Money Well Spent – Taking the stress out of travelling abroad. I am always up for a last-minute booking, the element of surprise, the excitement of the unknown and living for the moment, however sometimes a little preparation before you travel, can turn a vacation into a great vacation.
For some travellers, the whole process of flying can be particularly stressful. From arriving at the airport on time to checking in, going through security and finding the right gate.
Women Talking looks at a selection of tried and tested travel solutions for a last-minute trip.
Pre-book your airport parking –there are numerous options available online. If you are looking for simplicity and convenience try Airport parking with Parkos.co.uk This booking platform allows you to compare parking spaces and prices at all major airports in the United Kingdom, giving you the best deals on airport parking.
Not only is off-site parking cheaper, but it also offers a quality service too. This may include a private shuttle to the airport, valet parking, car wash, car check-ups, luggage help, electrical charging of vehicles, a heated/air-conditioned waiting area and toiletry facilities.
Travel Light with a capsule wardrobe – travelling light gives you the freedom to reduce your luggage size and save on washing when you get home!
A capsule wardrobe is when you have a limited collection of clothes that coordinate well and can be worn in several different ways to cater for multiple occasions, whether day, evening, casual or smart wear.
For most women, this will involve some combination of the following: a pair of tailored trousers, denim jeans that look good with heels and flats, a neutral shirt, T-shirts for layering, a selection of dresses for women one, of course, a classic a little black dress, women’s trench coat high heels and a pair of boots.
For longer trips, find a guidebook or packing list geared towards your destination to help you make sure you pack well for your trip. If you find you forgot or lost something, you can almost always buy a replacement at the airport or at the destination.
Toiletries bag at the ready! With travel-sized toiletries readily available in many chemists and supermarkets, there really is no excuse as to why you could not have a pre-prepared bag on standby for that last-minute trip away. If all else fails, the airport shops do sell toiletry sets from various brands for travellers’ convenience.
Practice Relaxation – Learn relaxation techniques before you leave and use them while you’re on your trip. Mindful meditation can help to significantly reduce anxiety symptoms. Breathing deeply, relaxing your muscles, and grounding yourself can all help you relax and deal with anxiety, allowing you to enjoy the moment and make the most of your vacation.
Buy a City Day Pass –You may find that the most stressful part of travel begins before the trip. This includes doing travel research and making an itinerary. Personally, I have found that investing in a city day pass for a location allows me to explore a location to the max, as well as being a money-saving option to see the sights in the area.
Take a Medical Bag –A selection of the basics, plasters, creams and sun cream is a must, however, to alleviate general health concerns visit your doctor before you go away, stock up on prescriptions, get recommended travel vaccines and make sure you have travel insurance that covers medical care if required. It is useful to have emergency numbers handy and get any recommended medical cards or bracelets.
There is nothing quite like being prepared, and in reality, a small investment, so now it’s all down to having fun!!
Poppy Watt