A2B Transfers and Holiday Insurance: What Not To Forget During Trip Planning
With vacation season just around the corner, many of us are planning to enjoy time away from work and school for some much-needed rest and relaxation. Vacations are an integral part of maintaining mental and physical health, as those who vacation at least once yearly are half as likely to suffer a heart attack, and up to three times less likely to suffer an episode of mild to moderate depression. So it's important for your health and well-being to take regular vacations, but it's equally important to vacation smartly.
Most of us have little trouble remembering bathing suits and sunscreen as we prepare for fun in the sun, but there are a few other practicalities that make for a smooth and safe vacation experience. Here are a few tips.
Get a pro to do the planning
If you're like most of us, you don't relish the thought of jumping back and forth between the myriad travel booking engines available online. There are services that take care of the planning for you that don't charge nearly as much as a regular travel agency. If you're a Vacation Wellness member, you'll have access to several hundred professionally planned vacations each year. You can click to order complete vacations, available at discounts from 30% to 70% off of the regular online price.
Don't forget A2B transfers
A2B transfers are the leg of your trip that take you from the airport to your final destination. This service is also called a limousine service, depending on the area. Many travelers forget to book A2B transfers in advance, ensuring that they'll have to endure maximum wait times and high prices at their destination airport, waiting for shuttle transportation to the resort. Booking this leg of your travel in advance can save you considerable time and money.
Invest in holiday insurance
Life is full of unanticipated twists and turns, and it's best to protect your vacation investment. A holiday insurance policy will provide reimbursement in case you have to cancel your plans at the last minute, experience additional hotel stay costs due to schedule perturbations, have to purchase last-minute airfare due to an emergency, or even in cases where you experience a medical emergency while overseas. Be sure to read your holiday insurance policy's fine print, but don't leave home without one!
Plan for serious relaxation
Don't overbook your time while you're on vacation. It can be tempting to plan side trips, excursions, activities, and sightseeing tours until you drop. While you want to enjoy as much of the local color and culture as possible, it's important to schedule unstructured time to just unwind and relax. For every day you plan an event, outing, or excursion, you should also plan an entire day of unscheduled leisure. That way, you'll return rested, rejuvenated, and relaxed from your vacation.
Stephen M. Jameson is a frequent world traveler and global wanderer. He has lived in Asia and Europe, and traveled extensively throughout those continents over a period of years. He is webmaster for Zoescent's travel resources, with focus areas in holiday travel insurance and A2B transfers. A Colorado native, he has lived in 8 North American states and still travels frequently.