With the festive season at our door step, here are some tips to make it stress free:
Plan ahead
This will take both the financial and logistical stress out of planning your holiday. If you book far enough in advance, then you’ll have time to pay for your trip in installments and still save some spending money for little extra’s that make for special moments while you’re away.
Pack smart
Weather apps are a great way to check the weather at your holiday destination. Knowing what the weather is going to do while you are there will help you to pack appropriate clothing. Don’t make any assumptions here – the world’s weather has become so unpredictable. Even if the prediction is sunny skies, pack in a light-weight long-sleeved top in the event that an unexpected storm creeps in.
Try to mix and match your clothing when you pack to keep your case lighter. You don’t want to incur additional travel costs because you packed a black, brown, blue and silver pair of shoes and you only end up wearing one of them anyways.
Packing food
Whether you’re driving or flying, some additional sustenance for the trip is always a nice-to-have. Something to nibble on while you’re driving to keep you alert if you’re the driver or to keep you chatty to keep your partner company while they do the driving. Some treats on the flight to make the time pass a little faster – nuts, sweets, chips or biltong – these are all good choices.
If you have decided on a package that isn’t all-inclusive, split the cost with families or friends attending. Plan easy snacks and meals where everyone can put their own meal together like burgers or tacos or a simple braai.
Supporting documentation and money
If you’re lucky enough to be traveling overseas, make sure your passports are packed somewhere safe and easy to access when you get to the airport. Flight documentation may also be a nice-to-have – just in case or if you’re really a good planner, check into your flights and book your seats the day before you fly. Most flights open for check-in 24 hours before the flight is scheduled to leave.
It’s always a good idea to have a copy of your passport with you. Also remember that if you are converting money at the airport for a different currency, you will need a proof of residence when doing so. Remember to take this with you, alternatively convert your money at a bank at home.
If you’re driving, make sure you have your driver’s license with you and enough cash or card credit to pay for toll roads.
Don’t jam-pack your time
Leave some time to relax while you’re away. Try to schedule some time in to relax too. You don’t want to come back from your holiday more exhausted than when you left. Try to book a day on either side of your trip to pack and unpack and unwind – this will help ease you out of holiday mode and back into work mode.
Source: WorldVentures.