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If you’ve not been on vacation since at least 2019, you are not alone. The global pandemic put an end to most people’s travel plans in 2020. Holidays will soon be back on the agenda, but you must plan for them in the right way.
After so long, it would be easy to overlook some of the organisational steps that used to feel second nature. Here are 10 things you must consider before booking your first international travel in over a year.
#1. Legal & Safety Requirements
When booking a vacation, it’s vital that you understand the legal and safety protocols. Otherwise, you may struggle to get past border control or face stressful situations to gain permission. If travelling to America, for example, you must check out the ESTA application process. Likewise, tourist VISA requirements will be needed while Covid passports are a necessity in some places too.
In addition to the general entrance and Covid requirements, you must think about vaccines. Protection against those diseases will be essential.
#2. Airport Navigation
The journey to your destination can have a telling influence on the quality of your vacation. Not least because a bad trip will have you worrying about the return leg while you’re away. Re-introducing yourself with what can be taken as hand luggage is vital. Meanwhile, you should always look to find ways of keeping yourself entertained around the departure lounge as well as the flight itself.
A similar level of preparation should be shown when travelling by boat or train to another country. Otherwise, you will be left to regret it.
#3. Travel Parties Change Everything
Having been stuck inside and unable to meet friends for long periods, social interactions feel incredible. However, a day out with a friend is vastly different from taking a vacation together. Spending long periods with needy or uncompromising people can lead to problems. The little sources of frustration that you may feel become 100x worse.
The great news is that travelling with the right people will make your vacation 100x better. Still, you must not overlook the need to think carefully about this aspect.
#4. Location Is Everything
When looking at holiday accommodation, the value of a good location cannot be emphasised enough. Without it, there is every chance that you will decide against visiting some of the tourist attractions. Due to exhaustion and frustration. Whether it’s a hotel or a private rental, you must look for a great location. It will allow you to cram far more into the adventures
It could mean being on top of the attractions in the city. Or if attractions are spread out, proximity to good transport links will pay dividends.
#5. Timing Matters
There’s no escaping the fact that some places are best visited at certain times of the year. If you are looking to see the Northern Lights, for example, the time of the year is as crucial as the location. Meanwhile, if visiting Rio De Janeiro, you might find that carnival season is far better than any other moment. Of course, travel at peak times will be more expensive, which is why you need to calculate everything before you book.
Nonetheless, nobody wants to return from a vacation thinking that they have missed out due to poor timing.
#6. Your Appearance Can Influence Your Vacation
We don’t like to admit it, but we’re all self-conscious. Feeling more confident in your skin during the holiday will increase your enjoyment. Therefore, a few weeks of toning up before the trip can pay dividends. New clothes for the occasion can have a similarly powerful impact. New hairstyles and daily grooming/beauty tips can work wonders for similar reasons.
When you look good and feel good, it stands to reason that the trip will be good too. It really is that simple.
#7. Cash Is No Longer King
Once upon a time, having enough cash for your travel was key. Nowadays, it might just be easier to pay by card or via your smartphone. In the post-pandemic era, it will be safer and more convenient. However, banks will need to be told about your plans. If visiting a destination where tech isn’t quite at the same level, exchanging money in advance is key. You do not want to do this at the airport as you will get a poor rate.
Money worries are the last thing you need on vacation as trying to find a bank or access funds can be a nightmare.
#8. Your Smartphone Is An Asset
Smartphones aren’t only capable of completing digital payments. There are a host of travel Apps that you’ve probably deleted due to a lack of usage over the last 12-18 months. Now is the time to download them again. Translations, maps, and Google Trips are all great options. If nothing else, they will fill you with an added sense of confidence.
For a similar reason, though, you need to carry a portable battery charger to avoid losing those capabilities during your time away.
#9. You Know What Type Of Vacation Is Best
You can find huge amounts of information in a destination or its attractions. Meanwhile, friends and family can make you aware of the gems they’ve found. When it comes to choosing between a city break and a beach vacation or a snow adventure, you know best. We all have different tastes and preferences in this life, especially when it comes to vacations. You need to do what feels right for you.
The sooner you stop trying to worry about what other people think, the sooner your travel party can get the most out of its time away.
#10. It’s to Be Enjoyed
Finally, you must not forget that holidays are for fun. Now more than ever, you deserve the chance to get a break from the norm and create magical memories. Even after the above steps have been taken, it counts for very little if you are not in the right frame of mind. Once you allow yourself to enjoy the destination to its full potential, your adventures will be far better.
In truth, knowing that you’ve made the right preparations will go a long way to building the right mindset. So, a conscious effort to get things right should see pieces fall into place.
