Are you traveling away these school holidays? Or maybe you’re dreaming of a big family holiday and need to start to put some plans together? This assortment of tips will get your family out on the road to adventure for less and in a safe and enjoyable manner.
- Travel off peak to save some money
Visiting destinations during their off-peak or shoulder season presents many benefits to travelers — a smaller price tag, to be sure, but also cooler weather and fewer crowds.
- Take your time
Alternate methods of travel can be more attractive on the hip pocket. Train travel has long been popular overseas. The many hassles of flying — from security checkpoints to the uncomfortable flight itself — can be avoided by riding the rails. Renting a car is another option for self-guided and self-paced scenic travel, both as a way to get to a destination and a way to explore a destination once you’ve arrived.
- Travel with friends or family
Bringing along some travel pals can result in significant savings. Invest in a twin, triple or quad share room or cabin on a cruise which can also double as a fantastic opportunity for bonding and creating lasting memories together. Now that’s priceless. And, as is generally the case – the more kids, the merrier! They will generally help to keep eachother entertained.
- Don’t advertise your absence
Though travelers assume hotels are safe places, the truth is that people with bad intentions can come and go quite easily. A few easy tactics can help all travelers. For example, don’t put the “Clean my room” sign on your door as these signs are an open invitation to let people know that the room is empty. Thieves know that travelers usually leave their passports and extra money in their rooms, and they know how to jimmy open locks. Engage the security chain on your door whenever you’re in the room. Ask for a room near the elevator (more foot traffic will deter thieves). Stay away from ground-floor rooms where window entry is possible.
- Keep the bling to a minimum
Carrying items like nice jewellery, gold watches and fancy cameras makes you a target for thieves. Unless you’re going to Richard Branson’s Necker Island, you might want to consider leaving the bling at home. And remember, a small compact camera or even a smartphone will take pretty good photos nowadays.
- Keep others in the loop
Before you depart, print and share your travel documents with family and friends.
- Purchase travel insurance from a trusted agent
Travel insurance should be a no-brainer but sometimes it’s overlooked in the excitement of planning your adventure. Ask your agent for advice if you aren’t sure where to start. Also, be sure to take the time to read the fine print as some scenarios, such as pre-existing medical conditions, may not be covered.
