important aspect of enjoying  a vacation. Most tourists go to Panama City Beach for one thing, the beaches. If you are planning on soaking up the sun, you may want to consider the proximity of where you lodge to the beach. Do you want to be on the beach? Would listening to the waves crash into the shore while you sleep enhance your experience? Do you mind carting your belongings a few blocks to the beach? These are all very important things to think about before booking a place to stay.  Try to stay within your budget, but staying in the right place makes all the difference. And as always, consider purchasing vacation insurance just in case your plans fall through.

2. Think ahead. If you are within driving distance to Panama City Beach consider if you want to put the wear and tear on your own vehicle or if it would be worth it to rent a vehicle. Flying? Book your flights far in advance to get the best rates possible. While on the island, there are many ways to get around. Make sure that you keep all phone numbers and travel information on your body; you never know when you might need it. You may also want to store the phone numbers of local taxi agencies in your cell phone. Last but not least, have access to a map; weather it’s on your smart phone or in an atlas, you will need to know how to get from one destination to the next.

3. Know what you are going to do before you arrive. You don’t want to get to the island before you make decisions about what kind of excursions you want to take. It is important to know this ahead of time so that you can make reservations and avoid long lines or encounter all the tickets being sold out. You may also want to go to the local visitors center and see what kind of coupons they have before you starts having fun.

4. Make an itinerary. You should know everything from the time that you arrive to the activities you will enjoy before you set foot in Panama City Beach. There is so much to do that you may get sidetracked and forget to do something that you really wanted to do. While making your itinerary, leave time to sit back and relax. A beach vacation should be enjoyable and laid back.

5. Make a checklist- The worst thing that could happen on a vacation is to find out once you have arrived that you have forgotten your camera or even your sunscreen. Knowing ahead of time what items you will need will make packing easier for you and ensure that you have all the items needed to make your vacation as enjoyable as possible.

6. Go to the bank- You will need cash if you want to rent anything on the beach. By going to the bank before leaving you will be able to avoid excess ATM fees that you will find on the island. There may be instances where you find cash is needed when you were least expecting it.

7. Be prepared for an emergency- Planning for the unexpected will keep you calm in case of a disaster. Make sure you and your party have an emergency plan in place. Designate a leader and decide where you will meet and what will you do in case of an emergency so that your party doesn’t get separated.