Holidays are a great way to take some time off from the pressures of work and home life, but they can also be very stressful. Planning an exciting summer holiday can be a real challenge, especially if you’ve visited the same destination multiple times.
The good news is that nowadays there are so many options and possibilities for travel, from luxury all-inclusive resorts to cheap camping. However, it's important to plan carefully if you want to save money and potentially have lots of fun and adventures.
Here are some tips to help you plan your dream summer holiday.
Choose your destination wisely
It's important to choose a destination carefully, because the weather can play a role in how busy the town is, and whether there's much to do. You'll also have to consider the costs of accommodation, car hire, public transport and meals.
Ideally, try to compare what is available in your location before you make a final decision. While sites like Expedia or TripAdvisor can give you a good idea of what’s on offer in your local area, enquiring directly with the local tourist board for high season is always a good idea if you want to be sure there will be plenty to do.
Have a budget in mind
If you want to save money, it is vital to have a budget in place before you even begin planning your holiday. It's helpful if you can create a list of costs, such as how much plane tickets and accommodation cost. Once you've set your budget, try to stick to it as much as possible by shopping around for flights, accommodation and activities.
You can also budget for food and activities before your holiday begins, so that you have a plan in place once you get there. If you prefer not to worry, book an all-inclusive holiday so the stress is taken care of for you.
Depending on the country, it's usually easy to get food in markets or you might even want to try some local cuisine. If you're going on an adventure holiday, then you should also budget for activities like boat trips and horse rides.
Choose a travel companion
One of the most important decisions you will make is deciding who will go with you on holiday. You don't necessarily need to travel with your partner and children (and sometimes you might just need a break from them!) but it can be useful to travel with friends or close relatives. You can decide who to go with based on your personality and preferences, but you should also consider things like whether they are active and can take care of themselves in a natural environment.
If travelling with a friend or relative, it's important to let them know in advance about the activities that are planned for the holiday. They should help with the cost of any activities, so it's important that they understand that this is part of their responsibility and don't expect you to pay for everything.
Organise your schedule
Before you arrive, make a plan of how you want to spend your time. It's important that every day has a purpose and is used wisely. Some people like to start with a simple list of things they want to do and then plan around this, but others prefer to wait until they are in the location before deciding what their schedule will be. If you write what you want to do and when, it can help keep you motivated to achieve your goals on holiday.
If you have children in tow, then it's also important that they have an activity schedule each day.
Make sure you know how to stay in touch with those back home
To make it easy to stay in touch, take your smartphone or tablet with you - this will also help for things like calling Uber cabs. If you plan on travelling far from home or for a long period, it's helpful to purchase a new SIM card for your phone to save money on calls back home. This can easily be done by purchasing a local SIM card for your mobile phone and then using it during your trip.
Make travel arrangements ahead of time
You should work out how you want to travel, for example by booking a flight and then figuring out your accommodation and activities. You should also make sure that your trip is free from any interruptions, such as delays or cancellations. This can be difficult when travelling abroad, especially if you're looking for a cheap flight. The best way to be safe is to buy tickets in advance. Once you've chosen your flight and have booked your accommodation, it's worth checking availability ahead of time before booking each night of the trip.
Planning an exciting holiday is not as difficult as it might seem. It's important to have a plan in place, but there are also plenty of ways for you to travel on the cheap! By planning your holiday carefully in advance, you'll be able to relax and enjoy yourself without worrying about having to pay extra charges or missing out on the things that really matter.
