Your holiday is almost upon you. The destination has been arranged and where to get cheap holidays has been decided. The time of year has been agreed. Lists have been prepared and the countdown has begun. However, there are 5 tips you can use to ensure a smooth journey
1. Watch your timings
Contact your departure airport well before you start your vacation and ask them the time that you should arrive before the flight departure. Some airlines will expect you to book in at least 3 hours before you fly. You want a hassle-free check-in and by arriving in plenty of time, this can be assured.
If you are taking your car, ascertain the amount of spaces available at the airport. You can usually get good deals on parking from car parks based a short distance from the airport, with free transport to the airline. This adds to the value of where to get cheap holidays, giving you more money to spend. I find airport parking usually very expensive. Allow plenty of time to travel to the parking facility, just in case of a breakdown, traffic congestion or accidents. Check the local radio regularly for any indication of traffic problems on the route you are taking.
Some time can be saved by pre-checking in on an airline's website, perhaps up to an hour or more. This is usually the case, however, when you have hand baggage only and not larger suitcases.
2. Check your luggage
People always tend to pack too much into their luggage, even for short holidays. They find that they are needlessly carrying too much which is eventually not used or is not required on vacation. If you are going to a warm country, you will not need suits, jackets or heavy jeans. Take shorts, (not too many), tee-shirts, perhaps a smart pair of trousers for the evening and forget the socks!
You will require more clothing for 2 weeks than for 1 week. Even with a 2 week holiday, many destinations have laundering facilities, which can be used to wash, dry-clean and iron any used and/or dirty clothing.
Many people ask where to get cheap holidays, but forget about how they can save money before and during their vacation.
I always use toiletry travel-kits. The containers are smaller and therefore lighter. Items to include are toothpaste and disposable toothbrush, soap, shampoo and hair-conditioner. If you wear contact lenses, use travel kits, which, like toiletries, are much smaller than their full size counterparts.
Once these items are used, they can be thrown away, to leave plenty of room in your baggage for gifts.
When luggage is being checked-in, allow for some delay. During peak periods and on popular flights, the delay could well become extended. This is one good reason to travel outside peak days and times. It may seem an infinity waiting in the baggage line, but as you have allowed additional time, there is no need to panic.
Many airlines, especially the budget companies, are very strict on luggage weights. Ensure you weigh your baggage before you leave home. If you go over the weight allowance, check how much extra you have to pay by contacting the airline.
Sometimes your luggage can go missing. Take all your expensive items with you in travel bags, such as camera, phone, meds, spectacles, money, passport and any tickets. Don't place one person's clothing in one case, place some of each person's clothing in different cases. Therefore if one suitcase gets lost, there will still be something to wear, as some of their clothing is also in another bag.
3. Maintain security
You may well have studied in great detail of where to get cheap holidays but one thing that is of paramount importance is security.
The world of travel changed forever since the 9/11 atrocities. Security must be in the foremost of your thoughts and plans when embarking on a journey. If you are parking in an airport, it is likely your car will be searched.
X-rays are used at most departure areas. Any strange shaped objects can give cause for alarm by the baggage checker. Ensure these items are placed within easy reach by the officer if he/she needs to check the item.
Under no circumstances mention anything to do with bombs, terrorists, guns, knives or any other weapons whilst waiting for your flight. Even as a joke, it can land you in great trouble and possibly arrested, causing you to miss your plane.
4. The Airplane
After you enter the plane, look for your seat and place your hand luggage away as soon a possible. Ensure you then remain seated until the remainder of passengers have embarked. It can be quite annoying for other passengers if you continue to block the passage way for any length of time instead of settling down as quickly as possible. You can find more time to walk around the plane whilst you are in the air.
5. Deter theft
Several years ago whilst holidaying in Marjorca, my friend had his wallet stolen by somebody who barely bumped into him - it was a pickpocket. These people are highly trained and experienced thieves. Always be suspicious at airports, bus or railway terminuses, bus stops or even queueing at for drinks or food. A thief will try to distract you and can rob you quite quickly without your knowledge until it is too late.
Make sure you keep anything of value hidden. Money belts are a very good idea, but make sure it is solidly attached to you and hidden, with zippered or velcro fastenings. These fastenings make it difficult for a thief to open without making a noise.
So the five tips to ensure a smooth and stress-free holiday are timings, luggage, security, the airplane and theft which were covered above.
Follow these tips and a restful or adrenalin pumping holiday is just a journey away.
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