If you are planning a holiday, whether it be a family vacation, a quick getaway or a honeymoon, you’ll want to make it as memorable as possible for everyone involved. You’ll need to consider flights, accommodation, food and planned activities. Some of these are easier to arrange than others, but thought and effort will still be required to make it an eventful trip.
One essential that you’ll not want to be without is a comprehensive travel insurance policy. Should the unexpected happen, you’ll be safe in the knowledge that you have cover to protect you from any financial losses you may suffer. These could be for a multitude of reasons, such as delayed or cancelled flights, problems with the accommodation, being the victim of theft or needing urgent medical attention. There is a long list of other things these policies cover, but these are just the most common examples. Buying cover doesn’t have to be expensive either, that’s where online comparison sites such as Utility Saving Expert come in handy. By simply entering a few details, you’ll be able to compare cover from a variety of travel insurance companies to help you find the best deal. Now, let’s get back to planning that holiday. Here are some practical tips you should be making use of.
Choose a destination
Globalisation and affordable air travel have meant that almost every country can be visited. The hard part – choosing a destination. You have to select a continent and then think about which country to visit. At this stage, it will be useful to shortlist a number of countries and research what each one has to offer. For example, the geography, historical landmarks and culture are good aspects to explore. If it’s a family holiday, you’ll be placing a larger emphasis on what activities are available for the children. Alternatively, if you’re just going as a couple, scenic views and relaxation will be at the forefront of your mind.
If you’re still unsure and finding it difficult to decide where your next trip will be, many people find it useful to search for ‘top holiday destinations’ online, this will give you a taste of what the most popular destinations are at any given moment. The internet has made things a lot easier, because now you can watch videos of what it’s like to visit in high definition beforehand. This wasn’t possible two decades ago, as you would normally have to heavily rely upon images from magazines, which are often edited to make resorts seem more appealing.
Choose a date
Once you know where you want to go, you’ll now need to think about picking a suitable date. Consider your own schedule as well as when flights take place. Remember that travel during Christmas, Easter and the summer holidays will need to be booked well in advance, as these are very popular times, especially for families with children. Also consider how long you want to go for. Is it a quick weekend getaway, a two-week vacation, or an extended cruise ship tour around the world?
It goes without saying that the longer you go for, the more expensive it will be. This is because accommodation will need to be booked for additional days/weeks. However, if your schedule is flexible and you don’t have to worry about things like when the school holidays are starting, you can save a great deal of money during off peak periods. Expect to save around 50% on flights and accommodation. Last minute deals are another option worth thinking about, as some European flights can be bought for less than £30.
Plan what you’re going to do
You now know when and where you’re going. Now you’ll need to plan what you’ll actually be doing once you arrive at your destination. This is where a quick internet search will help you tremendously. There are a number of articles and blogs out there from those documenting their experiences and what they recommend you do and see.
The number of historical landmarks and tourist spots you can see will largely depend on how long you’re going for. Remember to check a map to see how far each destination is from your accommodation. Also check what public transport is available, as you’ll get tired from walking hours every day. One tip some travellers suggest is to check if your current mobile network provider allows you to use your data overseas. This will make navigating a new town or city far easier.
Save as much as you can
Although holidays are relatively affordable with increasing competition in the tourism industry. You’ll still need to save up and budget for your next trip. To do this, you’ll have to calculate what the total cost will be, and then set money aside in a savings account each month to meet this goal. It’s better to save extra, as this will ensure you don’t miss out on an experience which you haven’t planned for while you’re there.
Another idea is, do you want to book each part of the holiday separately, or opt for an all-inclusive vacation?
Hopefully by now, you’ve got a good understanding of what it takes to plan a memorable holiday. We hope you have a safe and exhilarating trip.
