15 top tips to cut holiday stress

Don't you just love holidays? Spending quality time with your favourite people? Sometimes though your dreams of a perfect break don't match up with reality. What should be a relaxing trip away can be spoiled by holiday stress.

It doesn't have to be that way. Planning, preparation and a positive attitude can make for a stress-free holiday.

1. Book early

Booking a holiday early gives you more options and potentially less stress. You are more likely to get the accommodation and destination that you really want, rather than having to settle for what’s still available if you leave it too late. It’s often the case you get discounts and cheaper deals if you book early too. The same goes for flights, the cheaper seats often go on sale early and get more expensive the later you leave it. You can also pick a flight time that best suits your situation if you act early and you can try to avoid the super-busy days like the first Saturday after school breaks up for summer.

2. Suitable for all

Often family members want different things from a holiday. You may want to sightsee and take in the local culture but your partner may want to flop on a sunbed and read for a week. Make sure the holiday you pick has something for everyone. If one person starts off feeling resentful it doesn’t bode well for a stress-free break! If it’s a family holiday make sure the setup is suitable for your children’s ages. Is the beach too far away to walk for little legs? Are highchairs and stairgates available?

3. Pack light

Be ruthless when packing for holidays. If possible, go with just hand luggage so you won’t have the stress of worrying about lost bags. You could save money too as many airlines charge for hold baggage. If that’s not an option, pack as lightly as possible. Do you really need seven pairs of sandals for a fortnight away? It’s going to be hard work lugging about a heavy suitcase stuffed with clothes you are never going to wear. If you pack light there’ll be less to wash and sort out when you get home.