Who doesn’t love a holiday, right? And with cheap overseas flights available everyday, the world is your oyster. To help you on your way, here are some handy hints to make your next holiday easier and even more fun.

Planning and preparation

Spontaneity is great, but some pre-trip preparation goes a long way to ensuring a smooth holiday experience.

You can do all this yourself or call in one of the pros to sort it out in a flash. A travel agent can book flights and accommodation or find all-in-one tour packages. They can also help with all the finicky stuff that might slip your mind, like passport validity, visas and insurance.

Packing and security

Once you’ve checked the big three – tickets, money, passport (top tip: take a photocopy with you too) – and packed away whatever gear fits with the weather of where you’re travelling to, label your luggage clearly (name, home address, email, phone number).

As we all know, a quick airport exit is a good airport exit! Add a unique ribbon or tag to your luggage so you can recognise it immediately off the baggage carousel.

Before you leave, ask your neighbours to keep a friendly watch over your house while you’re away and to collect your mail if possible, and leave your contact details with them just in case… and bring them back something for being such good eggs about it!

Know your destination

Going in prepared with a little research on the language, customs and even the local laws of your next big adventure destination is another way to make sure your trip goes smoothly.

Knowing greetings and simple phrases in the native language is also respectful and will get welcoming smiles from the locals you meet – you may even get some freebies on the way.