If there’s one thing we can all agree on it’s that we could all use a good vacation. There’s nothing better than taking some time away to discover a new place, relax and reconnect with your friends, family, or even reconnect with yourself as a solo-traveller. 

Maybe you’re picturing yourself with a Mai Tai in hand, feet in the sand, relaxing on a sunny beach somewhere. Perhaps you’re a thrill-seeker and you’re ready to bungee jump in New Zealand or take on the trek to Everest Base Camp. You might be a history buff ready to explore the Roman Forum or take in the wonders of the Parthenon and consume some of Italy and Greece’s historically delicious local dishes. Maybe you’re a sucker for the stage and want to head to New York and work your way through the greatest hits on Broadway.

Whoever you are and whatever holiday is right for you - one thing is for sure holidays can be a lot of work and organising the ‘trip of a lifetime’ can be a logistical nightmare. So, before you pack your bags- before you even buy the tickets check out this list of things you can do before you travel to help make sure this vacation is smooth sailing from end-to-end and one you’ll always remember.

1. Compare Your Flights

Flights are expensive and, like any big purchase, you’ll want to do some research before you take the plunge. From the best prices to the shortest flight times, or even which flights will earn you rewards points - there’s a lot to consider. Remember that some flights might be cheap but require a 6-hour layover in a small airport or have exorbitant fees for checked baggage. So you’re not starting the holiday already feeling miffed and ripped off, check out sites like Kayak, Sky Scanner or Google Flights before you buy to make sure you’re finding the best flight for you.

2. Check To See Your If Your Rewards Points Could Earn You An Upgrade

Without knowing it, you might have already been putting in the groundwork to help make your upcoming trip one to remember! While you’ve been shopping away in your day to day life, spending on groceries, take out and the like - you may also have also been racking up rewards points that you could now redeem for flights, accommodation and a whole host of other travel-related goodies. To learn more about how your rewards points could help you have an awesome vacation, head here. 

3. Plan Your First Day

When you’re on vacation, every day counts. You’ve taken time off, travelled across the globe and you know that every minute could soon become a precious memory so there’s a lot of pressure to make the most of every day on vacation. However, there are definitely days during every holiday that people usually write off namely, the first day or two when everyone is exhausted from travel.

There’s no denying that, when you get off a long-haul flight you are not your best self, exhausted, overwhelmed - you probably don’t want to do anything other than get to your hotel and sleep, but giving in to that desire will only make your jetlag worse. So the best thing you can do is plan your first day in advance including a route from the airport to your hotel and a delicious local meal so that you can jump straight into the local culture. 

4. Do Your Homework

You can help take your holiday to the next level by doing some simple research before you travel. Make sure you’re aware of public holidays so you’re not planning on going to a major attraction on a day that it’s closed. Research the weather to avoid rainy seasons in tropical locations. You can also go the extra mile by learning how to say a few simple phrases such as please and thank you in the local language. Plus, get excited about your holiday, watching movies and reading as much as possible about the local quirks so you don’t get taken by surprise when coming face to face with Spanish siestas or French museums being closed one day a week!

5. Get A Local Guide

If you’re looking to forgo the usual ‘tourist experience’ and experience a city like a true local - hire a local guide! Having a local show you around can unlock a whole new side to a city that, as a run-of-the-mill tourist, you would be completely oblivious to. Find out from your guide, where the best places are to eat, hang out and experience the culture of their country the way the locals do it - authentically and at a way cheaper price!