When you travel there's always so much to think about. With The Travel Architect on your side they'll be a lot less, because we take care of all those annoying details that use up so much of your time and energy. You can make your holiday go even more smoothly by following the handy travel tips below. And if you can think of any others and would like to pass them on to fellow travellers, email us - we'd love to hear your suggestions.
before you leave
- Tell friends and neighbours when and where you're travelling to.
- Ask someone, maybe a friend, neighbour or relative, to check your house and move mail away from the front door /porch.
- Cancel all newspapers/milk deliveries.
- Get a neighbour to put your bin out on the appropriate day.
- Photocopy your passport if you are travelling overseas, and pack it in a different place from the original. If the passport is lost or stolen, the photocopy may serve as proof that you have a valid passport.
- Make sure that all windows and doors are locked and that all appliances are turned off and disconnected
- Put electrical timers on in various rooms.
- Avoid too much baggage, take only the necessary things that you need.
- When travelling by car, may sure you check it over thoroughly before departing.
- Be sure to put your name and contact address on your luggage.
- Check you have your tickets ,insurance policy and valid passports.
- Book airport car parking/airport hotels and organise currency. This can all be arranged through www.travelarchitect.com
- Don't forget your camera or video camera when you travel. Memories are never to be forgotten.
- Don't be in a hurry- take your time to prepare all the necessary things you need.
- If travelling within the EU visit - www.dh.gov.uk in order to order your health cards on line.
- Allow plenty of time to get any relevant visas/inoculations.
- Check the validity of your passport. Some destinations require a validity date of 6 months after return.
- Don't buy loads of new clothes - be ruthless when packing - most people can manage with half what they take.
- Don't pack your passport in your main suitcase - keep it in your hand luggage with your tickets.
- Pack a small first aid kit.
- Write down addresses of friends and family on stickers so you can stick onto postcards (if you send them)
- Arrange for diabetic/vegetarian/vegan meals for your flight before travel.
- Check your luggage allowance. You don't want to end up paying excess baggage charges.
- Pack essentials such as a toothbrush, clean underwear and money in hand luggage, in case your luggage gets lost/or delayed.
- Don't take large amounts of money with you.
- Take traveller's cheques and remember to keep the copy of the numbers separate.
- Distribute the cash you carry about with you.
- Buy a good guide book and familiarise yourself with the areas you are travelling to.
- Reduce the pain of popping ears; suck a sweet, swallow hard or gently blow your nose.
- Try to drink plenty of water to avoid becoming dehydrated - plane cabins use highly pressurised air which is very dry. Avoid alcohol and coffee.
- Try to minimise jet lag by adjusting your watch to 'local' time at the start of your flight.
- Walk around a little on the plane to help circulation and make the most of any refueling stops for a good stretch. Most aircraft have exercise cards on board now.
- Try to be as alert as you can; weary travellers are easy prey for pickpockets.
- Make sure any taxi you get into is legitimate to avoid any unauthorised operators.
- If hiring a car, insurance/waiver is worth considering. Also carefully check it for dents, scratches etc and insist the rental company makes a written note.
- Put all your valuables in the room or hotel safe, even if there is a small charge.
- Remember sunglasses, a hat and sun lotion.
- But most of all ENJOY YOUR HOLIDAY.