Going on holiday can be stressful before it’s relaxing, from booking holiday accommodation in Seychelles to booking flights to South Africa. Wherever you are going, it always contains some sort of organizing in one way or another. So before your hair starts falling out with stress, let me give you some tips on how to avoid those holiday travel issues and still have an amazing holiday.
1. BOOK IN ADVANCE:
The more you sit around hoping that the prices will drop even further from that special offer (for example, holidays in Seychelles), the more money you lose. See last minute deals only for in your favor if you are flexible on the time and the destination, and they usually start really cheap and then as the date comes closer, the price creeps higher. Afternoon flights are usually more expensive compared to early morning or late and night. You may not be a morning person, but if you are wanting a cheap flight, you may have to get up early (I’m talking about those 3am wake ups, so you can catch that 7am flight out). Prices for flights can vary dramatically depending on the departure time and time of week. Sometimes including a Saturday in your travels can save you quite a significant amount. If you leave on a Friday and return on a Monday is an example of this. The reason for this is the way airlines work with hotels and tour organisers to create packages that are advantageous to them.
2. TRY TO AVOID THE BUSIEST DAYS:
When it comes to traveling, you want to try avoid days like New Year's and Christmas, days like these are when airports and train stations are at their busiest, not to mention that holiday accommodation in Seychelles will go from affordable Seychelles to expensive Seychelles prices during these times. Sometimes waiting a day or even a week – or booking a week before can save you a huge amount on fares.
3. AVOID TOO MANY CONNECTIONS:
Although trips with more connections (applying more with the train then in flying) may be cheaper, try to avoid too many because that way you will have a higher risk of missing your transportation due to delays or missing your connections. This is a risk not many people consider and it can be a very unpleasant experience missing one flight and having to reschedule the next three because of it.
4. GET PLENTY OF REST:
Traveling when you are tired can lead to more hassles because you are not as aware and organised as you would be when you are feeling fresh. Also during your holiday give yourself a day or two extra to wind down. Jet lag takes a day or two to get over so keep rested so you can make the most out of your holidays in Seychelles, Hawaii, Berlin or wherever your destination is. You can also minimise jet lag by eating at your regular times where possible so your body is not in shock from disrupted eating patterns. This makes a huge difference to the impact of jet lag – it’s proven!
5. SKIP THE QUEUE:
Nowadays when it come to flying, you can do all your booking tickets and even checking yourself in online. Save yourself the time of having to stand in a queue and use the airlines online service to check you in, leaving only the bare minimum left to do (like checking in your bag and going through security).
Using these tips will minimise your holiday hassles and lead to a more enjoyable and smooth running trip. Just remember to take a deep breath when needed and don't over-exert yourself.