Summer travelling 101

Once you’ve planned your summer trip, it’s easy to just forget about packing until the night before. This mistake always leads to over-packing and physical exertion. 

While it’s extremely necessary to pack the season’s must-haves, it’s also important to do your homework and research for what is required at your destination hot spot.

Hotels.com, the global hotel bookings expert, shares a few travel tips that will help plan your holidays better.



Tips for travelling

Pack light

Carry stuff that you actually need. Don’t overload your bag with unnecessary items.  Take your time to pack, if necessary talk to a stylist at a fashion store to help you plan your wardrobe. Make sure to check the weather forecast and pack accordingly. Remember smart packing is always the key to travelling light.

“If my destination is a resort, apart from swimwear, I throw in printed kaftans that can be carried from day to night, several pairs of flip flops and Moroccan oil for frizzy hair days. I almost always carry my vintage kimono on all my trips dressed with flip flops for the day and wedges for night outs,” says Shehla Chatoor, fashion designer.

Summer essentials

Don’t forget to carry stylish caps and hats to keep your head cool in the sun. Sunscreen lotion with a high SPF is a must – it protects your skin from sunburn. Use facial tissues to avoid stickiness on your face and hands while travelling. You can also carry hand fans especially on a hot day at the beach. Don’t take products that will just take up space.

“I always carry my shampoo and conditioner with me. I have to have Pantene no residue. I also need my sun block.” (Zhalay Sarhadi, actor)

Healthy diet

It is crucial to take fluids, mineral water, coconut water, orange juice and squashes wherever you go. Even on the plane, make sure to drink lots of water, this will help prevent jet lag and general fatigue. You can avoid dehydration and sunstrokes by eating and drinking well. Cucumbers, watermelons and oranges are great to include in your diet.

“During long flights I usually carry a great moisturiser and lip balm, lots of water and Evian spray to keep my skin hydrated and smooth.”
(Shehla Chatoor, fashion designer)

Arrive early

Summer is a busy season for airports. You are bound to face long queues, delays in parking and lengthy security searches. Hence, it is always safer to arrive a bit early and give yourself enough time to complete the formalities. Online check-ins are also recommended, and if you have any questions about the flight, the airline agents are there to help you.

Relax

The sun tends to make you feel weary and drained out. To avoid this lethargic feeling, try to take as much rest as you can, the night before leaving for the trip, so that you make the most of your holiday. Once at your destination, relieve your body and mind of useless worries and work; this means tune into your vacation and enjoy.

“I don’t check my emails and I don’t put my phone on roaming. When I go abroad, I get a sim and give that number only to my family. If it’s a leisure trip, I don’t do anything work-related.” (Zhalay Sarhadi, actor)

Fully indulge

Early morning or evening is the best time to indulge in outdoor activities and expeditions as opposed to afternoons. If you’re not into sight-seeing and want to stay inside, opt for a hotel that offers a host of indoor activities to keep you occupied. Try to avoid going out during afternoons.

Last minute deals

If you have planned your trip in a hurry, worry not! Last minute deals offered by hotels can benefit you. There are numerous applications on smartphones and tablets that can help you check out over 20,000 last-minute deals by popular hotels worldwide.  Remember, it’s never too late to book your holiday.

“Pack a lot of basic stuff, so that you can mix and match your clothes. Also, if you’re in a hurry, remember to double check that you have your documents, passports, keys and tickets,” says Omar. 

“If it’s not a resort, and you’re around malls, you’re probably going to shop a lot. I advise that you pack very light so that you have enough space in your bags”

(Ayesha Omar, actor-singer)

Published in The Express Tribune, May 23^rd, 2013.

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