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2 June, 2017

15 tips & tricks to beat holiday stress

Young woman having trouble packing suitcase bag, sitting on bed, hand on face concerned, not ready, isolated indoors room background

By Amy Bryant

Are you getting stressed out while you’re on vacation?

If you are travelling for the first time, visiting a new destination, trying a new experience, or staying in a new type of accomodation, it can be normal to feel a little anxious or stressed.

Remember, whether you’re on a chill out vacation, or an adventure holiday, its a time for you to enjoy yourself, be excited and most-importantly stress-free!

To help holiday-goers have a worry-free trip, Booking.com have shared with us 15 tips and tricks.

1. Don’t just book the holiday you think you should be going on

You are never too old or too young to visit a new city, go backpacking or venture out alone. It is never as challenging as you think it will be – do what you want to do.

2. Make sure you dive into the local culture and try not to just keep to the well beaten tourist tracks

A great way to soak up the local atmosphere is to head to a restaurant away from the main drag, hot spots and ask the waiter to recommend their most popular dishes.

Almost a third (29 per cent) of first time travellers revealed that trying the local food was one of their favourite tips to give to friends / family.

3. Check if you require a VISA well ahead of departing

Some VISAs require more effort and money than others so make sure to check the relevant Government website. Same applies for passports.

Check your passport’s expiration date before you travel – certain countries require at least 6 months validity in order to enter. Booking.com research found that 24 per cent of travellers would even recommend carrying your passport with you for the entire trip.

4. Take pictures of your passports, VISAs and travel insurance and email them to yourself, in case you lose them

Travel Documents should be kept in safe and secure places while you travel. But if the worst happens and something is lost, it is better to have back-ups than nothing at all!

5. Always stash away $300 or a spare debit or credit card in case you lose your wallet

Hide it away in a money belt, pocket in your bag or share it around if you’re travelling in a group. Over one in ten (13 per cent) travellers cited a secret stash of cash as one of the most important tips for those planning their first trip according to Booking.com research.

6. If you don’t speak the local language, a helpful trick is to download Google Translate to your mobile phone

It will take away the pain of wild gestures and raised voices. You might also want to consider learning a few key phrases before you head out, especially words to help navigate travel, bookings and menus.

7. Always pack less than you think you will need

According to Booking.com research, 18 per cent of travellers regret packing too much when they leave the country. At least two days before you go, lay everything out on the bed that you think you will need, then put away 30 per cent and pack a travel bottle of washing detergent instead.

Pack layers and put comfort first, especially when it comes to shoes!

8. Check the luggage allowance before you fly

And, if necessary, pack heavier items (like chargers) in your hand luggage. If you’re heading somewhere hot, it’s worth packing a light sarong.

It can be used for anything from a pillow on a long bus journey, something to cover your shoulders with when visiting a religious site, to blankets in the evening and a towel at the beach.

9. If travelling with friends or family, share some of your clothes out amongst your bags

That way if a bag is lost, you’ll still have some items to wear.

10. Research local scams to watch out for

Whether it’s particular tour companies to avoid or how to get a reputable taxi from the airport. Booking.com research reveals that 21 per cent of first time travellers feel researching local safety advice is an important part of any holiday prep.

If you get into real trouble, the international emergency number is 112 – even if the phone is locked or it’s not showing any service provider.

11. If you’re travelling on your own, don’t be afraid to start up conversations with a stranger

Stay at a bigger hostel, guest house or bed & breakfast if you want to meet up with other people with similar interests and make sure you head out to the communal areas. It might feel daunting at first, but travelling for the first time is all about exhilaration and pushing your boundaries.

12. Trust your gut, be open minded and don’t expect to experience anything in particular

If you’re heading somewhere for the first time, you’ll never really know what’s in store but go with the flow and enjoy. When asked about the tips travellers wish they had been given themselves, 40 per cent wish they’d been told to just relax and enjoy every single minute.

13. Be flexible and don’t overdo it

You never know what kind of experiences will come that will take your fancy, if the weather will take a sudden turn or who you might meet.

14. Look up!

At the sights, the architecture, the sky and perhaps most importantly, at the signs in the airport.

15. Don’t just tell your Facebook friends that you’re about to jet off – remember to let your bank and mobile provider you’re heading abroad too

And that’s so you can avoid any card cancellations or surprise bills. According to Booking.com research 20 per cent of holiday makers cited checking in with their bank and mobile provider as one of the most important tips to hand out ahead of a trip abroad.

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Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

Latest comments

toodooloo says:

June 2, 2017 at 6:24 pm

All great suggestions. I always try to get the advice of a local to any place I’m going to. Quite a few times the information I found online had been outdated or a recommended restaurant had closed down (or gone down hill), etc. Always pays to check with a local if you can.

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