What are the 5 basic things to keep in mind before planning or booking your future vacation plans?

I believe there is 1 basic thing; hand it over to an experienced tour operator who has all the resources to advise you what will be the best steps for your travel from start to end. Stress free organisation is the key to enjoy your trip planning, knowing someone is advising you, taking care of your itinerary/bookings, and answering all your questions instead of going in circles trying to compare every detail you come accross.

Five basic things to consider:

1. Destination (where do you want to visit?)
2. When (is it high or low season and/or are there particular issues to do with the timing you need to consider?)
3. Expectations (what do you expect to see/do and are these realistic?)
4. Cost (what is your budget? Is it limited or flexible?)
5. How (do you prefer to plan and execute the arrangements independently or do you require the knowlege and service of a reputable travel agent/agency?)