Planning a holiday can be an exhilarating experience, but the excitement often leads to overlooked responsibilities that can turn your return into a stressful affair. This article explores ten essential tasks to tackle before you jet off on your adventures. From managing your finances and securing your home to ensuring your documents are in order, these practical tips will help set the stage for a stress-free getaway.
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Have you ever returned from holiday only to be greeted by overflowing bins, unpaid bills, and the realisation that you’ve forgotten your rain jacket in a downpour? We’ve all been there. The excitement of an upcoming journey often overshadows those crucial pre-departure tasks that can make the difference between post-holiday bliss and unnecessary stress. Here are ten essential things to tick off your list before jetting off.
10 Secret Pre-Holiday Hacks That Will Transform Your Getaway from Stressful to Sublime!
Sort Your Finances
Before you dash off to sunnier climes or bustling cities, ensure all your bills are paid or set up on direct debit. Nothing quite dampens the holiday spirit like returning to reminder notices or service disconnections. Set aside time to settle outstanding utilities, credit cards, and subscription payments. Schedule payments in advance through your banking app if you’ll be away when bills are due.
Give Your Home a Proper Clean
It might seem counterintuitive to clean your house before leaving, but returning to a spotless home is an absolute gift to your future self. Empty all bins, change bedding, wipe down surfaces, and vacuum thoroughly. Pay special attention to the kitchen – dispose of perishables, clean the fridge, and run the dishwasher. Trust me, your jet-lagged self will be eternally grateful for the fresh sheets and tidy space.
Weather-Proof Your Packing
The British know better than most that the weather is fickle worldwide. Even tropical destinations can experience unexpected downpours. Pack a compact umbrella or a lightweight rain jacket that can be folded into a small pouch. These items take minimal space but can be absolute lifesavers when the heavens open unexpectedly.
Secure Your Home
Beyond just locking doors and windows, consider additional security measures. Ask a trusted neighbour to collect post, set light timers to create the impression of occupancy, and unplug non-essential appliances. For longer trips, consider notifying your local neighbourhood watch or arranging regular check-ins from friends.
Check Your Documents
Passport expiry dates catch people out with alarming frequency. Many countries require at least six months’ validity remaining on your passport. Check visa requirements, print copies of important documents, and photograph them on your phone as backup. Store digital copies in a secure cloud service accessible from anywhere. Some countries require you to have at least 6 months on your passport!
Arrange Airport Transport
The stress of uncertain travel arrangements to the airport can start your holiday on the wrong foot. Book reliable transport well in advance, whether a taxi, shuttle service, or ask a friend for a lift. If driving yourself, reserve airport parking early for better rates and peace of mind.
Notify Your Bank
Few things are more frustrating than having your card blocked while abroad. Contact your bank about your travel plans so they don’t flag foreign transactions as suspicious (you may sometimes be able to do this online on your bank app). While at it, check foreign transaction fees and consider alternatives like prepaid travel cards like Revolut for better exchange rates.
Prepare Your Technology
Download any necessary apps, films, or books while on your home Wi-Fi. Update your phone’s software, back up your data, and ensure sufficient cloud storage for holiday photos. Don’t forget to download offline maps of your destination and check if your phone plan covers international data. Otherwise, purchase an online eSIM like Airalo for convenience.
Organise Pet and Plant Care
If you have furry friends or greenery at home, arrange care well in advance. Professional pet sitters book up quickly during popular travel seasons. Consider self-watering systems or grouping them together for plants to make watering easier for whoever’s helping out.
Do a Medicine Audit
Check that your regular medications will last the duration of your trip, plus a few extra days in case of delays. Pack basic remedies for common travel ailments like headaches, indigestion, and travel sickness. You can purchase a pill box and stock up on cold and flu tablets, Panadol, etc. Remember to pack these in your hand luggage if checked bags go astray.
Taking care of these ten essentials before departure doesn’t just protect your home and finances – it protects your peace of mind whilst you’re away. After all, holidays are about escape and relaxation. A little preparation ensures you’re not mentally still at home, worrying about unpaid bills or whether you remembered to lock the back door. Bon voyage!​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
Thanks for taking the time to read this article. I hope this post has given you the information you need. If you have any recommendations, tips or advice, I would love for you to share them in the comment section below!
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