What is the importance of planning your holiday?
Holiday travel preparation should start with planning. Holiday-specific deals are offered throughout the year. So, if you know where you want to go early, it’s prudent to realise the rush on air, rail, road and lodging.

How to schedule a group travel
1. Plan together
2. Ask for each companion’s wish list.
3. Share time with everyone
4. Take a book or music along
5. Do easy tasks together
6. Have a common aim to enjoy

How to plan for tickets

• What are the general conditions that apply for tickets? (Example: 60 days advance reservation for railways, etc.)

• The flight/train/bus timings. Is it direct, or break journey or a layover?

• The mode of payment accepted by the agent

• When should I arrive for check-in?

• What are the size and weight restrictions, and number of pieces of luggage allowable?

• What documentation is necessary for travel? (Example: proof of citizenship; passport; visa.)

How to prepare a hotel reservation checklist

• Where is the hotel located? Near the railway station/airport? near historical sites?

• The type of rooms available in the hotel (Example: single; double; suites etc.)

• What are the room rates? Does the hotel offer any special or promotional rates? (Example: advance purchase discounts; weekend specials; rates which include breakfast and/or other amenities; corporate rates.)

• What taxes are involved with my hotel stay? (Example: room occupancy tax; state tax; departure taxes; surcharges.)

• Can my reservations be guaranteed if held with a credit card?

• The hotel’s address and phone/fax numbers

• The hotel’s parking facilities

• What are the hotel’s cancellation policies? Is there a penalty assessed if I cancel?

• What special features does the hotel offer? (Example: restaurants; pools; on-site recreation; etc.)

• Is the hotel accessible for the disabled?

• What are the hotel's check-in and check-out times?

How to prepare a car rental reservation checklist

• Where is the car rental company located? (Example: Railway station/airport; at the hotel.)

• What are its hours of operation?

• Is there a shuttle service available?

• The car categories available (Example: compact; economy; mid-size; full-size; luxury.)

• Will the car rental company honour special requests? (Particular model.)

• What are the different rates offered by the company?

• Are there per kilometer costs assessed or does the car come with unlimited mileage?

• Are there any additional charges?

• Are there any other requirements or restrictions?

• What are the requirements to rent and operate the rental car?

How to prepare a tour package checklist

• The tour types conducted by the operator (Example: deluxe; moderate; economy.)

• How reliable is the operator?

• What are the different modes of transportation used on this tour?

• What are the additional taxes or surcharges involved?

• Does the tour operator accept credit cards?

• What types of meal plans, accommodations, gratuities does the tour offer?

• Does the tour operator offer any optional pre/post tours?

• What are the tour operator’s policies and restrictions?

What are the usual travel tips and advice before you take off ?

Many of us leave for the railway station/airport without a care in the world, but preparing for your holiday before you go can save you so much time, effort and money. Below are a number of tips for travellers to think about before you travel.

Notify family, friends and relatives
Before leaving on holiday make sure that you give all travel information to your family and close friends.

Do you have a valid visa and/or passport?
Make sure your passport does not expire within 6 months of your date of travel. A large majority of countries insist that your passport be valid for at least that time period or a year. Make a copy, in case you lose it while on vacation, you can send the copy to your Embassy.

Confirm your reservations
Be sure your tickets and vacation rental booking is confirmed, otherwise you may have an unpleasant experience.

Buy a destination guide / language dictionary
Get yourself some travel books to know all the best spots, cheapest restaurants, best food and hundreds of insights about your destination.

Luggage advice
Place photocopies of your identification in your luggage to help your airline or cruise ship to return it if lost while travelling.

Photocopy your identifying documents
Photocopy all documents and cards and store it in a secret place in your suitcase.

Airport transfers
Don’t forget to try and arrange your transfer to the vacation property before you set off.

Cash safety
Please remember travellers cheque, order them before you go and you will not be put to difficulty.

How to make your packaging ready
The following questionnaire can help you to take a little extra care and planning in packing so you’ll be able to pack light, avoid the damage and wrinkles.

• How can I find out about my airline’s luggage restrictions and limits?

• What should I pack in my hand luggage?

• How should I pack the liquids I bring with me?

• How can I avoid damaging my film?

• What should I do with my valuables?

• How can I keep my items neat in my luggage?

• How can I avoid wrinkles?

• How can I avoid losses on my trip?

• How can I pack light and still have everything I need?

• Things to carry on your person.

• Should I carry medicine with me?

Vinod Kuriakose

(The writer Vinod Kuriakose can be contacted at feedback2vinod@yahoo.co.uk)