It’s summer holiday time of year again but just getting to your holiday destination can prove stressful with all the packing, last minute shopping lists and the inevitable traffic queues.
We can’t promise to make all the pre-holiday stress magically disappear, but we have got a few tips to make things easier.
Pack light
There is only so much stuff you can cram into a suitcase and only so much space in the boot of your car. If you are travelling by plane then only taking a carry on bag would be the ideal but is rarely practical. The stress levels will reach a maximum if you are desperately trying to close your suitcase at the check-in desk, only to find it is over the weight limit. You hardly ever wear all the clothes you take, so next time you are packing, be ruthless!
Arrive Early
Sounds obvious but time soon starts ticking away if you have to check all the doors are locked five times or need to make an unplanned stop at a shoe shop as someone has forgotten their flip flops. If you have to be somewhere at a specific time then leave more time than you actually need. If you arrive early then put your feet up with a coffee and enjoy watching all the crazy late people rushing about.
Create an itinerary
To those of us who don’t live in the world of organisation, this might seem an unnecessary step too far, but it really is a top tip. Create a print out of any flight numbers, train times, departure or check in times, hotel addresses, booking confirmations, emergency phone numbers etc. then keep it somewhere handy like your hand luggage. No more ‘lost in translation’ moments when trying to explain to the taxi driver where your hotel is or falling out with the receptionist who doesn’t have your booking on their system.
Entertaining the kids
Children and travel don’t always mix so be ready to make compromises to get you through the journey. Once you have exhausted all the traditional travel games you might have to admit defeat and resort to electronic versions. Handing over their Nintendo or iPad might ensure a quieter journey and a less stressed you.
Try and travel at a time when your children would usually be asleep, not always possible, but fitting in with their usual bedtime routine will be a massive help.
Back everything up
If you are taking your laptop, digital camera or phone, always have a backup of the files on an external drive so if they get damaged or stolen you still have a copy of your pictures from that trip of a lifetime. Keeping digital and photocopies of important documents is also a good idea, things like your passport, travel insurance, drivers license, emergency phone numbers etc.
With the planning and preparation done, you can sit back, relax and enjoy that well-earned holiday!