According to new research from Sykes Holiday Cottages, almost half (40 per cent) of holidaymakers don’t complete their final checks until less than six hours before their holiday begins, despite planning their trip four months in advance on average. From checking they have their booking confirmation and details of their accommodation to ensuring they’ve got their passport, a quarter (25 per cent) of holidaymakers only pack their suitcase a day before their holiday begins.
To help travellers avoid last-minute anxiety before a trip, Sykes’ travel experts have shared some useful tips that are sure to help any getaway run smoothly, so travellers can focus on the excitement of their holiday.
Pack your essential items first
While it can be tempting to start packing your outfits for your trip first, prioritising your essentials can ensure you don’t forget them and help you find them in the first place, so you’re not plagued by any last-minute stress.
From printing your accommodation confirmation and check in details, to putting your travel tickets or passport – including your railcard or your boarding pass – in a designated pouch inside your bags, this ensures you have the most important details to hand to have a smooth journey.
Write a to-do list
Leaving your home for an extended period can sometimes feel overwhelming but writing a to-do list can help you to have peace of mind and get any last holiday admin out the way so you can bask in the excitement of your trip!
A fifth (18 per cent) of travellers only do this 1-2 days before their trip, but putting a list together a week or so in advance means you have more time to ensure nothing gets forgotten in the run up to your getaway.
Try to encompass all the things you feel necessary to tick off to feel confident your home is safe and secure. This may include turning off electricity points throughout your home, checking your doors and windows are locked and taking out your bin as you’re leaving so you don’t arrive home after a trip to any lingering mess.
You could even take pictures of each item you tick off as you do it – this can help to ease any worries you have once you’re on your way to your destination, so you don’t have to be kept awake wondering if you turned the oven off and can truly relax during your trip.
Arrange for a house sitter
Asking a friend or family member to come over and check your home is in good stead while you’re away on holiday can be a great way to relieve any last-minute worries.
From checking everything is in order, to putting on the heating for a few hours to make sure you don’t arrive back to a cold house after a sunny break, a house sitter can be a great way for you to fully enjoy your trip while knowing your home is in the hands of someone you trust.
Discover the best restaurants and activities in advance
While seeing where the wind takes you during your trip can help you unwind, putting a bit of planning into your holiday can mean you make the most of your time away.
A quick round of Googling can reveal the best restaurants to dine at in your holiday location, as well as activities you might not have been aware of. You might even be inspired to try something you’ve never done!
Planning your itinerary in advance can also help you stick to a budget if you have one in mind for your holiday. Rather than fall into tourist traps and face potentially high costs for transport or dining out, you can book meals in advance or keep a note handy on your phone of more affordable, or free, activities local to your accommodation.
Prepare your pet for travel
If you have a four-legged friend you’re taking with you on your trip, make sure you’ve prepared what you need to give them a great experience as your travel buddy.
Pack treats, dog waste bags, and toys alongside your essentials to keep them occupied if you’re travelling by car or rail, or if you’re heading further afield, check your airline or ferry allows pets on board. You may even need to get pet insurance or a pet passport.
If you’re not taking your pup with you on your trip, researching kennels based near to your home can help you find one you’re comfortable with and booking their stay well in advance can help to avoid last-minute anxiety – both for you and your pooch.
Double check your accommodation confirmation
If you’re heading on a staycation and have booked self-catering accommodation, take a look at your confirmation email to ensure you’re aware of anything you may need to confirm with the holiday homeowner in advance.
For example, they might need to know your arrival time or ask for your preference on how you’d like the beds made up at the property. Double checking you’ve been in touch on these means your holiday home will be ready for you upon your arrival, so you can get straight to relaxing with your loved ones.
