As the holiday season approaches it’s a good idea to remind yourself what going away actually entails. The pandemic has changed our patterns a bit, and something that used to be second nature has left a lot of people a bit rusty (and anxious) about going away. There are a few things you can do before your holiday to reduce that anxiety and worry though, just so things go smoothly!
Check your documents
Time has both flown and gone at a snail's pace in the last two years - it’s been weird. Because time has been mixed up, make sure you check the dates on your passports! Most places require you to have 6 months validity left to travel…as I found out the other day, one of our kid’s passports had run very close to expiring during the pandemic. Not something I check normally but luckily I noticed!
Passport renewals take about 30 days to come through at the moment and new passports are a bit longer, but this is so variable and the passport gods say it can be up to 10 weeks, so make sure you check with plenty of time.
Have a good old look at your bookings too - loads of flights are changing still due to the virus and staffing shortages. Make sure you check your documents carefully before you go to the airport or ferry terminal - it’s handy if the plane or boat hasn’t left without you!
Get organised
Having an idea of what you want to do is important at the moment. The pandemic has changed our habits somewhat and some places require booking and more general organisation.
The other thing is people are very much making the list of the release following a few years of repression. Holiday destinations are heaving and you need to be a bit more aware of what’s what so you’re not disappointed when you arrive.
It’s irritating that we still have to consider it, but covid restrictions and local rules are also something you need to check up on before you get on holiday. Things often aren’t the same as the U.K. so it’s best to check up on entry requirements and masks etc just so you’re not caught out!
Don’t forget the car park
It’s the little things I always forget to do. My new thing is having an actual checklist as what was once automatic is suddenly a bit more complicated!
Little additions like sorting the car park for the airport and making sure you leave yourself enough time is vital to reducing stress levels to manageable levels…factor in kids, luggage and a busy airport and you’ve got yourself a pulse-raising formula.
It’s the same at the other end, having a plan is key to making sure the holiday starts well and being able to get to your accommodation is one of the more important things to have sorted. The rest is pretty simple to sort really.
Have fun
After the past two years, the most important thing to do is to have some fun.
The world has changed in many ways, but it’s also made us appreciate things in a very different way.
If you’re lucky enough to be getting away, have an amazing time and have a relax…or relax as much as you can with kids on holiday!
