Holidays should be all about kicking back and relaxing. But we’ve all had holidays that have been more hassle then they’re worth. Perhaps the hotel isn’t up to scratch – the staff might be unfriendly or the air conditioning might not work. Or maybe you’ve arranged a sightseeing tour that involves far more time spent travelling than visiting attractions. Luckily, once you know how, it’s easy to plan a stress-free holiday.
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Choose flights that take off at sociable hours
The cheapest flights available often depart really early in the morning or really late at night.
Although it can be tempting to save the pennies, it’s no fun waking yourself and your family at 1am and driving through the night to the airport. It’s worth spending a little extra to arrive at your destination feeling calm and refreshed.
Stick to one destination…
There are so many fantastic holiday destinations to choose from that it can be tempting to stay in several locations when you go on holiday.
Although this might be feasible if you’re travelling for three or four weeks, on shorter holidays it can be stress-inducing. You’ll either have to live out of a suitcase or unpack and repack, which is difficult with young children. Instead, choose a destination with lots of attractions nearby, which you can visit on day trips.
…or go on a cruise
If you are dead set on experiencing as many places as possible, why not consider a cruise? You’ll be able to settle into your cabin and visit a different location every day. There are some fascinating itineraries on offer – you can discover little-known Caribbean islands or head to remote Norwegian fjords to see the Northern Lights.
What’s more, modern cruise ships are crammed full of state-of-the-art amenities, ranging from outdoor pools to gourmet restaurants, swanky spas to kids’ hangout spots. Even your sightseeing is taken care of. If you don’t want to plan your own onshore adventures, you can book shore excursions that allow you to explore each destination to its fullest.
Book a staycation
One way to avoid holiday stress is to book a holiday within the country. That way you won’t need to worry about visas, whether your passport’s up-to-date, or with lengthy long-haul flights. You won’t have to fret about communicating in a foreign language, or learning how to navigate another culture. What’s more, you won’t have to shell out for flights, giving you more spare cash to enjoy yourself.
There are lots of fantastic staycation destinations in the UK. Cornwall and Devon are renowned for their beautiful beaches and picturesque villages; the Scottish Highlands are a great spot for mountain walks; and dreamy cities like Oxford and Bath make for relaxed cultural breaks. If you’re travelling with kids, there are lots of family-friendly destinations around the country.
Minimise planning with a package holiday
One of the most stressful parts of a holiday is planning – booking flights, airport transfers and accommodation. If you want to avoid that, book a package holiday, where it’s all taken care of at once.
All-inclusive breaks are the ultimate in stress-free holidays. Not only are your flights, accommodation and transfers taken care of, but meals, drinks and snacks are included in the cost. That means that it’s easy to budget for your holiday, and once you arrive you can chill out without worrying about having to plan anything. If you’re looking to go all-inclusive, check out this website for a list of the latest deals.
Choose your hotel carefully
One of the most important aspects of stress-free accommodation is choosing the right hotel. If you’re travelling with a family, you’ll want to make sure there are enough activities to keep you entertained throughout the day. If you’re on a romantic break you might prefer to book an adults-only hotel so you can enjoy some time to yourselves. Make a list of your priorities and look for accommodation that meets your budget and requirements.
Every reputable hotel will have lots of customer reviews, unless they’re newly opened. Make sure you read the reviews before booking the hotel, so you know what to expect.
Another important aspect of choosing a hotel is checking its location carefully. If you’re planning to go off exploring, you’ll need to make sure the hotel is within walking distance of some major attractions, or well connected by public transport. Lots of hotels run free shuttle services to nearby beaches or resort centres. It’s worth looking out for the ones that do, so you don’t have to worry about how you’ll get around.
Follow these simple suggestions and you’ll reduce any stress you might encounter on holiday. And just remember, less is more. You’ll be at your most relaxed when you’re lying on a beach, soaking up the sun.
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