SUGGESTIONS FOR THE PERFECT HOLIDAY

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SUGGESTIONS FOR THE PERFECT HOLIDAY

Saturday, February 6th, 2010 Subscribe To Our Feed

Vacations can sometimes be more stressful than staying at home. There’s all the planning, the packing, tying up loose ends before leaving the home, travelling and anxieties of being in a new place.Plus, there’s the cost.
But holidays don’t just cost money.Holidays can take their toll on family relationships and on a person’s own emotional health.The expectation of a holiday is generally that it will be a time to relax and recharge, but it doesn’t always happen that way.
The recession put a strain on many budgets, and many people either cancelled their travel plans or opted for short holidays closer to home, but always with a close eye on costs. This can add to the stress levels.
Is there such a thing as the perfect holiday?These pointers will help you get organised for your dream holiday - not a nightmare!
* Plan, plan, plan.It’s worth putting the effort in upfront - you’ll reap the dividends later.
• Identify what type of holiday suits your needs.After a busy stressful year, perhaps a laid back beach holiday is more suitable than visiting 12-cities in a two week tour of Europe.Packed itineraries can add to stress levels.
* Consider all accommodation options.Sometimes self-contained apartments can be a good idea because they offer flexibility and space, which hotels don’t always offer!
* Set up a ‘vacation box’ a week or so before you leave.Place a box in a prominent position in the home.When you see something that needs to be taken on holiday, simply put it in the box (eg. Cameras, chargers, maps etc).This helps avoid the last-minute panic.
* Spend some time organising your home.Ask a friend or a neighbour to keep an eye on your property, empty your postbox and keep your garden watered. Cancel or suspend subscriptions and memberships, eg gym, newspaper, magazine and ensure all accounts have been paid. Leave a few prepared meals in your deep freeze for your return.
* Have a couple of certified copies made of your important papers and keep them separately away from your luggage.So if your air tickets, credit cards, travellers cheques etc. get lost or stolen, you’ll have back-up.
• If possible, try and take as long a break as possible.It takes time to unwind, and you’re far more likely to destress and recharge during a longer holiday.
• Check your Insurance.Check the contract carefully to see if you are fully covered - medical, luggage, missed flights etc.
* Pack some medical necessities eg. band aids, antiseptic cream, nausea medication and paracetemol.These can be expensive (and difficult) to find in a strange location - especially when you need them afterhours.
* Have a back-up plan in place - particularly if kids are involved.Aim to have a fall-back position.This will diffuse any potentially tricky situation.
• Keep a few ‘surprises’ in your suitcase.If you have younger children, keep some simple distractions as a backstop. activity books, balloons, toothpicks, DVD secreted away for games and activities on a rainy day.
• Be flexible.Always look for the best way of doing things.It may be an idea for parents to do separate activities with different children so that quality time is spent with each one.
Holiday tensions often rise because of money issues, says Simon Barker, who owns luxury accommodation Fremantle.”People who opt for self-catering apartments can manage their costs very effectively.They aren’t forced to eat all their meals in restaurants, and can prepare meals and invite guests in their own space and at their own pace.The space advantage enables people to relax, invite friends over and entertain, so they aren’t always looking for outside entertainment. People should count the benefits of a holiday, not the costs.”