The excitement of getting away can build for as long as you’re planning or saving for the trip itself. But what happens once you’re in the mad dash to find all of your belongings, stuff them and the souvenirs into your bags (and still keep them under the weight limit), and get checked out on time and in a taxi/etc to the airport on time, and checking in and boarding to go home?

Are you excited about seeing people you’ve missed, or are you dreading the experience of having to go home? Have you fallen in love with the place you’ve visited, and find yourself madly checking the local papers, etc, for jobs and houses to rent?

I’ve never lived abroad. But I want to…

When planning a holiday, we tend to start with price – how much can I spend? – or what temperatures we’re after. But when do we stop to consider the destination itself? Is it a well travelled, tourist hot-spot, full of issues and problems relating to high tourist volumes? Or is it a quiet and isolated place where the locals barely realise its there?

Which would you want to visit most? How would you even go about finding the remote, untravelled one? Its not like they advertise!

When we go away, how much thought do we put into actually relaxing or enjoying new scenery, etc? Do we just book something, and assume that everything will happen because we’re no longer at work or home, and can immediately relax?

I don’t think so. I think a holiday takes some effort and certainly planning and, most importantly, a willingness from all parties to enjoy something new.

Over the years, transport has changed. From being something only the rich could afford, to being something that a significant percentage of the population can afford.

But once the flights are booked and paid for – how do you get there? With enough time, all your bags, and no added stress?

Do you drive? You can now leave your car securely parked at the airport – yes, there are some horror stories in the papers every now and then, but I’ve never yet met someone who has experienced it first hand. But parking can be costly, plus the fuel to get you there…. Or you could have friends drive you – but then that’s 4 times the amount of fuel to get you there and back (so maybe not, unless the airport is close….)

Do you use buses? Well, they’re really cramped, very slow, and not a lot pf space for your bags… this is my least favourite option.

Trains? Luggage sections, more often than not they have seats or you can book them, they’re fast and generally on time… but costly too. The rise in websites offering discounted tickets has made this easier to do, and a more cost effective method.

I think the train is the winner.

The majority of my holidays have involved European destinations, where the flight only lasts a few hours, but my next Big Adventure is to fly to Australia – and that’s a 24 hours flight (with a brief 2 hour stop in Dubai).

Now, my main problem in life is sitting still – I like to fidget, move around, and generally be active. I also do not like people in my personal space – so this flight (and the return one) is going to be a nightmare!

However, by making sure my carry on bags are well stocked (books, music, change of clothes, basic toiletries to freshen up, travel pillow, and a “slanket”), I should be comfortable and amused.

When traveling, if around the world or to a different country, some people prefer to travel by their own passport. This can include their own planes, boats, or for the patient, car journeying (to certain countries). Private transport is preferred as it means that they can take the traveling at their own cost, and depending on the type of transport, can also be cheaper. Traveling like this is done usually in group, due to fuel expenses, rest from driving the vehicle, and because it is a more sociable way of traveling (although some travel alone). Motorcycles are more used in the same country for traveling.

Getting stung by a jellyfish is not a pleasant experience. Even less pleasant is having someone insist that urine is a great cure for the sting. Believe me there are cleaner and more effective ways of dealing with it.

The first thing to do is to rinse the skin with hot water. If hot water is not available then use salt water. Using gloves, peel off the tentacles. If you don’t have gloves available then use a stick or shell. Avoid touching or getting them on your clothing.

Watch the victim carefully for anaphylactic shock. Symptoms can include itching, wheezing and dizziness.

If the patient can cope, immerse the wounded area into hottest water that they can stand. Preferably over 102 degrees. Give them ibuprofen to help with the pain.

Always seek medical attention if the sting was severe or if the victim is showing any signs of distress.

Holidays are about relaxing and having fun but you can easily let your guard down unwittingly and become a victim of crime.

To avoid becoming a victim, ensure that you remain alert and aware of your surroundings at all times. If using a camera or MP3 player make sure that you still keep your eye on your purse, wallet or handbag.

If you have hired a vehicle you may stand out as a tourist so have your keys in your hand ready when approaching your vehicle. Drive with the doors locked and keep belongings out of view and easy reach.
When walking through town try to look as though you know where you are going. Looking lost and waving a map around could attract the wrong kind of attention.

If you are walking at night stick to busy, well lit streets rather than venturing down dark, little used side roads. Use a taxi if necessary to stay safe.

Depending on your destination you may wish to avoid wearing expensive watches and jewellery. Alternatively leave them locked in your hotel room and wear them in a safe environment such as the hotel restaurant.

Only carry the amount of money that you need for that day. Money belts hidden under clothing are a good idea. Use a money belt concealed under your clothing or an inside pocket.

If you are dashing off on a last minute mini break, or you are not very good at planning ahead. Never fear…….help is a hand!

There are now a good number of “check lists” which can help you organise these things last minute! If you are terrible at packing like me, and struggle to decide what to take it is much easier to have a guide to follow, rather than simply guess. This task is made much harder if you are going to a destination which has varied weather. My own personal tip would be to take one item for most types of weather and that way you are prepared for the unknown. For example if you are going on a sunshine break, always pack a jacket just in case it gets colder in the evenings.

Prior to travelling make sure you contact your network provider and advise them that you plan on travelling abroad to ensure your phone will work once you arrive. I made this mistake once and would not do it again!
Whilst you are on holiday, it is only natural to want to keep in contact with friends and family back at home. However it can often cost a small fortune to ring home from a mobile phone. From personal experience it is not the best feeling arriving back off your holiday, only to find a phone bill on your door step for a stupid amount of money!
If you are on a budget you are probably better off texting people you want to keep in touch with, especially as it is free to receive text messages abroad. If you receive calls however it can cost as much as a pound a minute.

Beware if someone calls you and leaves a voice mail message, you can be charged for picking it up as well as being charged for receiving the message itself.

Planning is key to a successful holiday. If you leave everything to the last minute travelling can be very stressful. It is essential to plan ahead and get organised with plenty of time to spare, enabling you to enjoy the experience you have proabably waited along time for.

A few tips with regards to having a stress free start to your holiday. Make sure you organiase your holiday insurance and your currency exchange well in advance of the date you are due to leave. If you are flying, ensure you get to the airport with plenty of tiem to spare, and also arrange how you will be getting home after your return flight. It can be useful to do some research on your destination prior to leaving as a little bit of local knowledge can go along way!