Planning a vacation can start anytime, it doesn’t have to be spring or summer to have a short break or a longer vacation. Most people prefer to travel during the summer and enjoy relaxing vacations before they and their kids start work, respectively school again.
Planning a trip or a vacation should start a little while before the departure, if you want to have a great and worries-free time during the holiday. In order to ensure everything runs smoothly, we advise you to follow these 7 steps before leaving for a holiday.
- Check the validity of your passport and visa requirements
You should ensure you have a valid ID anytime, however, this is more stringent when you intend to go on a trip or vacation in your home country. If you plan to leave the country, having your passport renewed if it is expired is also a good idea, especially when you are going to a new destination. If the case requires, check if and when you need to apply for a visa.
- Check to see if you need any vaccines
Exotic vacations have become more and more popular in the last few years, so if you are planning such holiday check if you need any vaccines or if other specific requirements apply. You should also check for any travel warnings a few days before leaving.
- Travel insurance is a must
No matter if you are planning your trip yourself or you simply purchase a holiday package, make sure you also buy the appropriate insurance. If you choose a travel agency, you will have a basic insurance, however if you plan on some extra activities, a more elaborate insurance wouldn’t hurt.
- Plan your vacation holidays
This is actually one of the first things to plan when going on a vacation: the finances. Of course, you have a budget for the travel and accommodation, but you should also have a detailed plan on how much you are willing to spend daily on food and tours (if you want to visit local attractions), and even include some emergency money, just in case. Also, if you plan on paying with your credit or debit card, make sure and inform your bank about your plans.
- Flight and other travel connections
A few days before you leave, you should make sure the flight and any other airport and hotel connections are in place. A good idea would be to have a backup plan for the last few days in terms of accommodation, especially if you travel a long way from home.
- Check the house before you leave!
You wouldn’t want to have an excellent time only to come back and find a mess at home, so having the house checked for any water and gas leaks is mandatory. You can do that yourself, or if you plan on leaving for a longer period of time, having a plumber check your home is a better idea. He can also make some recommendations on how to protect your home from any unpleasant surprises.
- Packing for your vacation
The last step before you leave is to pack everything that you need. Of course, you don’t need anyone to tell you what to take with you, but this is more of a warning on what you should not take, such as jewelry or large amounts of cash money, due to the restrictions imposed in certain countries.
These are just a few general recommendations on what you should do before you travel, but if you feel there are other things you need to check or ensure before you leave, it is always a good idea to follow your instinct.