Competition: Win a week's worth of airport parking...
On average every family now only takes one overseas holiday a year[1] making it an occasion eagerly awaited and saved up for. Once you combine the cost of the holiday with all the hype and anticipation they bring, holidays can often turn stressful with worrying parents and bickering children.
Some simple planning before the trip can reduce the anxieties and arguments that can happen whilst on holiday. No stranger to helping people have an enjoyable holiday, Heathrow parking provider Purple Parking, has put together a checklist of things to consider before you go on away, to minimise stress and help you fully relax.
Read reviews
Get acquainted with the hotel where you will be staying. When you arrive at your destination you are likely to be tired from travelling and so any bad surprises at the accommodation can feel like the end of the world. Spend time on review sites such as Trip Advisor as they will give you a more realistic feel for the place than the hotel’s website. Other people’s images can be more truthful than the promotional images uploaded by the hotels. While you should consider the negative comments that people may have to say, remember if someone has a good time, they are less likely to post a review than if they want to complain. However, if there are reoccurring comments, such as the breakfast being too small, or there being noise late at night, evaluate how much this may affect your stay – if at all.
Peace of mind
Taking out holiday insurance will give you peace of mind and nowadays you can pick up annual travel insurance for under £20 per person. The insurance will help you relax on your holiday as there are times when you have no choice but to leave valuables or cash out of your sight. The peace of mind that they can be replaced will be worth the cost of the insurance. Also, make sure you book package holidays and flights through an ATOL bonded travel agency. If anything happens to the travel company while you are away, not only will you receive your money back but arrangements will be made to return you safely home.
Plan a budget
Do not ruin a holiday by spending the entire time worrying about your finances. Plan a holiday budget and stick to it at all times. If you include money for treats within the budget, sticking to it will seem less of a chore and you may find you can buy a few souvenirs guilt free. After the flights and hotel, meals are likely to be your biggest expense. Again if you put the research in before hand, you will have a realistic idea of how much meals will cost so you can budget accordingly. A holiday does not have to be all expensive meals and eating out, chances are if you eat in restaurants three times a day for a week or more you will be sick of them. Breakfast consisting of a shop brought croissant and take out coffee enjoyed on the beach and a picnic for lunch is not only cheaper, but will also mean you can enjoy the scenery in the day and make the evening meals in restaurants more special.
Consider the family
While your idea of a great holiday may be a week of relaxing on the beach, it will be completely spoilt if everyone else gets bored. Check that each member of the family has activities to do every day. Bring family friendly games such as bat and ball for the beach and board games for the evening. If you are struggling with space, a small pack of cards can go a long way. Make sure the book worms have enough material to read, the energetic ones have a place nearby to run around to let off steam and those who hate the sun have enough activities to do in the shade. It may be that you and your partner split up on a few occasions, giving you some peace and quiet to browse the local shops at your leisure while the rest of the family enjoy themselves in a water park. As much as you love your family and friends, it is not unreasonable to want some time to yourself as well.
Take the hassle out of getting to and from the airport
With all the planning of the holiday, many people forget the start and the finish, the travel to and from the airport. Train travel can get expensive if there are lots of you travelling together. Driving to the airport may be a cheaper option, especially for a family or group and with your entire luggage in tow it is more manageable too. Check the times of your flight well in advance. Once you have factored in check in times, getting to the airport in sufficient time may mean having a very early start and a family that is cranky from day one. Some
airport parking companies will offer deals which include a stay in a hotel, making these early starts a little less early!
Plan how you will get to your hotel at the other end too. Hotel transfers are often good value for money but if the hotel does not offer these, ask them how much a taxi should be. Sometimes the airport is located further away from the resort than you expect and it could feel like you are being cheated by the taxi driver. Knowing you are paying a fair price will help you relax. If you only have high value notes on you, buy some water in the airport to break the note so you have change to pay with.
Competition
Win a win a week’s work of airport Parking at Heathrow curtsey of Purple Parking specialists in
Heathrow Parking by answering this question …..
How many holidays do families take abroad per year?
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