Going on holiday is meant to be relaxing - that’s literally the point - but the days leading up to it can often feel anything but. After all, there’s always something to book, something to pack, and something you realise you’ve totally forgotten about at the last minute. However, some decent planning can help, and it could be the difference between a calm departure and a stressful dash out the door, so with that in mind, keep reading to find out more.
Check Travel Documents And Insurance
Start with the boring but essential admin and make sure your passports are valid, visas are sorted, and travel insurance is in place. It’s so easy to just assume everything’s fine, only to discover your passport’s about to expire or you haven’t ticked a box somewhere along the line. The best thing to do is to keep digital and paper copies of all your important documents, just in case. It’s also worth checking airline rules for luggage, seating, check-in times, and so on, so you don’t have any surprises when you think you’re good to go.
Book Accommodation And Transport Early
Hotels, flights, trains, and car hire can all get very expensive or even sell out, especially during busy seasons. That’s why it’s sensible to book early because then you’ll have more choice (and better options) as well as better prices. If you’re travelling with a city, make sure you understand how the public transport system works and how much it’s going to cost - knowing in advance means you can just get on with your trip and you’ll be less stressed when you arrive.
Arrange Pet Care
If you’ve got pets, this is one of the biggest things to sort out early on in the process because good kennels and pet sitters are going to get booked quickly, especially during school holidays and peak travel periods. Booking dog boarding in advance means you’ve got time to really check it all out and ask any questions you might have so you know it’s the right choice. Plus, you’ll be able to share your pet’s routine, food details, vet information, and anything else that’s needed so everything runs smoothly while you’re away.
Sort Home Security And Deliveries
Before you leave, it’s wise to think about your home, and arrange for someone to collect post, water plants, and basically just check in on things while you’re not there. And it’s worth investing in timers for your lights so it makes it look as though someone’s home. If you’ve got any regular deliveries and subscriptions, pause them or have them delivered somewhere else while you’re on your trip - it might sound obvious, but it’s something a lot of people forget about. And of course, don’t share your travel plans publicly until you’re back.
Plan Finances And Payments
You definitely need to make sure you’ve got access to money while you’re away, so it’s sensible to check cards, set travel notifications with your bank, and think about currency exchange as well if that’s needed. It can also help to pay any upcoming bills in advance, or set up automatic payment options, and that way nothing’s going to get missed while you’re away (and you won’t accidentally spend money you should be using to pay bills).
