After months of juggling work and the day-to-day demands of life, it’s no surprise that many people count down to their holidays with real anticipation.
Whatever type of getaway you’re craving, it should feel like a genuine reward. Yet even the most exciting trips can bring stress if things don’t go smoothly.
A few thoughtful choices can make all the difference between a holiday that’s simply okay and one that truly recharges you.
Plan Ahead
When you put thought into your plans early on, you give yourself the best chance of a stress-free trip. Often, leaving things to the last minute when it comes to going away means unexpected costs or missing out on something you have set your heart on.
Start by setting a realistic budget based on what you can comfortably afford. Make sure to factor in the cost of transport, accommodation, meals, activities and spending money, it is easy to forget the little extras that add up and can cut into either your spending money or mean you can’t do all the excursions you had initially planned.
Once you’ve chosen a destination, check entry requirements on the government’s foreign travel advice site well in advance to avoid last-minute panic.
Booking flights and accommodation in advance usually gives you better value and more choice, especially if you’re travelling during school holidays or public holidays. Leaving it last minute can mean you either fly at times you hadn’t wanted to fly at, have to pay a lot more for the flights or stay in a hotel which has last-minute space but not amazing reviews. A risk you don’t want to take!
Go all-inclusive
Booking one of those relaxed, hassle-free all-inclusive holidays with food, drink and activities included can be a smart choice, particularly if you’re travelling with children or don’t want to stress over daily budgets. Any spending money in these cases is then for excursions or holiday trinkets, as you know you’ll always be able to get a meal at the hotel.
The biggest advantage is knowing upfront what you’ve paid for – meals, drinks, entertainment and sometimes even airport transfers. This setup can help you avoid hidden costs or awkward currency surprises.
For families, it also means no need to constantly search for suitable places to eat. You can focus on making memories instead of spending all your time planning each meal.
Travel off-peak
If your schedule allows for flexibility, travelling outside of peak season can pay off. You’ll often find lower prices on flights, hotels and excursions, which means you might afford a better experience for the same money.
Off-peak destinations also tend to be quieter, so you can explore sights, restaurants and local culture at a more relaxed pace without battling crowds.
For example, going to southern Spain in late September instead of August means you’ll still catch warm weather, but you’ll avoid inflated prices and packed beaches.
Make it Count
The best trips aren’t necessarily the longest or the most luxurious; they’re the ones where you feel relaxed, present and connected to the people around you. By making some smart choices, you create the space to enjoy your time away properly.
In the end, your getaway should work for you, not the other way around. Give yourself the chance to switch off, unwind and return with good memories – not just extra laundry.