Bags: check; passport: check; guide book: check … perfect vacation: check! Not so fast, Here are some handy tips from seasoned travellers.
Planning a holiday can be a fun exercise. But very often, a few glitches make our trip to heaven lose its sheen. In all probability, these hitches could have been avoided. And that's where e+ enters the scene. We asked a cross section of seasoned travellers how to make holidays stress-free and fun-filled. This is what they came up with.
Interestingly, majority of them began on a note of caution. "Reconfirm: be it tickets, hotels or travel packages … just reconfirm," was their talisman.
Griet V
One look at her and you realise that she is a tourist who believes in travelling light. The holiday spirit has clearly descended upon her.
"We travel quite a bit despite having children, who are two and four years old. I buy them small presents to keep them occupied. And I always travel light since it gives me freedom to shop without worrying about baggage limit. In most places, you can get clothings suitable to that region's climate."
Salina and Bhavna
"If you are going to Europe, then carry an umbrella without fail. You never know, when it rains. For instance, I was in Florence last week and it started pouring. So you can never be too prepared," says Salina.
Dealing with the Delhi Belly Syndrome
Says Bhavna: "I always carry a medicine pouch that contains drugs for common tourist ailments. Combing a foreign city for a chemist shop is not an easy proposition. Apart from that, carrying a copy of all the essential documents like Passport copy and the embassy telephone numbers can help you if you lose your wallet and I am speaking from experience." She is planning a trip to the United States soon.
Aysan Kazemi
Kazemi subscribes to a wholly different view. "I don't believe in travelling light. There is nothing more depressing than having no clothes to wear at an exotic location. I can never take risks with clothes. Another must-have item in my handbag while travelling is
sun-screen."
Mariane Duboi
"I love reading, so naturally when I travel, I read a variety of guidebooks to get a heads up. Even if you don't have to time to read just take them with you and you can read at the airport or while travelling. With that, you can never miss out on much."
Ali Ibrahi and family
"Travelling with children is not an easy task. But taking books and games can make a huge difference. And it is always better to travel with a group. This time, I am going on vacation with my family. So it will make it easier for me" says Ibrahi's sister-in-law Razan Deeb.
Meanwhile, Ali Ibrahi who is from Syria feels reading up about the place that you are going to can make a big difference.
"If you don't like reading, then just speak to people when you get there. In Syria, you will be surprised at the number of people who are like a storehouse of knowledge about Syria," he says.
Yaman Jadimati and Parisa Moridian
"We have done our fair share of travelling. And carrying enough currency of the destination that you are heading to is a must. Very often, tourists make the mistake of waiting till they touch down at the airport to convert their currency. Believe me, you end up getting a raw deal," says Yaman Jadimati Moridian, meawhile, subscribes to the view of the more the better. "Carry more cash than needed. You never know when you may need to shop." she says (chuckling)
Cruise control
"Local means of transport in foreign countries can be a bit tricky. So if you happen to have a licence that can be converted into an international one, then get it done before your trip. At least, then you have the option of car rentals," says Jadimati.
PACKING POINTERS
Never bring more than you can carry yourself
Try to pack clothing around the same colour scheme so that you can mix and match, and minimize on accessories
Pack one of your outfits in your companion's suitcase and have him/her do likewise. Doing this will be invaluable should one person's bag be delayed upon arrival at your destination
If your travelling requirements call for electrical appliances, be sure to bring convenient, travel size units that are both lightweight and compact
Pack a collapsible or expandable bag to carry items you purchase on the return leg of your trip
Make sure the last items you pack are the first things you need when you arrive at your destination
YOUR CHECKLIST
- Passport/Visa
- Foreign currency
- Emergency phone numbers
- Insurance health/travel
- Airline/train tickets
- Reservation info
- Traveller's Cheques
- Car rental info
- Wallet/purse
- Medication
- Travel itinerary
- Universal adapter
- Travel maps/guidebooks
- Sewing kit
- Hairdryer/curling iron
- Currency converter
- Laundry soap
- Travel iron/steamer
- Sporting equipment
- Camera/extra batteries
- Money belt
- Eyeglasses/ sunglasses
- Film/video tape
- Games/mp3 player/book
- Keys for home
- Travel alarm/watch
- Binoculars
- Language translator
- Snacks
- First-aid kit
