What are the essential travel rules for a relaxing trip?

There are a number of things that you can do to ensure that you get the most of your holiday or travel experience and have a truly memorable trip.

These are my top 10. They are neither unique or revolutionary but they definitely work for me

1. Leave Work Behind

If you are taking a break make sure it really is a break and that you do not work whilst you are away. Let your colleagues / customers know your holiday dates well in advance ( maybe add this to your email signature ) to avoid any last minute requests which mean you working late into the night before you leave

Put an out of office on your email and phone Despite what you might sometimes think YOU ARE NOT INDISPENSABLE !!!! Your health, sanity and loved ones are of paramount importance.

2. Be Prepared

Check travel advice at least 3 months before your departure. More remote areas may require additional visas or vaccinations and these often need to be arranged well in advance.

Plan for illness or accident. Make sure you have valid travel insurance and if you are a regular traveler invest in an annual travel insurance policy. Pack a medical kit with remedies for headache, upset stomach, insect bites and minor injuries.

3. Plan Ahead for unforeseen issues

Take a photo of your passport /travel document or print a copy and keep it somewhere separate from the original documents ( just in case ) or as an extra precaution email the documents and your itinerary to your emergency contact ( better to be safe than sorry)

4. Packing

Learn to travel light - only take what you need not what you think you might need. Put everything you think you might need in one area a few days ahead of your departure. Then stand back, review it and cut it in half.

Learn to mix and match your outfits. You don’t need a different outfit for every single day and night unless you are travelling 5 star, eating in the finest restaurants and interacting with royalty - remember “less is more “

5. Departure Day

Allow enough time to check in at the airport - ideally arrive earlier than required to allow time to have that much needed shot of caffeine or glass of wine to settle yourself before your flight.

6. Attitude

Come with a positive attitude. Travel is about having fun and new experiences. Make every day a learning experience.

7. Acceptance

Accept what you can’t change - planes and buses may run late , the weather might not be what you hoped for and fellow travelers can sometimes be challenging. You won’t change things by getting frustrated so just take a deep breath and chill.

8. Become a local

Take the time to learn a little about the culture, customs and appropriate clothing (a bikini and a sarong might be great for the beach but may cause offence in other areas). Remember you are a visitor. Respect the culture and the people whose home country you are visiting,

9. Learn the language

No one expects you to be fluent in the local language but you should try to learn a few basic words to help you get by. Apps such as Google Translate are very useful and will help you learn a few basic words or phrases and if you are in a remote area with no data connectivity you can download a local version to your phone for use on the fly. The locals will appreciate you trying to speak their language even if your accent leaves a lot to be desired.

10. Leave no environmental footprint behind

Respect the environment. Even if you are travelling to a poor country where refuse collection is limited avoid adding to the waste. Decant your favourite toiletries into travel size bottles instead of using hotel provided toiletries in plastic containers. Recycle whenever possible. Aim to pick up at least 5 pieces of plastic rubbish a day from beach or natural areas. Use sunscreen and inspect repellent with less chemical additives especially when swimming in the sea or near reefs.

These are not rules, just guidelines so I hope you find them useful

The most important thing is this is YOUR time, enjoy it to the full and you will return enriched, fulfilled and with memories which will last a lifetime.