How to Plan a Stress-Free Holiday Departure

*This is a collaborative post on how to plan a stress-free holiday department.

Whether you go on hols just once a year or you’re a frequent traveller, those getaway times are often the highlight of the year. After the past few years I definitely realised that I took holidays for granted. Booking flights and a hotel and jumping on a plane whenever seemed easy. But as we know the past few years has made travel very hard. 

Although holidays themselves can be stressful, especially if you’ve not prepared beforehand. And they can leave us feeling like we need a holiday when we get back home.

Getting organised from the start can make the whole thing, from first ideas to final departure, stress-free and exciting.

Start Packing Early

As soon as you’ve decided on your destination, it’s time to plan your packing. A few dummy runs, checking for weight and making sure your bags close, can make all the difference when you’re on the countdown to departure.

Check the climate you can expect at your destination and pack accordingly. Factor in the type of activities you’re planning so that out of habit you don’t pack things you won’t need.That stuff just takes up space and probably won’t get used. If you’re going snorkelling once on a trip do you really need to pack all of your own gear, or can you borrow it when you’re over there? Retrieve special equipment such as skis or scuba diving gear from your self storage unit or wherever else you may keep it, and make sure it’s in good condition and working properly. Replace or repair any defects as a priority so everything is ready to go.

If you’re responsible for all the family’s packing, make a list for each person. If they’re older get them to make their own lists, but you still need to supervise them. Even small children, though, can get involved. Let them choose favourite clothes or small toys they’d like to take, within reason. You don’t want to be taking their whole toy collection.

Factor in any medical or health equipment that you may need to your plans like an Oxygen Concentrator that you may need for your flight, or for when you arrive if you’re travelling to the UK.

And speaking of lists, make one for essential pre-departure holiday purchases such as sun lotion. Having the essentials nailed early saves a lot of stress as the deadline approaches, but don’t let it stress you too much if you forget. Unless you’re going somewhere remote, you can buy most things when you get there.

Keep Vital Docs Handy

Rummaging through bags and cases trying to find passports or driving licences and permits is no fun and can really pile on the stress while you’re travelling.

Keep all the paper you’ll need during the trip in an easily accessible place. It could be the front pocket of your hand luggage or a handbag. Just make sure everything is together where you can grab it quickly.

Sandwich bags are basics that are easy to come by, and they’re perfect for keeping paperwork and ID documents together. Little plastic bags are also great for keeping keys and other small valuables together when you’re at the beach. Use them to keep sand out of phones or small cameras.

Research Airline Regulations

Airport and airline regs are always changing, so don’t take it for granted that things will be the same now as they were last time you travelled. Spending a few minutes researching what you can and can’t carry, along with weight allowances, will save time and embarrassment at the check in desk.

Remember to check import regulations for the country you’re visiting. They may have restrictions on the type of food you can carry, for instance, and may include bags of snacks or other small quantities.

And if you are hiring an oxygen concentrator like I spoke about above speak to your airline about it. While all of the portable ones and their batteries are FAA approved, it’s always good to let the airline know you’ll have it with you.

Leave Your Home Secure

Once you have departure and travel arrangements sorted out, you’re still not quite done if you want to make your trip totally stress free. Making sure your home is secure is vital too:

• Let neighbours know the dates you’ll be away and ask them to keep an eye on things. You can tell them you’re not expecting anyone, and no one has permission to be on your property while you’re not there.
• Put small valuables or larger treasures into a local self storage locker. It’s cheaper than a whole room and the short contracts are ideal for holiday security. If the worst should happen, you’ll know your most precious items are safe.
• Get pets booked into their own boarding as soon as you can, and remember to update their vaccinations in good time if necessary.

Give yourself plenty of time for preparations. It would be lovely if holidays really were the spontaneous, care-free times shown in TV ads, but it takes time and effort to make it happen. 

The great thing is that getting ready for departure can be part of the fun, as long as you have time to relax and enjoy the process.