The fun of planning your holiday

For some of us planning a holiday can seem to be stressful and challenging. A study in 2010, however, showed that all holidaymakers experienced a significant boost in happiness during the planning stages of the trip because, as the researchers suggest, they were looking forward to the good times ahead.

So, planning can be good for your well-being as well as being financially prudent and an all-round sensible activity. By organising your trip properly, you can also benefit from cheaper flights, discounts and flexibility.

There is no easier way to reach your destination than by flying. It’s fast, convenient, and hassle-free but can also be expensive. The best way to avoid spending a huge amount is to book your flight tickets well in advance. Destinations that are in demand will have higher prices when you book closer to your date of travel. Do not delay; start looking for deals, look at all the offers and prices, and then book. This will ensure a good price.

No matter which destination you are visiting, booking early always comes with discounts. Initially, the amount might seem small, but it can quickly add up and save you more than you might think. You can get discounts for flight tickets, local transportation, accommodation, and local activities.

If you book early, you will have enough time to look into minor details such as types of visa, paperwork, cash for the trip, driving routes, etc. Also, you will have enough time to plan your daily activities, and booking these early can give you discounts – free day passes to museums, city passes that give you discounts on public transport etc. Starting early also enables you to keep your vacation budget in check. So, as the months go by, you are spending the money you need on a day-to-day basis as well as saving up for your great escape.

If you book your holiday in advance, it gives you and your family or travel companions ample time and flexibility to choose the perfect getaway. Currently, with uncertainty over travel around the world, flexibility is invaluable. Look for products, which like I Love meet and greet, provide the opportunity to move your booking to later in the year.

Once you have booked your holiday, it is important to protect your investment by getting travel insurance. This means that if you must cancel your trip for some unknown reason, you can recoup the cost of your trip.

I Love meet and greet always recommend you get travel insurance. It is such a small investment for peace of mind. Not having travel insurance on an overseas trip (or domestic) is not worth the risk. Anything can, will, and sometimes goes wrong. If it does and you are not insured, it can cost you a lot of money.

Travel insurance is designed to cover unexpected medical emergencies and events such as trip cancellation, your personal effects, lost, stolen or damaged luggage by an airline, and other related losses incurred while traveling.

Planning your holiday helps you prioritise the attractions and activities, so you do not miss on what you really want to see. As David Hockney, the world renown artist said: “You must plan to be spontaneous”.

By Sarah Anglim at 10 Mar 2020