I know this sounds strange, as most people look forward to a vacation, but.....I think I actually enjoy that part more!
Maybe I just build it up in my head so much, that it can't live up???

It's like sex, foreplay is better sometimes than the actual act...

It is sad but true, I live for the planning and the research. I do relax and enjoy my vacations, but after the first two days I start to bum out a little that it's almost over...then again, my husband says, we take these trips not for the destination, but to appreciate home again.

Half of the fun is in the planning.

My husband thinks I'm crazy, because I spend so much time researching a place before we finalize plans. But once we get there he depends on me to be the tour director. Good thing I love travel and the travel planning.

Travel on.

I agree with Karen - although my husband thinks I spend too much time researching our travels (especially reading this site), he depends on me to know where to go, what to do, and to make the necessary arrangements.
I am constantly researching different trips and have so many in the planning stage that I don't think I will ever be able to travel to all the places I want to go.

For me, its the anticipation... I always have a trip planned so when things get hectic at work,,I can sit back for a few moments and day dream about the up coming trip...calms me down every time..even if its just a long weekend. Right now, its a 12 day Med Cruise..OHHHHHHHHHHYA!!!!!!!!

I like to plan ahead for the anticipation for the trip. But I don't like to do too much research. Things often don't live up to one's imagination, so some surprise is good. If a vacation is too planned it becomes work and not a relaxing adventure.

this is soooo true! my husband planned a surprise 3 year anniversary for us. i did not know where we were going until we got to the airline gate. (he even packed my clothes!) the trip was alot of fun but planning and knowing are almost just as exciting as going.

Karen, Marsha and Ranger - you're so right! The research materials pile up on the couch, I read and study maps nearly every evening! My husband's feelings get hurt - "It seems like the only thing you DO get excited about is where you're going on your next trip!"
That's really sad, but true...!

Interesting question. I enjoy all three aspects of the trip about equally...the planning and anticipation, the actual trip, and putting together the memories once we get home.

I like Fodor's so much (especially the Europe section because that's where I like to vacation most) because I'm it's fascinating hearing about both places I've been and how people like them, and places I might like to go in the future.

So glad to know others feel the same way I do. Planning a trip is almost like therapy and a little "escapism" every day. Within a week after getting home from somewhere, I'm researching another destination. So fun!

DG said it, I get much more excited about an upcoming trip than almost anything else. Just Me, I have to say that my very favorite part is the trip itself, but I have sad feelings sometimes that the planning is ending, usually right before the trip actually starts. Planning a trip makes me feel like I am getting a reward for my work and helps my motivation at work.