If you are in the process of planning your next trip away then you may be wondering how you can avoid a stressful vacation experience. What you need to remember is that many people go away each and every day, without hassle. It is very easy to plan a non-stressful trip, you just need to make sure you have everything prepared well in advance. Check out these 10 travel tips to find out everything you need to do to avoid a stressful vacation.
Travel Tips You Need To Avoid A Stressful Vacation: Book Your Flights In Advance For Great Deals
When you are planning a vacation you need to get your flights booked in advance, this will likely be cheaper and save you money in the long term. If you book flights near your vacation then you will pay more. However, if you are booking a package deal then these will always include flights. You can pick and choose which flights you want to be on when you are booking, be aware that these will vary in price.
Purchase Parking At The Airport
If you are driving to the airport and parking before your trip then this will also need to be booked well in advance. The farther in advance you book it, the cheaper your parking will be. You may also be quoted different prices depending on the area you park. The nearer you are to the terminals, the more money you are likely to pay.
However, if you don’t mind being situated further away then there is likely to be a shuttle bus that will take you from your car to the terminal and vice versa on your return. It is all well and good being further away when you are looking forward to going away, however, think about returning at 4am when you have a longer journey back to your car. There are plenty of parking options and companies to use, parking up is one such example.
Travel Tips You Need To Avoid A Stressful Vacation: Look Into Accommodation Options ASAP
If you decide not to book a package vacation where your accommodation is included then you will need to decide where you are going to stay. The list of places is endless and it is all about what suits you and your budget. You could stay in motels, hotels, BnBs, or private villas. There are pros and cons to each of these, but if you want your own space with no-one else around then a private apartment or villa will be best for you.
Even better if this space comes with a private pool for you to enjoy on a hot summer’s day. However, if you have chosen a package vacation which includes accommodation, flights, and occasionally transfers then you can pick whichever hotel you want.
Ensure That You Purchase Travel Insurance
Before you head away you will need to purchase travel insurance, this will protect you and pay for any treatments you need while you are abroad. If you don’t have travel insurance as you assume it will never happen to you then you may regret your decision. If something does happen while you are away then you could end up with a hefty hospital bill.
It doesn’t take much to sign up for travel insurance, all you need to do is find a decent one that has plenty of positive reviews. You will need to fill in a health questionnaire and be honest about any pre-existing conditions then they will give you quotes.
Travel Tips You Need To Avoid A Stressful Vacation: Get All of Your Travel Documents Sorted Ahead Of Time
You may have heard about the latest passport shenanigans and worry that yours is going to expire before you go away. For some countries you will need at least six months on your passport when you return to your home country. If you don’t have this amount then you will need to apply for a new one before you go.
Make sure you apply in time for a new one to come through, these can sometimes take up to three months to arrive. If you have a driving license and are hiring a car when you go away then you will need to ensure you have this with you at all times.
Create A Packing Checklist
Before you go away you might want to look at what the weather will be like for your chosen destination. You will usually be able to find this out around a week before you go, giving you plenty of time to choose the right clothes to take. What you pack will also depend on the destination and type of vacation you are going on. For example, you will need to pack different items if you are going on a beach holiday or a ski holiday. If you are going on a ski vacation then you will need thicker, warmer clothes.
Don’t forget that the weather can take a turn any moment, even if you are promised glorious sunshine. The evenings could also turn chilly so be sure to pack a cardigan or lighter jacket.
Understand The Rules Of The Country You Visit
There are certain places around the world that have different rules to your home country. If you want to visit these countries then you will need to be aware of their laws and customs. Take Dubai for instance, a gorgeous country to visit but you may need to cover up, avoid alcohol, and not show any PDA with your other half. If you happen to find yourself in trouble in another country then make sure you speak with a lawyer or an associate from the local embassy to see where you stand.
Travel Tips You Need To Avoid A Stressful Vacation: Book Activities In Advance
The last thing you want when you go abroad is to be disappointed when you go to an activity and they have no spaces left. For this reason you should try booking activities well in advance of your travel date. This way you know you are listed, it has been paid for, and you won’t miss out.
These could be simple things like a hike through the wilderness or something more once in a lifetime such as whale watching. If you are staying in a hotel then you will be given the opportunity to book activities and excursions while you are staying there. They will give you a briefing on everything they have available and how you can book.
Stay On Resort
There are some places where you might go on vacation and you need to stay at the resort. This tends to be areas with a high crime rate outside the main walls, South Africa or Mexico are just two examples. You will be told when you book that it is wise to stay on the resort unless you are accompanied by a guide that is part of your accommodation.
The last thing you want is to be lured into booking an activity with someone outside of your resort and for you to be in danger. Typically you will have everything you need and more at a resort where you can’t leave. This will include bars, restaurants, spas, and even shops.
Just Relax, It’s Supposed To Be Fun
Finally, remember a vacation is meant to be a fun time and if you stress about the little things then you will ruin your experience. Vacations don’t happen every day so when you do get to go on vacation make sure you are spending some time relaxing.
It can be tricky, especially if you have children or family to relax as you feel you should be keeping an eye on them or entertaining them. However, depending on where you are staying there may be a kids club that you can make use of.