Holidays are supposed to be fun and relaxing, but all the planning and actually getting there are often more stressful than enjoyable. Here are our top tips for a stress-free holiday:
Let’s start with the basics. Think about holidays you’ve taken in the past and what exactly made you feel stressed out. Was it the planning, the travelling or while you’re actually there? Think about what you can do to make it easier on yourself this time.
Go for the perfect length of time, not too long and not too short. Decide what you want to do and see at your chosen destination, add a few extra days for relaxing and you’ll have your ideal holiday length.
Use a tour operator or travel agent to save yourself the hassle and stress of arranging everything. Simply tell them want you want (or don’t want) from your holiday and sit back and let them do all the work. You may get some new ideas and even save some money too.
Choose a quiet time of year or less busy area to visit, so that you are not overwhelmed by a crowded hotel and beach. Flying to some countries during their off-season can mean an empty seat next to you on the plane and not being surrounded by other tourists while you’re there.
Use a travel planning app to make sure you’ve got everything covered. A travel app can show you all the sights nearby, restaurants and activities too, so you can organise your time easily. Alternatively, you can just use Google Maps to virtually look around your holiday destination and see where you’d like to go and how to get there.
If you’re travelling with kids, be sure to pack plenty of snacks and a few new toys (preferably quiet ones!) for the journey. Explain everything that will happen in advance, so they know what to expect.
If you need to work while on holiday, set a time limit you think you’ll need and stick to it. While you may need to check-in with work, you don’t want to get carried away and forget you’re on holiday!
If you’re travelling with friends, try to plan your itinerary in advance and see what everyone wants from their holiday. Organising for everyone’s needs and wants will ensure that nobody feels left out and everyone is happy. Be sure to set aside some time alone, so that you all get a break from each other. Remember, you’re not used to spending all day, every day with each other.
Research the area you’re going to and find out how to travel from the airport to your hotel, if need be. After a long flight you don’t want to feel lost and overwhelmed in a new place. This is another benefit of choosing to travel with a tour operator as you’ll find transfers are often included.
Finally, just relax! Once you’re at your final destination forget about all the planning and travelling, forget about home and work, and just enjoy yourself. You deserve it!