Top 5 Tips For Planning a Long Haul Holiday

As I mentioned in my previous post, How To Do The Grand Prix In Style, next year I turn 40.  Although not particularly bothered about the number myself, I am bracing myself for the inevitable teasing and middle age jokes.

For me though, 40 is a number and is more an excuse to celebrate and do something really fun.  Especially as my best friend turns 40 in the same year so a holiday together is something we are really considering.

Me being me, I have been doing a lot of research.  Now whether you are planning vacation rentals in Los Cabos, an action packed holiday around Australia or a sight sighting tour in Japan, planning your long haul holiday pulls up a few more things to consider.

So here are my top 5 tips for planning a long haul holiday.

Where do you want to go?

If you are planning a long haul holiday, you are going to spending serious money which you need to ensure that you spend wisely.  What type of holiday are you looking for?  Do you want to lie on a beach in paradise?  See as many sights as you can and absorb the culture?  Do you want somewhere hot or cold? Do you want a holiday with a bit of everything?

The world is very large and there is the opportunity to get everything that you want.  You just need to decide what you are looking for and thereby, narrow your options down.  If you are going to be spending a lot of money it is so important that you choose the location that will be perfect for you, for the right price.

With that in mind...

Research, research and research again

So you have chosen your destination.  Now to choose what you are going to be doing when you get there.  Where you have chosen to go on a bespoke route or a package holiday, if you choose to arrange trips or places to go whilst already on holiday; the chances are that you are going to pay over the odds.

Even if you are just planning a beach holiday, which beaches are the best?  Where the best and most recommended bars and restaurants to go to?  What is the best way to get to that perfect beach that you found online but have no clue how to get to?

Perhaps you have booked the perfect place to stay but want to take day trips and investigate some of the culture and see the sights.  How do you get there?  What are the recommended things to do by people who have visited the country before?  What trip looks amazing, but would turn out to be a boat ride to hell or the most boring 8 hours you have ever wasted?

I think we all have fallen for a well promoted but ultimately terrible trip on holiday.  I still have nightmares about a 6 hour boat trip that promised dolphins and fine food but ultimately was terrible seas and even worse food.

Tripadvisor and travel blogs are your friends.

Respect the culture

Chances are that if you are planning a long haul holiday, you are going to be visiting a place that has a different culture to your own.  A simple gesture in a different culture can mean something totally different.

For example, in places like Japan South Korea, tipping is classed as an insult.  They take pride in the job that they do and do not want or need an incentive to do it well.  In Russia, the Middle East and Western Africa a thumbs up has the same meaning as giving someone "the finger" in the UK and the US.

Your timing also works differently depending on the country you visit.  In Germany, turning up late, as it is in most of Europe is considered rude; whilst in places like Latin America, turning up about an hour late is deemed the most appropriate time to attend an event.

So you have chosen your destination, planned what you are going to do; what else do you need to think about?

Plan for the plane journey

A long haul holiday means a long haul flight.  6, 8, 12 hours being on a plane.  The best tip I can give you is to invest in a travel pillow.  Sleep on a flight can be nay on impossible, but a travel pillow, practically one that wraps around your neck or enables you to rest your head to one side is a God send.

Don't over indulge on the bar.  Chances are with a long haul flight is that a few free alcohol drinks are going to be included.  There is nothing worse than having a few too many drinks, falling asleep and then waking with a hangover with a few more hours still left on the plane or worse; that you now have to navigate an unknown airport in a foreign country with your head pounding.

Remember, this is part of your holiday too!  So have a glass of wine to celebrate but entertain yourself as well.  Take advantage of the wifi and watch that TV series that you keep meaning to watch on Netflix.  Read that book you have been meaning to read for ages but haven't had the time.

Pack Intelligently

This applies to all holidays.   Do you really need those 14 dresses for a 10 day holiday?   Do you need that extra swimsuit that you love but feel uncomfortable in?  If you don't feel comfortable wearing it at home, you are not going to feel comfortable wearing it on holiday.

During the day you need minimal clothing.  A couple of swimsuits or bikinis, a fabulous pair of shorts or a skirt that you can team with different tops.  A comfortable pair of sandals for the day and a couple of heeled and non heeded options at night that you can wear with everything.

Remember, when it comes down to it, everything you need (apart from passport, tickets and money) can be purchased there.  Buy local shampoo and conditioner that you can leave in your room when you leave.  

Take mini products where you can and leave space in your suitcase for the flight home for those gifts and purchases that you bought to remind you of the trip.

What tips would you give for a long haul holiday?

*Post in collaboration with Luxury Retreats.  All images from Pixabay.

Have Bag Will Travel

I went to Blackpool for the weekend with my mum last week for a some relaxation and fun (post to follow).

Neither my mum or I are what you could call light packers.  My mum tends to bring clothes for every eventuality and I am definately the products girl.

For me there is nothing worse when you go on holiday, even if it is just for a weekend and you haven't got everything with you that you want.  Whilst I can easily plan outfits ahead of time and pack the minimum pair of shoes, if I do not have options for accessories and if I cannot bring all the makeup and products I want, I am not happy.

A couple of years ago I decided to solve this problem and bought myself a vanity case.  The one pictured below is no longer available but there are so many options about.  Mine has the added bonus of being rain proof so you don't have to worry if you are caught in a shower.

Next up is my pink leather toiletry bag.  I have all my shower and hair products on one side and keep my makeup in the other.  It holds a surprising amount of stuff whilst still being compact when you zip it all back together.  This bag was a present and I believe it was from Next.

I don't know about you, but every time I pack jewellery in my suitcase, it always seems to tangle into a horrible state and for some reason, I always end up losing an earring or two.  Enter my new jewellery case* from the House of Fraser.  It is just the right size to hold your jewellery, securely locked away in a zip and thanks to the draw string pouch inside,  every stays put with minimum tangling.

Lastly I have my old faithful make brush up case which folds away neatly for packing.  I like to have all my favourite brushes with me and this case lets me do that, without taking up much space at all. I bought mine here in a set which includes four brushes, but has more room in the sections for more.

All that is left to pack are my hair straightners and hair dryer (never rely on the hotel supplied version) and I am set for travel.  Now, where's my suitcase?  Maybe I can fit one more dress.....