We are all looking forward to our holidays, but did you know that there are an increased number of people who say that the holiday travel is so stressful, that they would rather stay home than travel. Come on, travel holidays should be marvelous! Read on to know how to avoid the hassles and have an easier, enjoyable holiday.
1. Think About Your Budget
Choose your holiday destination based on how much money you have to spend. It is possible to have an excellent holiday without spending too much money, especially if you seek for bargains. It is not a good idea to spend every single cent you have either. Keep some “just in case” funds, because anything can happen during your trip.
2. Plan the Travel Ahead
If possible, plan your holiday travels in advance. This is essential especially if you are flying at peak days on Christmas or Thanks giving, when the flights are fully booked. Budget travelers know that the prices are cheaper if you book your tickets online long in advance when they are cheap. The closer the holiday is, the more expensive the tickets will be. Compare prices on the internet and try to find the best prices possible. If you seek for holiday flights too late, you will end up paying an expensive price.
Same with places to stay. If you want to stay at a certain hotel, try to make sure you book it well in advance at least 4 weeks) to get the best room available and the price you wanted, especially if you are planning something special like honeymoon cruises. Or perhaps you only do eco-friendly travel and wanted an eco-friendly hotel? This is best done online too. If you don’t travel during the popular times, then there is more competition and you get to choose from different airline and accommodation offers.
3. Take A Holiday Insurance
No matter if you are planning a one-week beach holiday or a one-year world trip, take a holiday insurance in case of problems. The insurance fee is not that high, but it gives you the protection you need when you travel. The financial costs of an accident, a stolen phone or just a delayed flight. Make sure your hobby is covered as well. There are insurances like the golf holiday insurance to give you extended protection.
4. Prepare The Travel Documents
Once you know you are going to travel, find information on the travel documents necessary and have an agent to prepare them for you. Do this months before the trip if you can.
5. Have An Itinerary
Unless you really love to be spontaneous and can handle the uncertainty that comes with it, it is a good idea to plan your holiday travels ahead. Like already mentioned, you will get the best holiday travel deals by browsing the offers and booking at least two months in advance, preferably even earlier. Set a price alert online. Also, once you know where you are going, you can start to gather information about your travel destination and make an itinerary for your holidays. This is important especially if you are planning a road trip or a multi-destination trip, and will only have a limited amount of time in each location.
6. Pack Lightly
Having a big baggage with you is not convenient, especially when flying. Choose your travel wardrobe well and travel with a carry-on lightweight luggage only. It simply makes traveling easier and guarantees that your luggage won’t get lost. Many travelers also enjoy not having to wait for their luggage once they arrive to their destination. Just make sure that your cabin luggage is compatible with the airline rules. You can find them by browsing the airline websites.
7. Leave Your Work Home
This is your holiday travel, so make it feel like a vacation. Leave your work computer home and turn the mobile phone off. Enjoy your holidays and the people around you. You can think about work later.
8. Leave Early Enough
Taking a flight? Pack the day before and double-check that you have your tickets and passport. Set two alarm clocks. Go to the airport on time. Especially cheap budget airlines have these early hours flights, so if you live far from the airport and your flight leaves early, stay at the airport hotel or even at the airport, if it is possible. Then you’ll be in the plane when it departs even if the roads were crowded and the driving time was longer than expected.
9. Don’t Panic!
Take the opportunity to prepare your holiday travel beforehand, but once the trip starts, take a relaxed approach and go with the flow. Your plans might not work out. There can be a problem with the airfares. Anything can happen. The best approach is not to get stressed. Complaining about it will only ruin your holiday. Move on and come up with something else to do.
10. Take Your Time
There is an endless amount of interesting places to experience and the more you travel, the more you’d like to see. Mind you, it is supposed to be a holiday, not work or a contest. Don’t try to do too much at once. The main idea is to enjoy your holiday, not get exhausted by the number of things on your to-do list.
Follow these tips and make your holiday travel a marvelous experience!
