Are you dreaming of taking a holiday abroad but worried about the hassle? After a summer of traffic-light systems, cancelled vacations and last-minute staycations, feeling apprehensive is to be expected. But as we head into 2022, why not make the dream a reality and finally book that overseas trip?
Even better, ease the pressure and book with a travel company that can give you expert travel guidance. Tailor-made holiday specialist Travelbag offers flexible bookings, low deposits and its Covid Pledge, which means if something happens to affect your trip – at home or abroad – both your money and holiday are covered.
We’ve put together these five practical travel tips to ensure your next adventure is as stress-free as possible.
1. Pack a capsule wardrobe
Capsule packing is the way to go for any type of trip, whether you’re hitting the beach for two weeks or heading off for a weekend city break — not only does it help relieve the chore of packing and save space (especially if you’re travelling with just hand luggage) — but if your plans change unexpectedly while you’re away, you’re always prepared with essential items. Simply pack clothes you can easily dress up, down or layer. Think plain white T-shirts, a maxi dress that can be worn from day to night, comfy but smart sandals and a lightweight scarf that’ll keep you warm on cooler evenings and protected from the sun during the day.
2. Plan ahead and research
Now, more than ever, researching your holiday is vital. While things are still unsettled, take time to check the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office travel advice for the latest coronavirus rules and entry requirements for the country you’re visiting.
If you’re looking to book a long-haul holiday that involves a bit more effort — such as this once-in-a-lifetime twin-centre trip to Singapore and Bali — a tour operator like Travelbag can give you a helping hand with flights, hotels, transfers and other important travel requirements.
3. Get your documents in order
Even the most seasoned travellers have some sort of travel-disaster anxiety ahead of a trip — be that losing a passport or missing a flight — and now there’s the added checklist of passenger locator forms, Covid tests and vaccine records. We recommend creating a folder on your phone with specific documents/screenshots. If you have paper versions, a travel wallet (such as one of these Aspinal of London designs) will be extremely helpful and can keep things in the order they're needed.
If you’re after something involving a bit more tech, a number of airlines work with VeriFLY, an app on which you can upload all documentation ahead of travel. Similarly, App in the Air has launched a Digital Health Passport that allows you to scan in your relevant documents.
4. Treat yourself to a five-star getaway
Let’s face it, after the past couple of years, we all deserve pure relaxation in the shape of a luxury tropical island escape. Travelbag could have just the cure for winter blues, with a deluxe stay at the five-star Heritage Le Telfair Golf & Wellness Resort in Mauritius.
Think dreamy days spent lazing by the beach or poolside, your very own suite with butler service, and gourmet dining — as well as spa treatments and wellness sessions to help you truly disconnect and ease away any stress-related aches and pains.
5. Download a meditation app
Keeping your mind clear and allowing yourself to unwind while travelling is the key to having a stress-free holiday. If you haven’t already, download a wellbeing app such as Calm to help keep anxiety at bay (we particularly love the soft sounds of flowing water that starts as soon as you open the app). The beauty of having an app on your phone is that it’s always on hand should you find yourself with a quiet moment to spare – whether mid-flight, in a taxi or lounging by the pool.
Are you ready to book your 2022 trip? Get in touch with Travelbag’s trusted travel specialists by calling 020 7001 5315 or visiting travelbag.co.uk
