Early Plans to Reduce Vacation Stress
Enjoy Holiday and Avoid Added Stress by Planning Trip in Advance
May 27, 2008
It's important to plan vacation before leaving home, whether or not this is a first time travel overseas. Overseas travels can turn sour unless if trip is not planned in advance. Even booked vacation can go wrong.
Tips to Help Create a Stress-Free Travel Vacation
1. Planning ahead is done before booking for a vacation. Key requirements is noted. They can be used to explain specific needs to the travel agent.
2. Enough time is allowed to get the required documents for travel like passport, visas, travellers' cheques and foreign currency.
3. Travel arrangements is made ahead of time to take advantage of lower fares and to ensure a place to stay is available. Requirements are clear and travel agent are notified for any special needs. For example:
- Special dietary requirements
- Mobility access requirements
- Medical condition that needs declaring
- Medical requirements for your chosen destination that you are advised to take prior to departure, if any
- Guidance from the Foreign Office, if the destination is in a trouble spot
- Visa and/or passport need to visit the destination
4. The traveler knows his or her rights. When a holiday is booked, a contract is entered, usually with a tour operator, and the law provides an automatic statutory rights. A traveler is entitled to receive the vacation or flight accommodation on exactly the same terms as advertised including photographs. The travel agent and tour operator ensures that bookings are carried out correctly, the vacation itself should be of a satisfactory standard, and comply with provided descriptions.
5. A written record of vacation's details must be kept including specific details of the advertised offer, for example, destination, accommodation details, price, departure airport and date, and any other advertised details:
- The name of place where to stay
- The date and time the place management was contacted, and the person dealt with
- The telephone number
- If booking online, the date and time the offer was booked
- Any discrepancies between the advertised and what is agreed to.
6. A copy of the advertisement must be printed, if possible. This includes paperwork and booking information. Names and symbols must be noted. Booking conditions is read thoroughly as a consumer before signing in case something goes wrong.
7. A photocopy of travel documentation is kept and another copy is on hand, in case the originals get lost.
8. A basic knowledge on the culture, geography, history and sights of places ventured on the trip.
9. Inoculations is done early, if needed. They are essential for some countries.
10. Doctor or GP is asked for a list of items to assemble as basic first aid kit.
11. A credit or debit card or both is handy. The bank can advice on which cards are readily accepted overseas. Teller machines are common in most cities.
12. An international calling card and/or a roaming cell phone is handy. Calling from hotel rooms can be very expensive.
13. A roaming email address is handy to setup. They make a great way to keep in touch.
14. A variety of money forms, such as cash, credit cards and travellers' cheque is a good to have, but they should not be placed in one wallet or purse in case it gets losts, or worse, stolen.
15. It's advisable to have a travel accident insurance.
It's advisable to find time to search for other online websites that offer advice on specific travels, accommodation and other facets relating to overseas travels.
Readers who find this article insightful may also want to check out Tips to Slowing Down this Christmas Holidays and How to Deal with Stress in Life.
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