Travel Clubs and Tips

Pack Sensible

Carrying heavy bags through crowded airports is no fun, so consider whether you need to pack that nic-nak. Think about 'do I need it or not'.

Remember to check what you can and cannot take, and what liquids/amounts you are allowed.

Check the baggage size/s allowed with your airline or travel provider as these sometimes change. 

Plan your trip

Planning your trip will help you have a great holiday, so here are a few tips to get you started:

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1) Plan your budget. It's important to take a good look at your finances and work out how much you can afford and have to spend. This will help you in deciding where you can travel to and for how long.

Take into account all the costs involved, travel to the airport or departure location. Car/Taxi parking fees, food, and drinks, trips, gifts for the family, possibly car hire, transfers, do you need new travel luggage, clothes, travel money exchange rates, is passport/s up to date or do you need new ones, Visas if required, Travel Insurance, Hotel occupancy charges and more. Don't forget that most airlines only place two family members together so if you want to sit together be prepared to pay for seats.

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2) Choose the destination you would like. Is it really hot therefore you need to think of looking after your skin with suitable products and wearing appropriate clothing, sunglasses to help protect your eyes from UV light, and hats to give you shade. If you are heading for a cold climate then you will need to dress appropriately to keep warm.

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3) Search for deals and special offers, like free child places or upgrades.

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4) Research dates you can travel and check flights and accommodation availability.

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5) Create a must-do list once you're on holiday. Research trips to attractions like water parks, boat trips around the island, or coves/caves, there's usually lots on offer and sometimes might be cheaper to buy online than at the Hotel ~ homework time.

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6) Save up or take advantage of payment plans on offer. Some package holiday companies will allow you to make occasional one-off payments. The further ahead you book in advance can help save your money. 

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7) Research local customs and etiquette and it's always worth learning some phrases like thank you, hello, goodbye, where is. and so on.

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8) This is the most important bit ~ Have a SAFE & HAPPY HOLIDAY.

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Travel Tips

a) If in doubt, check the government websites for Visa requirements, travel issues, health requirements, etc. Don't forget your travel insurance.

b) Carrying loads of bags can be tiring and a nuisance, so do you need to take loads of bags or can you combine clothes etc into fewer bags, saves you money too. Best to check baggage weight allowances and weigh your bag/bags before you head off. It's a bit embarrassing to have to pay extra at check-in or leave some of your belongings in the bin.

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c) Check your bags/luggage are within the sizes allowed for the airline/s you are traveling with to avoid extra costs.

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d) Traveling out of season can bring its own set of unique problems so it's worth being prepared. During the resort's closed season, for instance, the weather can still be a lot warmer and you still need sunscreen to protect yourself from the rays, but as some shops may be closed for their winter season you might find it hard to find.

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e) Trips. Check the trips and excursions you want are running if you are traveling out of season, trips on the land train, coach tours, etc may have finished or are about to finish. 

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f) Getting to the airport. Check what time you need to be at the airport and work out your travel time to get there. Better to be there earlier and relax than late, in a panic and anxious. If you are parking your car at the airport check bus transfer times.

Plan your route to the airport, check road conditions and hold-ups, and always allow for the unexpected. Pick an alternative route as a backup.

Check your vehicle's oil, water, fuel, tyres (you may need to increase the pressure to the recommended levels for the extra weight, speed, etc.

g) Check the government websites regarding the requirements of having sufficient funds to cover your trip, these may change from time to time so it's a good idea to check just before you go.

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​FDCO​​

Where are you going? Check with the FDCO before you travel and it's a good idea to sign up to their updates as they happen.

Check your destination here: