Going on holiday is supposed to be a relaxing, enjoyable experience. However even the most successful break will have its irritations, which could threaten to spoil the mod if they are not addressed in the right way.
Holiday Square looks at six commonly experienced annoyances and asks how they can be reduced, or even removed so that you can enjoy your holiday in peace.
Passport predicaments
Getting to the day before your holiday and realising your passport is out of date can be the stuff of nightmares. But don’t panic too soon. It is possible to get an emergency replacement. Go to www.gov.uk to find out how to book an appointment to apply for a passport.
The Premium service allows you to have your new passport within four hours of your application being accepted. You will have to go and collect it in person, but it could mean that your holiday is saved. If you have slightly longer to react, you can have your new passport sent to your home using Fast Track, one week after your application is accepted.
Packing problems
Forewarned is forearmed and in this case, knowing airline luggage weight limits will save you a lot of hassle at the airport. Look for travel versions of things to lighten the load and put together a capsule wardrobe to reduce the amount of clothes you need to take. Make sure you know which items are forbidden too, such as certain foods, drugs, weapons and animal products.
Pack logically, putting the things you will need on the plane in your hand luggage. You might also want to pack washing things, money, important documents and a change of clothes in your hand luggage too, in case your main suitcase goes missing. Place heavy items like shoes and books at the bottom of the suitcase to avoid crushing more delicate items like dresses and hats.
Jet lag judders
Fighting jet lag can be a very unpleasant experience. It is worse to travel from west to east, as the body finds it harder to cope with a sudden transition to shorter days. Prepare by getting plenty of sleep ahead of your journey. During the flight, eat and sleep according to your destination’s local time as much as you can.
Keep hydrated and bring ear plugs and eye masks to help you sleep on the plane. Once at your destination, get as much exposure to sunlight as you can and try to get at least four hours’ sleep in a solid block in your first night there.
Translation tribulations
Not knowing the local language can be disconcerting at first, but you will find that most locals will e willing to help you muddle through – in fact, they may speak your language well enough to help you get by. As your stay continues, you will become more accustomed to the speech patterns and writing in the local language and may well pick up a few words as you go along.
If all else fails, pack your trusty dictionary or grab your smartphone – there are dozens of translation apps available nowadays to help travellers make themselves understood.
Insect irritations
From ointments and sprays to smartphone apps that emit ultra-sonic frequencies that mimic predators, there are plenty of ways to get rid of pesky pests like mosquitoes and bugs. Be careful about where you visit and what you wear; insects love to burrow into warm place such as under belts or inside collars.
Wear loose clothing and broad hats and keep yourself topped up with insect repellent. Sleep under mosquito nets if the advice is to do so. If you are bitten, use a healing cream and seek medical help straight away, should you deem it necessary.
Phone foibles
Phones have taken over the world of communications and many of us would not be without them. however, on holiday, they can become a liability. Invest in a waterproof case in case they fall into water or get buried in the sand.
Make sure they are adequately insured and any bank details or personal information is password protected. Check with your phone provider what they charge for using it abroad and don’t forget to take a charger that is compatible with the local electricity supply.