W’ERE ALL GOING ON A
Get prepared now so this break is your best yet, writes Stephanie Holmes
There’s nothing better than a long weekend to get us in the mood for summer. But with the year flying by, and the thought that Christmas and the summer holidays will be with us before we know it, it’s easy for panic to set in. There’s so much to arrange, and so little time to do it. How can you guarantee your holidays will be a success? It’s easy, when you know how — this guide gives you some advice on what to get on top of over the next few weeks so you can relax come Christmas time. The only thing we can’t help with is the weather . . . but we have a plan for that, too.
BOOK...
Now’s the time to make sure you’ve booked everything you need to get locked in — flights, accommodation, campsites, day-trips, tours, festival tickets, and house/pet-sitters. It seems like a lot to sort, yes, but make a list and tick things off as you confirm them. Tackling things methodically will help you feel a lot calmer, and the planning much more manageable.
Flying over Christmas/New Year can be hugely expensive, due to school holidays and the increased demand of people trying to get home to their families. But it doesn’t mean you’re too late to get something sorted now, if you haven’t already booked.
“Travel over the holidays doesn’t need to break the bank,” says Flight Centre’s Sean Berenson. “It pays to research your options, talk to a travel expert and most importantly book ahead, before the cheapest remaining Economy fares and room types sell out.”
He suggests looking at destinations “off the beaten path”, which are traditionally a lot cheaper when you get there. For example, heading to Vietnam or Thailand might cost a lot in terms of airfares, but once you get there your costs will be low, due to the exchange rate and the affordability of the destination. “Although you may spend slightly more getting there, your dollar will go further allowing you to splurge on luxury accommodation or more activities,” Berenson says.
If you are heading overseas, the most important thing you need to book now is travel insurance.
“Getting the right insurance is just as important as sorting your passport or buying your plane tickets,” says Carl Reaich from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Tourism (MFat). “It’s vital for every trip, wherever you are going. Make sure it covers everywhere you are going, and everything you plan to do.”
PLAN...
Research is key if you’re heading further afield than the family bach. Rather than spending your spare moments mindlessly scrolling through Instagram and Facebook, look for information about your chosen destination. Are there any local customs or cultural faux pas you need to be aware of? How will you get around when you get there? What’s in the neighbourhood near your accommodation? Where is the best coffee/brunch/cocktail/beach bar? Are there any cool events on while you’re there that you need to book tickets for?
The internet is a traveller’s best friend. There aren’t many places in the world someone hasn’t already been, and posted their thoughts on, online. Doing some research now can save valuable time when you arrive at your chosen holiday spot.
If you’re heading to a far-flung tropical destination, make an appointment with your travel doctor to talk about what vaccinations you might need, and any that need topping up.