Whether you prefer going on action-packed adventure holidays or you like to rest and recuperate by the pool, a holiday can be a really valuable part of a healthy lifestyle. There are many reasons for this. As well as allowing you to recharge your batteries and expand your mind, research suggests that holidays can also be good for your mental health.
However, while this sounds amazing, many of us dread the thought of planning a holiday. After all, there’s much to consider, including where you want to travel and whether you need insurance.
Thankfully, planning a holiday doesn’t have to be as tricky as it sounds. If you’re ready to start planning your next holiday, but don’t know where to start, then keep reading below. We’ve made a list of some of the top things you should consider when planning a vacation:
1. The Destination
The first thing you need to consider when planning a holiday is the destination. While some people prefer to travel to countries like Spain, where they can relax on the beach and drink cocktails, others prefer to visit countries like Thailand, where they can learn about the country and its culture. You need to decide which type of holiday you prefer.
2. The Weather
Once you’ve decided where you would like to go, the next step is to find out about the weather in this country. Some destinations are perfect for visiting in the winter, while some are better in the summer or at other times of the year. Knowing what the weather is like will help you choose the perfect travel time.
3. Book Independently or Purchase a Package Holiday
Another thing you should consider when booking a holiday is whether you would prefer to book a holiday independently or whether you would prefer a bespoke holiday by a company like TravelEssence.
While booking independently can be much cheaper, booking a package holiday is much easier. It includes everything from your flights and transfers to your accommodation. As well as this, most package holidays are protected by ATOL, which gives you peace of mind that you can get your money back should anything happen to the company you’ve booked with.
4. Travel Insurance
We all hope our holidays go without a hitch. However, sometimes they don’t. This is where travel insurance is essential. While it can’t prevent mishaps, it does safeguard your holiday against unforeseen circumstances that could jeopardise your trip.
5. Safety
Before travelling to a country, it’s advisable to look at official sources that tell you which areas of the country are safe to visit. Find out whether there is war or civil unrest in the country and whether any medical issues could cause you a safety issue.
6. Entry Requirements
Another important consideration before you book your holiday is whether there are any visa or entry requirements. Even if you don’t need a visa, there’s a good chance you’ll need a travel authorisation.
7. Tours and Activities
We all want to get the most out of our time away, so before you travel, check out what tours and activities are available for you to participate in. You usually have many options, from cooking classes to day trips and multi-day tours.
Travelling can be great for both your mental and physical health. However, if your holiday is poorly planned, it could also negatively impact your health. It can leave you feeling stressed, worried, and anxious about the trip. The good news is that if you follow the tips above, you can’t go far wrong when planning a holiday.
