Things to do in the countdown to your holiday

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THINGS TO DO IN THE COUNTDOWN TO YOUR HOLIDAY

You've booked your holiday with Destination2 and the countdown has begun – but what should you be doing to prepare for that dream luxury getaway?

Your great escape is just a week away, the anticipation and excitement are really starting to build, and your head is starting to spin with thoughts of everything you need to organise.

This is the time to sit down, draw breath and compile a sanity-saving pre-departure timetable of things to do. It's definitely worth putting together a list of important tasks to carry out in the run up to the day of your getaway.

Obviously, some vital tasks should have been completed well in advance of your holiday, including vaccinations, booking your travel insurance and checking your passport and visa’s validity, if required. Many destinations require your travel documents to be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into the country.

Here’s our guide to some of the key things you should consider before the big day arrives, when it’s time to head off to the airport.

Seven Days To Go

Get your important travel documents together and print out either physical copies or make digital copies on your phone.
Wash and iron any clothing you'll need for your holiday, and maybe get on top of your general laundry, ready for the pile you'll face when you empty your case on your return.
Consider asking trusted friends, family or neighbours to carry out any important or regular tasks in your house when you are away, such as watering the plants, feeding the fish or taking and bringing in your bins.
If you require any prescription or over-the-counter medication, check that you have enough for the time that you’re on holiday and that you’re allowed to take the medicine into your destination of choice. You may need to seek approval from the relevant authorities before travelling.
Book your airport parking, if you are driving yourself, or book a taxi to take you there.

Make arrangements for care of your pets while you are away, such as leaving them with someone you know or booking them into a kennel or cattery.
Ensure data roaming is in place for using your mobile phone abroad.
Sort out any foreign currency you wish to bring with you and make sure credit cards, and other travel cards, will not expire while away.
Complete the online check-in for your holiday flights.

Three Days To Go

Start getting your case packed with suitable clothing for your destination such as light trousers, skirts and dresses, short-sleeved shirts, t-shirts, vests and shorts
Pack a light jacket or jumper if you expect the evenings to be cooler, while an umbrella or light raincoat is worth bringing if your destination is prone to occasional downpours or wet spells.
Footwear, depending on the type of holiday you have booked, may include walking shoes, trainers, hiking boots, sandals, water shoes or flip flops.
Don’t forget your swimwear, towel and beach bag.
The following list is by no means exhaustive, but other items to consider packing include wet wipes, insect repellent, plenty of sunscreen, after-sun lotion, power cables, brimmed hat, sunglasses, ear plugs, water bottle, chargers and power banks, travel hairdryer, travel adaptors, travel kettle, hand sanitiser, tote bag and deodorant wipes.

Pack a toiletry bag with everything you need, such as toothpaste and toothbrush, shampoo and conditioner, hairbrush and comb, razor, nail clippers, moisturiser and deodorant.
Make sure you have any medication you might need and, if required, documentation showing you’re allowed to take it into the country.
Double check your luggage weight limit as you don’t want to get hit with charges for excess baggage at the airport.
Leave space in your case for a basic first-aid kit which would be handy for any minor injuries and could save you a visit to the doctor. This could include plaster strips, painkillers, sterile cotton balls, bandages, tweezers, scissors and a thermometer.
Cancel the milk and the newspapers and don't buy any fresh food that you cannot consume before leaving.
You should also pack a little carry-on bag for the flight which could include a few snacks, something to read, travel documents, eye mask, neck cushion, travel sickness tablets and valuables. You could also consider bringing a light jumper as cabins can get quite chilly.
Remember to put any liquids and creams you plan to take on board the plane, up to 100 ml, in an approved-size clear plastic bag for checking at airport security.

Departure Day

Remove any perishables from your fridge and bread bin etc.
Lock your garage and any outbuildings.
Unplug electrical items which are prone to causing fires, such as toasters and kettles, and consider switching off your Wi-Fi router to avoid the risk of any hackers getting into your Wi-Fi while you're away.
Close and lock all windows and your back door, plus your conservatory door and other doors with locks.
Make sure you've got your mobile phone, passport, wallet and important documents to hand.
Set your burglar alarm, if you have one, leave the house and lock the front door. Then away you go, allowing ample time to get to the airport should you encounter any traffic congestion on the way.

Most people start worrying they’ve forgotten something on the way to the airport, but providing you’ve done a thorough job of getting organised in advance, your fears will almost certainly be unfounded.

So that’s it – if you follow the above, plus any other tasks you consider important, you should be all set for a fabulous holiday in the sun.

Originally Posted 15 June 2017 by Wes Graham

Last Updated 08 November 2023

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