Preparing for a Vacation

Planning a trip in detail will remove the stressful aspects of travelling like check-in, flying and following directions to an unknown location. The longer you stay in a place, the better you will get to know it and the more relaxing your time will be. Also moving around too frequently makes you spend more money.

There are many different types of holidays from wellness and beach resorts for those who want to relax, to adventure trips and city tours for people who want to explore new places and gain new experiences. You can combine different aspects in one holiday to strike a good balance. It’s best to determine if you want to prioritise experiences or luxury when planning a trip.

Follow these Helpful Steps when Planning a Vacation

Choose your dream destination.
Do research …
- Check what time of the year is best to travel.
Check online for great-value flights and compare prices.
Search for the best hotel or self-catering unit to suit your style and pocket.
- Make a list of your preferences, e.g. balcony, sea view, swimming pool, Wi-Fi, etc.
- Check out the location on maps to get a better overview.
- Confirm hotel facilities and restaurant options.
- It’s worthwhile visiting the official website of the hotel and compare prices with online booking portals. You can often get cheaper deals when you book directly with the hotel.
- If your budget is limited, then start the holiday with a budget option and end it with a superior option. End it on a high note!
Prepare a budget. It will determine the price class of your accommodation and flight options.
- Calculate an estimate daily cost per head for meals, drinks and excursions.
- Allocate extra money for indulging yourself, e.g. wellness and shopping.
Book flights first and then accommodation. Flights are limited, but usually there are a great number of lodging options.

See if your passport is still valid.
Check the visa requirements. If you require a visa, get all the paperwork ready and make an appointment.
Book a rental car or organise a transfer from the airport.
Prepare an itinerary with the correct dates and times, especially if you are visiting different places.
- Add all the sightseeing spots and activities, to ensure that you don’t miss out on anything.
Take out travel insurance if you don’t already have annual travel coverage.
Organise enough holiday cash for things you can’t pay by card, like souvenir places, markets and taxis.
Get all your medication together.
Take along important documents such as booking confirmations and make screenshots, so you can access them even if you don’t have Wi-Fi connection.
Pack your suitcases and weigh them to ensure that your luggage is not overweight. Don’t forget locking them.
Double-check that you have your passport before you leave for the airport.
Happy holidays!