Whether you take one holiday or six holidays a year, it is easy to forget some of the essential components that make for a happy and stress free vacation. It is wise not to jump in with both feet and take the first cheapest deal on offer at a travel agent. A bit of planning and thought can make what would be a mediocre holiday into the 'best holiday' ever.
Reading holiday reviews can be useful; but be aware of cleverly written words in the brochure such as 'all apartments have sea views'. This may well be true but that 'view' of the sea could mean you are three miles away from the beach. That walk every day to the sea may result in leaving you 'breathless' and the kids in tears.
It does not take Einstein to work out to avoid places where holidaymakers leave reports of cockroaches and dirty sheets. Cleanliness is one of my first priorities especially when you have young children to consider. So here are my 12 Tips to help you plan a fabulous holiday.
1. How far do you want to travel? Check out the duration time of flights and any stopovers? If you holidaying for seven days you may not want to spend two days of your holiday travelling. How far do you have to travel to your accommodation once you arrive? A three-hour coach ride may be too much after a long flight.
2. Where is your accommodation situated? Is it close to beach, close to the mountains, in the middle of a town? Is there a noisy nightclub next door? Holidays are individual to the person so choose a hotel, which meets the requirements of your holiday.
3. Does the hotel have the amenities you need for a holiday, i.e. kids club, babysitting, nightly entertainment, kitchenette, hair dryer, 24 hour reception, medical help, tennis, golf or internet access.
4. Weather may be a key factor in choosing your destination. If you are looking for a beach holiday then sun is paramount. If you are looking to ski then you will need snow! It is good to check out the previous year's average temperature/rainfall/snow for the month you are holidaying via the internet. If you are travelling on long haul, it is good idea to check the best time of year to travel. Be aware of monsoon seasons, hurricanes and when mosquitoes are most prevalent. Often you can find a 10-day weather guide for your locality.
5. If spending a considerable amount of money on a holiday always buy the best travel insurance you can afford. You will want a guarantee if something goes wrong. The advantage of packaged holidays is they come with a representative who acts on your behalf in case things go wrong. The good thing about packaged holidays is a representative is normally available to help make re-arrangements for you, but if you book the plane, hotel and transfer separately then it is to you to sort out.
6. Travel insurance is buying piece of mind if the worst happens. Medical bills can amount to thousands to pounds. If holidaying in the EU also take your EHIC card (European Heath Insurance Card). The EHIC is free to residents in the UK and allows you to access state health cover in EEA countries and Switzerland at either free or at a reduced card. The card lasts for five years and renewable.
7. What reputation does your chosen airline have? How often do they cancel flights? If they often cancel or delay flights what is their policy on getting you on the next flight? What are the airlines guidelines for packing, for people who need assistance, for those travelling with children or sports equipment?
8. Will the language barrier be a problem for you? Will your native language get you by or will you need to take a dictionary or even use an interpreter on arrival. If you want to download an 'APP' on your computer or smart phone for currency exchange or a foreign dictionary do these before you go to save money on 'download costs'.
9. What medical precautions do you need before travelling? Some countries need precautionary jabs of diphtheria; malaria, typhoid etc. and evidence of such vaccination should be shown before travelling.
10. Does your intended destination need a visa application completed before flying. Often you may have to apply some months in advance. So please check this before finalising any documentation. A good travel agent should alert you to this. Often it is cheaper to buy theme tickets such as Disney, Epcot and excursions before you travel. Car hire is generally cheaper to arrange as part of your holiday booking.
11. What is the exchange rate conversion from your country into the currency exchange rate? Have your tracked this for a few weeks before converting your money. Will you need to organise traveller's cheques before you go? Be aware some countries do not allow you to carry out excess money or even take in money. You may need to obtain foreign currency once you have landed in the country and money changed back before departing on your homeward journey.
12. Does the timing of your holiday coincide with peak demand such as school holidays, specific festivals or events, which can increase the cost of your holiday? Do compare costs of holiday on-line and with other travel agents. What do you get for your money? There is a trend to 'make your own' holiday by booking flight and hotel separately but watch out for added costs of baggage, seat choice which can bump up the price considerably.
Holidays are special times; after all, it is likely you have worked all year to have one! So it makes sense to take some time in planning your holiday to get maximum enjoyment. Do slot in enough time to sort out your household affairs before travelling, is there any bills that need to be paid whilst you are away? Cancel the milk and ask a neighbour to watch your house whilst you are away. Try not to put your life story on Facebook especially that you are away! That is an invitation for a burglar if there was one.
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