You have been looking forward to your holiday for months; the date is quickly approaching and you’re starting to feel a little overwhelmed as you haven’t travelled in quite a while. Not only are you worried about your activities, travel documents and plans when you get there, but you’re also worried about being out of your regular routine. You will be exposed to new foods and a different way of life, so you’re anxious that your healthy lifestyle will start suffering. Planning a trip and going away doesn’t need to be stressful; as long as you have a clear check list of what you need before you board the flight you will be able to travel safely and smoothly. Similarly, you should also have a plan of action when you arrive so that you don’t fall out of sync with your usual habits. Remember that holidays are to be enjoyed and appreciated, not riddled with fear and anxiety. Embrace the exciting cultures, take in the views and be reassured that your trip will go off without a hitch.
Details and Documents
Way before you are due to travel you need to make sure you have all of the necessary paperwork and document for your flights, hotels and airport security checks. Make sure your passport is within 6 months of its expiry date and check if you require a visa for the country you’re visiting. If you do need to obtain a visa then you should definitely look into getting Flight Reservation For Visa. There are specialist companies who will handle all of your travel reservations for you from your flight itinerary to hotel bookings, so you don’t need to waste any time or money doing this yourself. Be sure to get the relevant vaccines and shots if you’re visiting certain countries, particularly Africa. Invest in a documents wallet where you can keep everything together in one place whilst you’re travelling to the airport and to your hotel. This is especially useful if you’re travelling in larger groups and you need to keep a track of everybody’s passports and tickets.
Careful and Covered
Travel insurance is considered a burden for many of us; they charge too much money and it is an added cost that you could really do without. No matter how annoying it is to sort your travel insurance, don’t take the risk of traveling abroad without the appropriate cover, as you never know what you might need it for. Anything from a medical problem to lost luggage won’t be able to be resolved if you don’t have the adequate insurance in place. You may even have to cancel your plans at late notice and risk losing a lot of money if you don’t get yourself all covered. If you’re heading on a thrill seeking holiday and plan to ride quad bikes, go deep sea diving or abseiling, you should definitely make sure your insurance covers you for accidents during these risky activities.
Cash and Currency
When traveling abroad, make sure that you have sorted out your spending money whilst you’re there. Many banks will charge you for credit and debit card transactions while you’re in a foreign country, so make sure you either draw out enough cash to last you the length of your trip, or use a financial organization that reimburses you for your ATM expenses. Call your bank and let them know that you plan to travel, so they don’t think your account activity is suspicious if you do need to draw out more cash when you get out there. Check that you’re getting the best rate for your currency and keep a track of the best places to get your money exchanged. There are many websites online which will show you the top rates, so be sure to do your research.
Trips and Tours
You don’t want to get to your destination and then be stuck for things to do. Make sure you do your research beforehand and start booking some fun trips and tours in advance. Obviously you might not want to create a strict itinerary, but you should definitely plan one or two things to do during your stay. Booking excursions in advance will save you a lot of money whilst you’re out there and it will also be a relief that many of your bigger activities are all paid for before you even get there. Choose outdoor activities that will keep your body moving and have a couple of indoor experiences at hand, just in case the weather doesn’t hold out for you.
Travel and Transport
Decide what your plan of action is as soon as you land. Make sure you don’t heighten your stress and anxiety by feeling stranded or lost at the airport. Before you go, look how far your accommodation is from the airport and see if you need to book a taxi or even hire a car. If you’re traveling in a group, hiring a car is often a less costly option if you split it between you. Make sure you’ve got your driving licenses with you and notify your insurance company if you intend on driving in another country. You won’t need to worry about public transport and you can truly enjoy your holiday at your own pace if you have your own means of getting around. Be safe on the roads, especially if you hire motorcycles or bikes; you never know what the rules of the road are so make sure you follow all of the relevant safety precautions.
Healthy and Happy
Now that you’ve got your documents and your travel plans all sorted, you can start to think about actually enjoying your holiday. Stepping out of your comfort zone can be daunting so make sure you try and keep to your regular healthy lifestyle whilst you’re away. Trying to remain fit and healthy when you’re traveling is always going to be a challenge; if you over indulge while you’re away you will come home feeling tired, groggy and unfit. Try and balance all of your choices while you’re away, by enjoying the local delicacies and also eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Don’t be stringent on yourself; after all, you do want to thoroughly enjoy yourself. All you need to do is be mindful of what you’re putting in your body. Avoid foods that you’re not used to and make sure you visit reputable restaurants, to avoid potential illnesses.
Exercise and Energy
Your exercise regime doesn’t need to go out of the window when you’re on holiday. Try to stay as active as you can, and choose a hotel with an onsite gym so that you’re not tempted to get lazy while you’re on vacation. Stick to your regular routine and you will feel at home in no time. Don’t go too strenuous with your workouts, you want to give your body a little time to relax. Go on some lengthy beach walks, go swimming or take a hike up a mountain. Working out while you’re outside or in nature can have hugely positive effects on your mood. You can relieve your stress and enjoy exercising in an environment that you’re not normally accustomed to. You will notice that you have increased energy levels and you’re generally more positive if you do choose to exercise now and then whilst you’re on holiday. Even just ten to twenty minutes of moderate exercise a day will boost your mood and metabolism instantly.
Water and Wellness
Everybody knows the importance of staying hydrated while you’re in another country. If the weather is hot and sunny you need to take extra care to keep your water intake up. Even riding on an airplane for several hours can dehydrate your skin and body, so make sure you’re constantly sipping water throughout your flight. Drinking lots of fresh water will prevent you from getting ill whilst you’re away and make sure you don’t consume tap water in certain areas, as that could really make you sick. Take a refillable water bottle with you, so that you can have quick and easy access to water each day. If you’re planning on drinking alcohol while you’re away, you should try to match each alcoholic beverage with a glass of water, so that you don’t suffer in the morning. Try and eat water dense, refreshing foods such as carrots, cucumber and celery. Upping your water intake will not only give you the extra energy you need for your activities, but it will also keep your body working in a way it is always used to.
Your mind can now be at ease with your holiday plans; your visa, passport and travel documents will be seamlessly planned out and your health won’t need to suffer at all. Embrace and enjoy your trips without the guilt of indulging in the foods and drinks you enjoy or trying out new activities. Climbing out of your comfort zone once in a while will do you the world of good and what better way than to do it abroad, where you have no responsibilities or restrictions. You should come home feeling relaxed, refreshed and full of fantastic memories that will last a lifetime.
Resources:
https://livelyme.com/average-cost-of-health-insurance-for-single-men/
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Tips for Trip Success
Book Your Flight
Find an inexpensive flight by using Kayak, a favorite of ours because it regularly returns less expensive flight options from a variety of airlines.
Book Your Hotel or Special Accommodation
We are big fans of Booking.com. We like their review system and photos. If we want to see more reviews and additional booking options, we go to Expedia.
You Need Travel Insurance!
Good travel insurance means having total peace of mind. Travel insurance protects you when your medical insurance often will not and better than what you get from your credit card. It will provide comprehensive coverage should you need medical treatment or return to the United States, compensation for trip interruption, baggage loss, and other situations. Find the Perfect Insurance Plan for Your Trip
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Jessica Hill
Monday 9th of April 2018
Yes - always get travel insurance!