Every year thousands of us jet off to warmer climes to leave the stresses of our day-to-day work and home lives behind us for a week or so. But planning a holiday can become a stressful task in itself. I’ve compiled a short list of what I think are the most important things to remember when planning a holiday, whether you’re going to the other side of the world for a fortnight or having a long weekend in the Cotswolds, hopefully, these tips will help you plan a stress-free trip!
1) Getting the right location – First of all, think about what you want from your holiday. Do you want a holiday with guide-lead trips or one where you can hire a car and explore your surroundings at your will? Perhaps you’re interested in water sports or trekking? Or maybe you’re just looking for a gorgeous beach to spend your days soaking up the sun.
It’s also a good idea to research your chosen country to see if there are any safety concerns, keep an eye on the news for political things that might affect your travels, and read review sites and forums to gain as much information as possible before booking.
2) Plan Ahead – Once you’ve chosen what type of holiday you want and where you want to go, it’s important to check if there are any medical or visa requirements to get into the country. Places such as the Dominican Republic, India, Malaysia, Some areas of South Africa, Thailand, etc. are rife with Malaria so it’s important to take a course of medication before traveling.
If you’re traveling to a country with Malaria or political issues, such as South Africa, for example, it’s highly recommended that you check local websites for information before it comes to the time when you need to book travel arrangements and accommodation, to ensure that it’s safe for you to travel. Likewise, using websites based in the country you intend to travel to can mean that you may get a better price for the accommodation as you won’t need to go through a travel agent!
3) Get organized – Keep a folder with all of your important travel documents, including booking confirmations, visas, medical certificates, passports, and tickets. It’s always a good idea to take out some travel insurance too just in case; medical fees in some countries can be astronomical! If you’re traveling within the EEA it’s worth signing up for a free EHIC card as well as having valid insurance.
While you’re getting yourself organized and dealing with holiday admin, it’s a good idea to think about any additional costs you may have overlooked, such as taxi transfer from the airport; baggage fees, etc, and work them into your budget. Don’t forget to change some money into the local currency, and check with your bank to find out if they charge for withdrawals and payments in the country you’re going to!
4) Pack your suitcase efficiently – If you’re going to the South of France for a week in the high summer season it’s highly likely you won’t need thermal underwear and a woolly hat! Check the local weather report in the weeks and days leading up to your holiday to keep an eye on what you can expect when you get there. Choose a few key items of clothing that you can mix and match into different outfits, and take some travel-sized laundry detergent for hand washing items, remember if it’s a hot country they’ll dry in no time on your balcony!
When traveling to your holiday destination, dress accordingly, remember it is likely to be quite cold on the plane (and in the UK while you wait at the airport!) but it will be hotter than hell when you step off that plane, so layers are key, you can strip off or cover up at will! Finally, a few key things to pop in your suitcase: first-aid kit, insect repellent, sunscreen (SPF30 or above is best), sun hat, sunglasses, painkillers, and Diarrhoea tablets. And don’t forget your camera!
5) Don’t stress out! – Easier said than done, I know! But if you follow the tips above and plan properly then hopefully there shouldn’t be too much to stress out about! Being on holiday itself can be stressful, as a couple or a family you’re often not used to spending that much time together, constantly, for two long weeks.
If you have young children, make use of the crèche facilities at the resort to give you and your partner a few hours of peace! Likewise, take it in turns to watch the kids while one of you spends some alone time relaxing on the beach or going for a walk.
Hopefully, you’ll find these tips helpful, it’s by no means an exhaustive list but it should cover the basics and give you a starting point for getting your holiday planned effectively! Above all, make sure you give yourself plenty of time to plan and book your holiday and don’t forget to enjoy yourself while you’re there, take lots of photos and make some great memories to see you through until next year’s holiday!
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