| When looking to book a solo holiday, are you | | | | embarrassing to find your debit or credit card has |
| someone who leaves everything to the last | | | | been blocked due to suspected fraud. |
| minute or do you write a checklist and follow it | | | | 4. Check whether you can use your mobile phone |
| slavishly? | | | | abroad with your call provider. Also check |
| Good holiday planning can save you money,ensure | | | | whether you have the correct type of mobile |
| you go to the right destination and that you get | | | | phone for the country you plan to travel to. |
| no unwanted surprises when you arrive. | | | | Some countries require a tri-band phone. e.g. |
| Use the following advice each time you are | | | | United States.You do not want to find you are |
| planning a solo holiday and your trip is more likely | | | | unable to use your phone after you have arrived. |
| to run smoothly. | | | | 5. Make your cash go further by checking the |
| 1. Think carefully about the kind of destination and | | | | travel section of It offers a currency converter |
| type of holiday that is best for you. You may | | | | tool to find the best rate for the currency you |
| want to avoid romantic locations and hotels that | | | | want and gives good advice about the best credit |
| are primarily aimed at young families. Think about | | | | and debit cards to take abroad. Believe me, doing |
| access, you might not want to walk up steep | | | | this can save you a lot of money! |
| steps from the beach in 100 degrees, also | | | | 6. Only plan to take what you are able to carry in |
| proximity to the airport to avoid lengthy | | | | your suitcase and cabin bag. Get out everything |
| transfers. If you are nervous about wandering | | | | you want to take a few days before you leave |
| too far alone at night, look for hotels with | | | | and then reduce it by half.I always took too much |
| night-time entertainment or ones near shops and | | | | with me until I did this.Also invest in some |
| local bars/restaurants. | | | | weighing scales for your suitcase. You can pick |
| 2. Research the Internet for the best climate to | | | | these up very cheaply and they will save you |
| suit your needs and avoid times where extreme | | | | money for excess baggage and give you peace |
| weather conditions are likely as you may not | | | | of mind. |
| want to arrive in the middle of a monsoon or | | | | 7. Take only travel size toiletries. I find it cheaper |
| during the rainy season. Look out for local | | | | to buy a pack of plastic travel bottles and jars |
| festivals and national days taking place during the | | | | and fill from my usual shampoo, conditioner, |
| times you are wanting to book and find out about | | | | moisturiser etc. Remember to pack them in your |
| them before you go. Information can help you | | | | main suitcase or in a plastic bag if you intend |
| adapt to and enjoy a new culture more easily. | | | | taking them on the flight with you. |
| 3. Advise your bank and credit card company | | | | Good planning always pays off. Enjoy your solo |
| when and where you are going. It can be | | | | holiday! |