Dreaming of the perfect holiday? The vacation prep starts weeks before jumping on that plane. There is a long “to-do” list that travellers must tick off, from arranging travel documents to booking accommodation and even budgeting – it won’t save for itself.
There are also finer details, such as insurance, currency exchange, and notifying banks. With so much to remember, it’s easy to see why you’d feel overwhelmed. Here’s how to pre-plan the perfect holiday, and exactly what you need to do so.
Organising travel documents
Travel documents can be a real Achilles heel. It’s not just a case of needing a valid passport (the expiry date, by the way, is actually three to six months prior to the one printed on your document). Pre-planning for a holiday abroad means checking that country’s rules and regulations — from general entry requirements to visas.
Head to the trusty GOV.UK website for their travel advice. Ideally, subscribe to receive email notifications from that country; this way, you’ll know if anything changes.
Budgeting and currency planning
Have you checked the currency conversion for your trip? Depending on your destination, there will be a different currency system, and you’ll need to find somewhere to exchange this cash. Arrange travel money exchange ahead of time for better rates and convenience; each exchanger will charge a different fee for their service.
Don’t wait until you’re at the airport — those fees are astronomical. Instead, budget for this stage ahead of time, and ideally, apply for a debit or credit card with no foreign transaction fees.
Booking accommodation and transport
Sometimes it’s possible to snag a last-minute deal. But mostly? It’s better to secure optimal rates by booking in advance. Flights, trains, and hotels; these are the services that are snatched up quickly. Delaying is a one-way ticket to fewer options, and that can eat away at the quality of your itinerary and your budget.
Packing and insurance essentials
Packing is a major part of pre-planning. Select clothes that are suited for the climate (failing to bring thermals for skiing is pretty catastrophic) and bring enough toiletries, like suncream and aftersun .Getting medical assistance abroad is another consideration; do you have adequate insurance? Does the country have a reciprocal medical agreement? Prepare a checklist and ensure the terms and conditions of your travel insurance for added peace of mind.
Holidays aren’t always suited to spontaneity. Sure, you can pull it out of the bag sometimes. Ultimately, though, that pre-planning is key — start with these simple steps, and go from there.