How to plan your next holiday

For many of us, the January blues are inevitable, with Christmas over, the dark nights and cold weather can take its toll. As a result, lots of us start planning a holiday as something to look forward to. Planning a holiday isn’t always easy and can sometimes become overwhelming, but here are some top tips to make the process easier.

Choose the type of holiday you’d like

The first step in your planning process should be to decide what type of holiday you want to have. Have a think about what you’re looking to gain from the holiday; are you looking to switch off and completely relax? Or maybe you’d prefer to explore somewhere new on an adventure holiday? Once you’ve made this decision you can then start doing some more research based on what you’re looking for. From walking in France to sunbathing in Barbados, there is a holiday out there for everyone.

Decide your budget

The price of a holiday can really wrack up, especially with add-ons such as luggage. Therefore, it is useful to determine your budget before you begin your search. This will save you considerable time as you won’t be looking into holidays that you can’t afford. Knowing your budget also means you can filter through the sales and get yourself a good deal. Don’t forget to include spending money and consider exchange rates when booking your trip. It’s also worth looking at when is the cheapest time to not only book but also to travel too. Going off-peak, not during school holidays, if possible, can save you considerable amounts.

Do your research

Now that you’ve decided the type of holiday you’d like to go on and how much you’ve got to spend, it’s time to dive into research. Look into different accommodation options and activities available in the area. Make sure to read plenty of reviews to gain a good understanding of what different areas have to offer and whether people have enjoyed holidaying there previously. It’s also useful to research more practical elements such as currency and distance to the airport to make sure you aren’t caught short once you have booked. Be sure to make notes of anything that comes up in your research that you’re desperate to see or try. This could include a restaurant you want to eat at or a landmark you want to visit. This means once you’re actually on holiday you’ll have a pre-made list of activities to slot into your itinerary.

Don’t forget admin

As fun as planning a holiday can be, it important that you don’t neglect the admin side of planning. Holiday insurance is crucial, as is making sure you have requested adequate annual leave from work and that you have any vaccinations required to enter the country of your choice. Don’t forget to double-check that your passport is in date before booking anything too!