Tips For A Stressfree Holiday

We all love going on holiday but it can also be stressful. There is a lot to organize, new countries with perhaps a different language and the pressure to ensure you do and see everything. Sometimes what starts out as a beautiful dream holiday can end up feeling like a nightmare. We’ve got some tips to help make sure your holiday is stress-free so you can enjoy it all from start to finish.

Pre-book as much as possible. Arriving in a new destination after a long flight and having your transfer driver waiting is a godsend. No queues for taxis or trying to find the right train – it’s all taken care of. Likewise, if you pre-book your sightseeing tours before leaving home, you won’t spend your first day on the phone or looking up the available trips. If they are pre-booked and pre-paid, you don’t have to worry about a thing.
Check your documentation EARLY. You wouldn’t believe how many people book their trip then realise a few days out that their passport has expired. Make sure your travel documentation is up to date before you even book your holiday. Ensure your passport is valid for 6 months after you get back home and if it is going to expire, apply for a new one as soon as possible to avoid any last minute hiccups.
Put Travel Insurance in place as soon as you book. You never know what is around the corner so the moment you pay any deposits towards your trip, get your travel insurance in place. That way, if something unfortunate does happen, you’re covered. And never travel without travel insurance!
Request your preferred cabin/floor early. If you prefer to be in the middle of the ship, for example, get your request in place as soon as you put your booking in place. If you don’t have the best mobility, requesting and receiving a cabin close to the elevator/restaurants etc can make the world of difference to your experience. Requests aren’t guaranteed, but the cruise lines/hotel will do their best to accommodate.
Pack carefully. Make a list of what you think you will need in the weeks leading up to your trip and add to is as you think of things. Don’t over-pack and try to pack clothing that is quick-drying, mix and match and leave behind anything that really isn’t essential.
Request prescriptions in plenty of time. Make sure you have enough medication to last through your holiday until you get home. Check early as if you need to book a doctor’s appointment, you don’t want to leave it until the last minute!
Organise your travel documentation in the order that you’ll need it. If your documents arrive by email, print the documents that you will need and keep them in the order that you will need them throughout your holiday. Pack a spare copy too just in case you misplace them. Remember to complete any online forms (eg. Travel declarations) ahead of time if you can so there is no last minute panic.
Pack a spare set of clothes in your carry-on. Luggage does occasionally go missing or get delayed. Be sure to pack a change of clothes and prescription medicines etc in your carry-on bag that will stay with you throughout the flight. If your luggage does get delayed, you’ll be able to get through a day or so until it arrives.
Book through a travel agent. For the best stress-free holiday, book through a travel agent! Let them source the best offer for you, book your hotels/transfers/flight and cruise. We have systems in place that make sure the bookings are confirmed (so nothing slips through the cracks and you suddenly realise that hotel never did actually come back to you and now you have nowhere to stay for the night!). Our system also tells us if/when a booking needs to be pre-paid, or if there is a flight schedule change. If a flight is delayed and that affects the rest of your travel plans, we’ll sort it out for you. You’re never left in the lurch having to rebook or find an alternative while you’re in a foreign country. That’s what we are here for!
Enjoy! While there’s a lot to organize and new sounds and places, don’t forget to enjoy the experience!