Top 10 tips: Travel
- Get the most out of your booking. Always try a little bargaining to see if you can get a better deal, especially on the off season. Single travelers especially can get very reasonable deals around this time. Know the ins and outs of your package and other ones the agency offers, there might be deals you didn’t know about on things such as travel insurance.
- Have the best possible insurance. Buying travel insurance should be the first thing you do after booking flights. You will be covered before you even step on the plane; cancellation is never planned for but is always a possibility. Be willing to spend a bit extra for the best possible policy and make sure you always read the fine print. If you are a frequent traveller, consider buying annual travel insurance. It will be cheaper in the long run and give you more time to relax once you’ve arrived at your destination. Insure and Go and the Post Office have some good deals.
- Currency is key. Shop around for the best deals on foreign currency and do so well before you leave, Marks and Spencer are commission free. You don’t want to have to buy at the airport because it will be much more expensive! Avoid buying currency with a credit card as you will be charged extra for it. Some banks treat debit cards in the same way so it is best to buy with cash.
- Cover your bases. Copy your Passport before you go and save the details to a computer and on paper. This is to cover your bases so you have your details if the worst happens and you lose it abroad. A good idea is to scan them into a computer, shrink the image and then print and laminate giving you additional ID for any occasion.
- Use hand luggage for the essentials. Should you be caught in the nightmare situation of losing your luggage, hand luggage can be used as a clever back up plan. Pack essentials like underwear, medication and wash kit (no scissors though!) For similar reasons you might want to put items you wouldn’t want to lose (such as a diary, jewellery, or passports) in your hand luggage as well.
- Pack smart. Try to take clothes that dry quickly and don’t require ironing or are crease resistant. You won’t want to be thinking about going to the launderette when you’re sitting the pool! Also check what the weather will be like in where you’re going and pack with this in mind.
- Knowing Where You’re Going. If you’re travelling to more far flung and less tourist orientated places, read as many blogs and websites for other travellers’ information as possible. Their experience could be highly valuable once you are on the ground. Familiarise yourself with local customs before leaving, this includes social etiquette and dress. You will find it a lot easier to fit in, enjoy local hospitality and have more fun. Check out Lonely Planet to get you started.
- Stay connected. Research local pre-paid mobile deals, or if your phone is compatible buy a local Sim card to save money and keep in contact with folks back home.
- Head straight for the tourist office. There will always be great deals on for tourists available here. It is possible to take advantage of these beforehand allowing you to plan ahead and relax even more once you’re there.
- Let cushion the impact take care of all this. A lifestyle concierge service can take all the stress out of travel and going on holiday. Sit back and relax as we take of your bookings and administration and even packing. We can even have your cupboards full for when you come back. Cushion the impact: ten years of making time for you.
