Holiday Travel Tips

2009/03/27

For many families holidays are a time to travel, to be with your loved ones and rekindle those family bonds. Whether you take on a short or long travel, planning your trip to the very last detail is important, especially preparing for those unforeseen incidents like a car breakdown, traffic jams etc. We’ve put together a ‘must do’ list for travelling.

 PACKING

 Find out a 10 day weather forecast about your destination from your weather service and pack your clothes accordingly. Ensure to bring along sun screen for those hot weather conditions. Never pack things you don’t really need like baby toys. Remember, your kids are also on holiday to discover new and exciting things.

Your young ones will be catching up with their cousins and making new friends, an excitement which could get out of hand. Ensure to pack a first aid kit to deal with those minor wounds, cuts and scratches.

 Your cell phone should be fully charged the night before the trip and your charger with adaptable plug packed in your bag. Remember to pack a photo/video camera to capture those special moments.

 You can pack a snack, in case your airline is not serving any this year.

 TRAVELLING

 Start your travel early on in the day and at least two days before the anticipated rush. Make sure that you are at a bus station or airport two to two and half hours prior to take off. Confirm all details of your bus or airline before leaving.  Bring a magazine or something to keep you occupied while waiting in line or during delays.

 Never exceed the carrying capacity of your vehicle. This may cause a lot of discomfort for your passengers let alone a car accident. For long driving trips, take two hour breaks in between for you and your loved ones to stretch your legs. Kids are particularly irritable if you keep at it for too long. Ensure that you have a roadside assistance plan for those; car breakdown, key locked in the car or running out of fuel incidents. Also ensure that you take on a comprehensive travel policy for flight trips.

 Travelling should be made fun all the way. Kids are more likely to enjoy a trip if you engage them in fun games such as singing or story telling. Your trip should not just be about getting to your destination. If your spot an unusual image like a wild animal at a distance, take a shot with your camera. It will be a good memoir in your album.

 A little planning can save you money, time and unnecessary headaches. So start planning now!