Swan Shopping Centre, Eastleigh
Holiday Top Tips
Setting off on your hols soon? Here are a few tips to help you have a great time and avoid any holiday dramas.
Plan ahead
With the internet at your fingertips, there’s no excuse for not knowing what you’re getting yourself into. Don’t forget you may need visas, a replacement passport, vaccinations or local currency. Just don’t leave everything until the last moment.
Culture shock
Depending where you’re going, it may be an idea to mug up on the local customs and cultural dos and don’ts. A phrase book could come in handy, too.
Be prepared
Once you know what you’re doing, make a shopping list. Get down to the shopping centre and buy the lot. Chuck it all in your suitcase for packing later.
Get covered
Travel insurance isn’t a waste of money – it’s essential. Make sure you read the fine print and you’re adequately covered for your holiday, especially if you’re planning any extreme sports or activities. Read and understand the exclusions. Remember, you have 14 days to change your mind once you’ve received the policy.
Phone a friend
Make sure someone back home knows where you’re going and let them have some contact details. This is especially important if you’re taking kids. It’s a good idea to let a neighbor know you’re away so they can keep an eye on your home.
Packing it all in
Pack your bag a few days before then chuck out a third of the things you’re planning to take – almost guaranteed you won’t need it all. If you’re flying, make sure you’re well within the luggage weight limits. Leave some space as you’re likely to bring more stuff back.
Sun sense
If you’re going somewhere sunny, waterproof sunscreen is important even if you're nowhere near the sea. Non-waterproof lotions can be washed off quickly by sweat. Applying sunscreen 20 minutes before going outside enables it to 'bond' with the skin and gives better protection. Wear a sunhat, too.
Keeping your cool
We’re not used to hot weather, especially kids, so be aware of dehydration and heat stroke. If you’re somewhere hot, plan your day to stay out of the sun during the early afternoon, make sure there is some shade around and drink water often. Fizzy drinks don’t help.
Keep the bugs at bay
Midges and mosquitoes can make life hell - and can be very dangerous in malaria zones. Using nets and window screens at night is a sensible precaution and keep your arms and legs covered in the evenings. Citronella, tea tree and eucalyptus oils are a good deterrent. You can buy impregnated candles or use an essential oil burner.
And if the worst happens...
The first thing you should do if you find yourself in real trouble abroad is to contact family and friends back in the UK who can then take appropriate action on your behalf. A British Consul can arrange a replacement passport, contact relatives and friends in the UK, tell you how to transfer money; in an emergency they can even cash you a cheque (with banker’s card) up to £100 in local currency. They can also put you in touch with local interpreters, lawyers, or doctors, speak to the authorities on your behalf or visit you in prison.