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.

This time of year is all about family and relaxing with loved ones and being merry – well, for those of us without family to go to and a lack of a plus-one to make gatherings with friends easier, getting away for the festive period is an option.

But where to go? There are lots of choices out there, and multiple websites that offer cheap deals on flights, and if you know a person or two in a foreign city, finding accommodation can be a snap!

I’ve just decided to go to Australia for a fortnight over Christmas, get away, get some sun – and all for a very cheap price thanks to an on-line website.