Prepping Tips for the Perfect Vacation

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Does planning for a getaway sometimes stress you out? Here’s some helpful tips…

When it comes time to go on holiday, you may be tempted to take a break from the mental chore of planning, but planning in advance can save you a headache once you’re at your destination. While spontaneity is encouraged in a new or beloved locale, putting together a few things beforehand will allow you more time to enjoy your vacation whether it’s a quick trip on the Eurostar for lunch or a few weeks abroad with friends or family.

Passports and Insurance

If you plan to leave the country, you will need a passport, and depending on where you’re going or length of stay, you may even require a visa. Because these kinds of documents take time to procure, you should begin the process several months in advance. Even if your journey only keeps you within the country, you may still wish to look into travel insurance. Travel insurance can cover material goods like luggage, but it can also be beneficial for those going abroad in the event of an emergency. Travel insurance can make admittance into a foreign hospital a much easier and affordable process, making it nearly a necessity for those who intend to stay abroad for long or participate in more adventurous activities. I don’t always take out insurance but did for my Cambodia trip.

Being Informed

If you intend to leave the country, there is a good chance you will run into unfamiliar customs in your travels, and if you are not aware of these customs, you risk offending the locals. Read beforehand on the culture of where you are embarking so that you are aware of what you are getting into. Pay particular attention to any unusual laws in the area. For example, it’s illegal in Arizona to shoot a saguaro cactus. It’s unlikely that you’ll be doing much sharpshooting of the local flora, but it’s good to know that doing so is punishable by 25 years in jail. Good advice, that. 🙂

Packing Appropriately

Be realistic about the clothing you will need for your vacation. Choose clothing that is appropriate for the climate and culture where you will be visiting, and choose items suited to the types of activities you will be enjoying. If you plan to stay at a beach, you likely won’t need much formal wear except perhaps for a nice dinner out. If you’re going ice climbing, you can safely leave the shorts at home. While it may be tempting to plan for a host of what-ifs, you will be better served by packing light. Particularly if you are traveling internationally, your luggage will be subject to weight limits, which will necessitate clever packing. HAHA! I break this rule EVERY TIME!

Visit the Pharmacist

Depending on where you’re going, certain medicines or your favorite lotion may not be available. Stock up on these items prior to heading out, but pay attention to size limitations if you are planning to fly to your destination. Travel can bring a host of woes ranging from sore tummies to body aches. Minimise your discomfort by planning for the worst to spare yourself the disappointment of missing out on something you’re eager to do. While you don’t need to grab every bottle in sight, you should at least plan for things you commonly experience to best enjoy your getaway. I ALWAYS prepare for the worst in terms of illnesses on the road. When you don’t feel well, the last thing you want to do is HAVE TO go to the doctor or drugstore!

Money Matters

Your largest expenditures will be your accommodations, dining and transportation, so plan for as many of these expenditures beforehand to allow for more money for tours and shopping excursions. Be realistic in your spending; you will not want to spread yourself too thinly in an unfamiliar setting, so highlight the activities that are most important to you beforehand. If there is a particular activity or place you want to go, but your window of opportunity is small, consider taking a personal loan from a reputable financial institution – Australian readers might want to check out http://www.greater.com.au/. Make sure you have enough cash or travelers cheques with you before you head off as some countries don’t have foreign ATM’s or cash outlets. I’ve never traveled anywhere that I couldn’t find cash but I know there are places that you HAVE TO bring your own.