Holiday Bliss from A to Z
Play the holiday preparation game and win every time – whether you're going abroad or staying at home you can plan ahead and stay stress-free
A
Alone Who says that holidaying solo is antisocial? You can check out the destinations at www.justyou.co.uk or if you would like a companion then you can find a fellow traveller at www.thelmaandlouise.com.
B
Burning Pack plenty of sunscreen with a minimum SPF15 to protect your skin. SPFs vary from country to country so it's safer to buy before you fly. If you're heading
for super-hot climes such as Australia, notch up the SPF to
at least 25 or 30.
C
Children tend to think that holidays revolve around them. So if you have kids make sure they realise this is a family holiday, advises life coach Lynn Anderton. 'Make it clear up front that mum and dad need time to relax too, and negotiate – explain that you'll go to the waterpark in the morning and spend the afternoon chilling on the beach.'
D
Delegating Set aside a day before you leave work to clear your desk and hand over your work, suggests life coach Pete Cohen (www.petecohen.tv). 'Tell your colleagues that you can't be contacted, and you trust them to make decisions on your behalf. Say you'll return the favour.'
E
EHIC Get yourself a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) as it entitles you to reduced-cost, and sometimes free, medical treatment in most EU countries. You can pick up a form at the
Post Office or apply online at www.dh.gov.uk/en/ Healthcare/Healthadvicefortravellers.
F
First aid Pack a simple first-aid
kit with plasters, dressings, painkillers, antiseptic cream,
bite and sting relief and suitable remedies. See your Tesco Pharmacist for advice about special sterile medical kits if you're travelling to a developing country. Have you also checked to see if you need any jabs?
G
Great deals Don't pay over the odds for holidays – find great deals at www.tescotravel store.com offered in association with www.lastminute.com.
H
Home You don't have to go abroad to have a great time. Just visit www.enjoyengland.com for fun breaks and day trips on your doorstep.
I
Insurance Getting cover might seem a bit of a nuisance, but it's so important to book in case your luggage gets lost, your flight is cancelled or you have a mishap
or an accident. Visit www.money supermarket.com to compare prices, or www.tescofinance.com for single trip cover from just £9.
J
Jamboree bags Give your kids some responsibility and they may plague you less on long journeys, suggests life coach Lynn Anderton (www.apieceofcake coaching.co.uk). 'Get each child
a small bag or wheelie case and help them pack it with healthy snacks, a drink, a change of clothes and interesting books and toys to help keep them happily entertained.'
K
Kennels Don't forget to find someone to look after your pets, or to arrange for them to go into boarding kennels – you can find your nearest one at www.yell.com. And do make sure all your pet's vaccines are up to date too.
L
Luggage Hurrah! The 'one item
of hand luggage' rule has been relaxed at some airports – but every airline has its own baggage restrictions, so check your allowance before you fly. Make sure any liquids and lotions you're carrying are in containers of under 100ml and are stored in clear plastic bags no larger than
20 x 20cm. Visit www.dft.gov.uk/ transportforyou/ for more information.
M
Me time If you're holidaying with family or friends, being surrounded by people 24/7 can
be a bit much. 'Give the usual welcome meeting with your rep a miss and have your own meeting instead,' suggests Lynn Anderton. 'Discuss what you'd all like to do during the holiday and tell everyone that you'd like maybe half an hour a day just to relax and please yourself.' If people know this in advance they're much less likely to be offended.
N
Nausea Don't let travel sickness ruin your holiday. Make sure you take plenty of water with you when you're travelling and keep looking out of the window to minimise motion sickness. Or try Nelsons Travella (£4·40/72 tablets) or Sea-Bands (£7·99) – acupressure wristbands which soothe nausea, both available from pharmacies.
O
Organising cash Make sure you have several ways to pay for things abroad before you go and check the exchange rate to see if you will benefit – see our Money Matters article for more advice.
P
Passports Have you checked the expiry date on yours lately? Do you need visas too? Don't forget to make photocopies (including travel insurance) and store in a separate piece of luggage.
PS. P is also for photos – get snaps stored online back home so you can access them anywhere. Try www.tescophoto.com.
Q
Quiet If you want to avoid the hordes look into a villa holiday
off the beaten track. Try visiting www.simplytravel.co.uk or www.country-holidays.co.uk.
Or if you're after a bit of excitement try a family adventure holiday – www.familiesworldwide.co.uk.
R
Relationships 'A holiday can be great for sorting relationship issues,' says Pete Cohen.
'It's a good idea to discuss any problems you're having before you go so that everything is out in the open. Talk about what you want to get from the holiday – more quality time together, space to think things through or time to figure
out solutions.'
S
Stress-busting Forget last-minute packing. Make a list of what you need and do the washing early
to avoid a mad panic. A little planning goes a long way in reducing stress. Set aside an evening to work out your route to the airport and journey times. Go online and organise your weekly shopping to be delivered the day you get home. Check the oil and water in your car to avoid breakdown.
T
Tummies Don't let a stomach upset ruin your holiday. Wash your hands carefully before you eat. Keep to bottled water and don't have ice in drinks or salads washed in tap water. Avoid buffets where food has been set out for a long time. Make sure all the food is cooked thoroughly.
U
Unforeseen circumstances There may be activities you would like to decide about on the spur of the moment. So if you found diving expeditions on offer at your destination you'll need your PADI certificate in your luggage. And it's a good idea to pack your driving licence in case you suddenly fancy hiring a car.
V
Vaccinations Visit www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk to find out
if you need any immunisations before you go away. Don't forget that some vaccines may need a while to take effect so see your GP for advice several weeks before your departure date.
W
Wet weather – pack some cards and travel games just in case the weather is really poor and it rains all the time. Don't forget old games such as consequences,
I-spy and 'I packed my suitcase and in it I put…' to keep kids entertained.
X
Xanadu – this is a wonderful place inside your imagination. Hang on to that holiday feeling by capturing your favourite memory as your Xanadu. Remember the sights, sounds and feelings that made you so happy. Then, every time you're feeling those back-to-work blues, conjure up your perfect place.
Y
Yassou – is Greek for 'hello'. Invest in a phrase book to help you learn a few key sentences in the local language. Being able to say hello, goodbye, please and thank you will help wherever you are.
Z
Zzzz If you're travelling long haul, minimise the effects of jet lag by setting your watch to the local time at your destination as soon as you get on the plane. Try to sleep and eat meals at the right times to help your body adjust faster. Take some lavender essential oil, an eye mask and plenty of water to help you drift off to sleep at the correct time.