Travel Tips and Tricks

Who doesn’t love an overseas holiday? It’s a chance to escape the everyday and see new things, experience different cultures, and make memories to last a lifetime. Whether it’s your first time travelling overseas or you’re a seasoned traveler, planning a holiday can be a bit overwhelming. That’s why we’re here to share some travel tips and tricks.

Start Planning Early

One of the biggest mistakes people make when planning an overseas holiday is leaving it too late. Flights and accommodation can book up quickly, especially during peak seasons, and prices can skyrocket. That’s why it’s essential to start planning your holiday as early as possible. Research your destination, find out the best time to go and book your flights and accommodation well in advance. This will not only save you money but also give you peace of mind knowing that everything is taken care of.

Do Your Research

Research is key to planning a successful overseas holiday. Take the time to research your destination, including the local customs, culture, and must-see attractions. This will not only help you plan your itinerary but also ensure that you make the most of your time overseas. Look at travel forums, social media groups and blogs to get the inside scoop from other travellers who have been to your destination. Pinterest is a great source of inspiration for me. I have a travel board and add pins to it regularly until I have time to do the more in depth research. I find some great things to see this way.

Travel Tips & Tricks – Make a Budget

Another crucial aspect of planning an overseas holiday is setting a budget. It’s important to be realistic about what you can afford and what you want to do while you’re away. Take into account the cost of flights, accommodation, food, activities and transportation. Once you have a budget in place, make sure you stick to it. It’s easy to overspend when you’re on holiday, but it’s important to stay within your means so that you don’t come home to a mountain of debt. Another reason I like to book early is because it means I can spread the cost out over a period of months (usually 10-12) which helps me stay within budget.

Book Your Accommodations Early

Whether you’re staying in a hotel or an Airbnb, it’s important to book your accommodations early. This will help you avoid last minute price hikes and ensure that you have a place to stay. When booking, consider the location, amenities, and reviews. Don’t forget to email your host or hotel in advance to confirm your reservation and request any special accommodations you may need.

Check your Passport & Visa Requirements

Before you book your flights, make sure you have a valid passport and check the visa requirements for the country you’re visiting. Some countries require visas to enter, and the process can take weeks or even months to complete. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to organise any necessary documentation before you travel. You don’t want to turn up at the airport only to be refused entry because you don’t have the correct paperwork.

Create an Itinerary

Creating an itinerary is a great way to stay organized and make the most of your trip. Start by researching the top attractions and activities in your destination, and then prioritize them based on your interests and time constraints. Don’t forget to plan for transportation between locations and factor in time for rest and relaxation. If you’re traveling with a group, make sure everyone is on the same page and is happy with the itinerary. I have a blank itinerary you can print in the Free Resource Library.

Helpful Apps

• If you love to stay organised online there’s a great app called Trip It that I’ve used a few times.
• Another great app to use when travelling is called “Welcome Pickups”. This is great for organising a car from the airport etc.
• “MyDaytrip” is another great one. We used this several times on our last Europe trip. Its a way to quickly get from one city to another and also incorporate sightseeing along the way. For example we used it to get from Vienna to Budapest with a stop in Bratislava for a few hours.

Travel Tips and Tricks – Don’t forget Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is one of the most important aspects of planning an overseas holiday, but it’s also one that many people overlook. It’s essential to take out comprehensive travel insurance that covers you for any medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and other unforeseen events. Don’t assume that your regular health insurance or credit card insurance will cover you while you’re overseas. Make sure you read the fine print and take out a policy that gives you peace of mind.

Pack Smart

Packing can be one of the most stressful parts of planning a big holiday. To make it easier, start by creating a packing list that includes all of the essentials, such as toiletries, clothes, and travel documents. Make sure to check the weather forecast for your destination and pack accordingly. If you’re flying, double check the airline’s baggage restrictions to avoid any fees or issues at the airport. And don’t forget to leave some extra room in your bags for souvenirs! You can find my Packing Tips in the Free Resource Library.

We also take Apple Air Tags with us now so that we can at least track our luggage if it gets lost.

Planning an overseas holiday can be a lot of work, but it’s also one of the most exciting things you can do. By starting early, doing your research, making a budget, checking your passport and visa requirements and taking out travel insurance, you can ensure that your holiday is stress free and memorable for all the right reasons. So, go ahead and start planning your dream overseas adventure today.

Finally, remember to stay flexible throughout your trip. Unexpected changes and delays can happen, so it’s important to be prepared and go with the flow. Don’t be afraid to try new things and explore off the beaten path. And most importantly, enjoy your holiday and make lasting memories.

You will find several checklists for planning your next holiday in the Free Resource Library.