It’s that time of year again, when you need to start getting your summer vacation plans together. Whether you’re traveling short or long distances, in or out of the country, with friends and family or solo, planning is the key to a smooth, stress-free holiday.
Why Is Holiday Planning Important?
While it seems adventurous and romantic to just get up and go on your vacation, there’s a flip side to unplanned holidays too.
If you haven’t booked your flights and accommodation well in advance, you could end up paying much more, or find yourself running from pillar to post looking for the suitable options.
Some last-minute travelers have found that unless they plan their itinerary they return disappointed because they’ve missed doing the things they really wanted to.
Packing early gives you the benefit of carrying exactly what you want, according to the weather, location and itinerary of your destination, be it a cruise, trekking, sightseeing or rest and relaxation.
Traveling with kids or seniors does need to be planned. Their food and snack requirements, medications, first-aid kit, emergency contact for a local doctor, ensuring that they enjoy the holiday as much as you do, safety and comfort are of prime importance.
Additionally, you have to ensure that you have the right paperwork, immunization and travel documents well ahead so that there are no last-minute surprises.
Holiday Planning: 5 Top Tips
- Check your health status: Before you plan your travel, it’s wise to get an update on your current health status. Dream holidays can quickly become nightmare trips if you suffer a cardiac emergency or can’t find the medication you’re on in the local area. If you suffer from chronic conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, asthma or allergies, ensure that you have the right support while traveling. Carry a copy of your medical reports, and inform your family doctor about your holiday. Get your vaccinations well in advance so that you don’t suffer from reactions while on the flight. If you’re afraid that you’re not in the best of health, it’s best to postpone the trip till you feel your best.
- Documents and Paperwork: Unless you’re a seasoned traveler, or have done the route often, avoid DIY travel planning. Talk to a reputed and qualified travel agent to understand the necessary visa and passport requirements. Ensure that your passport has enough validity before you make plans. Renewal times can be lengthy. Visa requirements differ from country to country, so ensure that you have the appropriate one. Do your homework on the destination and check about currency, SIM cards, WiFi, driver’s license acceptance, credit card facilities, and whether you have lounge access at airports.
- Advance Booking: It may seem boring and silly to plan every day of your holiday, but even the most experienced travelers recommend that you plan your accommodation and book it in advance. There are several hotel chains, AirBnB, bed-n-breakfast, homestays, backpacker hostels, and low budget villas that you can get early-bird deals on. Arriving jet-lagged and tired after a long flight with no idea where you’re going to spend the night isn’t the best start to a vacation. Check whether your flight plan offers package deals on hotels and airport transport as well. While you’re at it, it’s important to also plan how to get to the airport, whether you need to book your airport parking slot and to compare prices across different airport parking facilities in Melbourne.
- Stay Safe: Part of your research on the destination should be on the security and safety of the place. Read online reviews and travel blogs to know more. Don’t get paranoid and spoil your vacation, but keep your wits about you, especially if you don’t speak the local language. Petty thefts and pickpocketing are two of the most common crimes in touristy places. Invest in theft-proof purses or wear a cross-body bag under your clothes to protect your phone, cash, credit cards or other valuables. Avoid using the free WiFi in airports and never share your personal information with strangers. Read up on local customs and stay within social boundaries as far as possible. Charge up your phone and inform your hotel and family at home about your plans. Don’t forget to get the right travel insurance. Eating local cuisines is exciting and important, but research the right places that are clean and safe.
- Home Security: Plan your home security and safety meticulously well in advance of your travel dates. This will give you immense peace of mind and ensure that you have a stress-free holiday. Invest in good quality security systems if you plan to be away for a long time. Check all doors and windows and other access points to your house and property well ahead. If you have a pet sitter coming in, get someone who is well-known and book them in advance to avoid last minute changes. Never reveal your holiday plans publicly on social media, as this is an open invitation to unscrupulous players. Switch off appliances, and clean out your fridge. Stop newspaper delivery and inform trusted neighbors that you will be away so that they can watch out for any unusual activity.
**’The opinions expressed in the article are solely the author’s and don’t reflect the opinions or beliefs of the portal’**
