Fun in the Sun!

It’s that time of the year again! Summer holidays are fast approaching and although it’s exciting, the prospect of packing and organising can be daunting for some people.

Whether you’re jetting off to some exotic destination or exploring the beautiful British countryside, here are our top tips to ‘lighten the load’ and make your holiday a more relaxing experience.

Make a list

It may sound trivial but lists really do help! Make a list for each person that you need to pack for (lucky for you if you only have yourself to think about!). Make sub sections so that nothing is forgotten i.e. toiletries, day outfits, night outfits, shoes etc.

Choose the right luggage

If you’re flying, check with your airline what your baggage allowance is. Weight allowances can range from 10kg to 20kg (and more if you’re lucky depending on who you are flying with).

Remember that most budget airlines allow you to take your luggage on-board if it weighs 10kg or less BUT your case size must be the same as their required dimensions (or less). If you don’t comply, you will have to pay!

Research the place you’re visiting

If you are lucky enough to be travelling abroad this summer, check online or with your travel operator regarding the entry requirements of your chosen destination.

Some countries require a Visa or ESTA and others charge an entry or exit tax. It is a good idea to carry local currency with you if this is the case!

Vaccinations

With the excitement of booking a holiday, it is sometimes easy to forget that you might need vaccinations before visiting certain countries.

If possible, seek advice at least 8 weeks before you travel, especially if you are travelling to places such as India, Africa, Thailand and South America.

Travel insurance

Even on holiday the unforeseen can sometimes happen and it is a good idea to make sure that you have valid travel insurance to cover any medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost luggage, accidents and other losses incurred whilst traveling.

It can be purchased online or at your local Post Office and it may also be worth checking with your bank to see whether your account offers it.

Documentation

Print off all your documentation such as boarding passes and Insurance policies and keep it with you in a small travel bag or bum-bag. Some airlines will charge you if you forget to print your boarding passes!

Team BSA’s Top Tips

• Before you go away, check to see if your accommodation has a hairdryer, free beach towels and a shop close to your resort to buy your toiletries from (alternatively, buy plastic bottles of allowed size and fill with your shampoo, body gel etc).

• Wear your jacket to travel in so there is more room in your suitcase!

• Roll your clothes instead of folding them! This takes up less space and can help reduce creases. You could also stuff socks and underwear into your shoes and use vacuum bags!

• Take an appropriate extension plug so that you can plug in multiple devices at the same time.

Check List

• Passport

• Insurance Documents

• Boarding passes

• Visa documentation

• Driving Licence and driving history details (if you’re planning on driving)

• Money/ cards

• Roaming enabled phone and charger

• Camera

• First Aid kit

• Plug converter

• Sunglasses

• Sun Cream etc.