This is a collaborative post.
Planning a holiday should be exciting, not stressful! But, there’s a lot that can go wrong if you don’t plan ahead. From unexpected costs to missing documents, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s why we’ve put together this quick guide on 5 key things you absolutely need to do before you book. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be on your way to a stress-free, fun-filled holiday in no time! Let’s dive in.
Research Your Destination Thoroughly
You might have already picked the destination for your next holiday but what do you really know about it? It’s so important to research your destination thoroughly, before making a final decision and booking something. It can be easy to miss some vital information, or there might be things you haven’t thought about looking for. This list might help:
- Understand the Local Weather: Check the climate and pack appropriately for the season.
- Explore Cultural Norms: Learn about customs, etiquette, and traditions to respect local practices.
- Review Travel Restrictions: Look into visa requirements, entry rules, and health guidelines (e.g., vaccinations).
- Find Top Attractions: List must-visit sites, hidden gems, and activities suited to your interests.
- Consider Safety: Research the safety of neighborhoods, local laws, and emergency contacts.
- Check Currency and Costs: Familiarize yourself with the local currency and average prices for food, transport, and activities.
- Understand Transportation Options: Learn about public transport, car rentals, or walking routes to navigate easily.
- Look for Local Events or Festivals: Plan your trip around special events or avoid peak times if crowds aren’t your thing.
- Read Traveller Reviews: Check blogs, forums, and travel sites for insider tips and honest reviews.
- Map Out Key Services: Locate nearby hospitals, police stations, and embassies in case of emergencies.
Set a Realistic Budget
It’s so easy to get carried away with money when you’re booking a holiday. When we booked to go to Orlando, Florida a few years ago, we kept adding things on and didn’t really realise just how much these things cost.
Be sure to spend some time calculating total expenses, including flights, accommodation, meals, and activities. Think of any costs you may incur while on holiday and add in a contingency fund for those just in case moments.
Something I find really helpful is to have separate savings accounts for holidays. Some banks allow you to have multiple online easy saver accounts that you can withdraw from whenever you want. This is a great way of keeping your holiday money separate, without it getting accidentally spent on other things.
Secure Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is one of the most important things to consider when you’re looking at holidays. There are lots of different kinds of cover, from being included for certain countries, cruises or even with sports equipment. You’ll need to research what different policies include, such as coverage type, exclusions, cost and what happens in a medical emergency. Be sure to get travel insurance that covers pre existing medical conditions if you have any.
Back when I lived in Toronto, Canada, I had to have an ambulance sent out and a visit to hospital thanks to a burst ovarian cyst. This would have left me with a huge medical bill had I not had the right insurance at the time!
Organise Important Documents
Nothing ruins holiday excitement faster than realising you’re missing a crucial document at the airport or border. To avoid last-minute panic, take some time to organise all the paperwork you’ll need for your trip.
- Create a Checklist: Start by making a list of essential documents, including your passport, travel visa (if required), flight tickets, accommodation confirmations, and travel insurance policy.
- Double-Check Expiry Dates: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates and that any necessary visas are up to date.
- Print and Store Hard Copies: While digital versions are convenient, hard copies can be a lifesaver if your phone dies or you lose internet access. Keep them in a secure travel folder or pouch.
- Backup Digital Copies: Take photos of your important documents or save them as PDFs in a cloud storage service like Google Drive or Dropbox. This way, you can access them anywhere if needed.
- Carry Extra Copies: For group travel or multi-country trips, it’s smart to carry additional photocopies of your ID and visa. Some destinations may require them at hotel check-ins or border crossings.
- Know the Rules for Minors: If traveling with children, make sure you have their birth certificates, and if required, notarised consent letters for international travel.
- Prep for Emergencies: Jot down key contact numbers, such as your country’s embassy or consulate, and store them alongside your documents.
Double-Check Accommodation and Transportation
One of the easiest ways to avoid holiday stress is to ensure all your bookings are in order before you travel. This means double-checking your accommodation and transportation arrangements well in advance. Confirming these details not only gives you peace of mind but also helps avoid unpleasant surprises upon arrival.
Start with your accommodation. Review your booking confirmation to verify the dates, room type, and amenities included. If you’ve made special requests, such as late check-in or an extra bed, it’s a good idea to contact the hotel or host directly to ensure these have been noted. Additionally, familiarise yourself with the cancellation policy in case your plans change at the last minute. Knowing the terms will help you manage your options without incurring unexpected fees.
When it comes to transportation, double-check your flight details, including departure times, terminals, and baggage allowances. If you’ve booked additional transport, such as a rental car, airport transfer, or train tickets, confirm these as well. Keep an eye on any email updates from travel providers, as schedules can sometimes shift. It’s also worth considering how you’ll get around at your destination. Research local transport options, such as buses, taxis, or ride-sharing services, and decide if purchasing tickets or passes in advance might save you money and time.
Lastly, make a note of your key reservation details, such as booking reference numbers and customer service contacts, and store them in an easily accessible place. Whether printed or digital, having everything organised will make your journey much smoother. With these checks in place, you can relax and focus on enjoying your holiday!