Start Your Holiday The Right Way

Article by Patrick Omari.

We have all read them, the travellers 'rules' that the tour agent has pinned on the wall: Do some research and understand your destination, carry enough money, take with you a book of contact numbers, medicine, a diary, a camera, appropriate clothes, learn a few words to get by, travel light (don't pack too much or too little), drink only bottled water et cetera. I would like to run you though some basic information that you might find useful in your travels.

We all accept that Travel is the transport of people on a trip or journey or the process or time involved in a person or object moving from one location to another. There are many sources on the net where you can find information on cheap airfare, hotel deals, car rental discounts, weekend getaways and other travel bargains. Finding the right airline ticket to fit your needs and budget is never easy. Some sites will help you get everything sorted and even offer you lists of sites that offer travel tips. Free tips might not always seem relevant but seasoned travellers will agree that such information can help you prepare for travelling abroad, including health, insurance and passport advice. This information will save you money, time and ensure you are safe from any avoidable harm.

If you are planning a holiday to Europe remember to check travel documents and information such as travel restrictions, visa requirements and renewals. If you are a non EU citizen you might benefit from getting a Schengen Visa; a visa that is valid for free travel in 15 countries namely; Austria, Germany, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France ,Greece, Iceland, Italy, Luxemburg, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and The Netherlands

For more information visit the Schengen Visa web site. Some countries in other parts of the world like Kenya, a popular safari holiday destination, provide visa services on arrival. In most African countries they stamp your passport on arrival but it can delay your departure from the airport. You can take this option if you make a sudden change of plan, like if you change your holiday destination due to fundamental changes of circumstance.

Other useful information is not limited to train times; consider types of tickets, location of Bed and Breakfasts, hostels, discount holiday packages, and booking European flights and accommodation online early. If you have more time, you might be interested in up-to-date information on attractions, hotels, restaurants, nightlife, travel tips and more. Other sites such airport hotels offer price guarantee on reasonably priced airport hotels. Airport hotels are great if you want to rest close to the airport the night before you travel. The promise that if you find another service provider offering the same product cheaper, they match the price or refund you the difference is great. That is an iron-cast price guarantee that you could take advantage of.

A health tip for the modern traveller: hazards are everywhere! Staying healthy while travelling can help to ensure your trip overseas is a happy and enjoyable one. A sensible traveller will always try to find information and health tips long before the travelling date. The cost of travel health items can substantially add to the cost of a bargain holiday. Many travellers are unsure as to what is really needed. If you are not sure what vaccinations you need, practice nurses should be able to explain to you what vaccinations and other items you require for safe and healthy travel. Once you have made up your mind to travel and you are about to make the booking, it is prudent to see your GP or practice nurse, in plenty of time before you go, to discuss any vaccinations you might need.

The common vaccinations are; typhoid, hepatitis A, (Hepatitis B might not be free), meningitis C, tetanus, diphtheria and polio (which are combined in one vaccine). Anti-malaria medication is not usually free.

You can compare prices by reading user reviews, expert product reviews and online shopping guides. The internet is the best starting point simply because it is a faster, easier way to find hotels, airline tickets, vacation packages, travel deals, car rentals and cruises.

In this era of the internet, it is important that you search a range of prices, to make sure you get the best deal possible before you pay. A good example is airport parking. Here you can use a range of easy price comparison tools to help you find a travel bargain. As a traveller you need to search and compare flights, hotel prices, holiday car hire and package holiday late deals. Everything you need for that perfect trip.

Finally, be a traveller who respects other cultures and the environment.

print