Before you go on holiday

You have booked that trip, researched the must-see attractions, recharged all your electronic devices, packed your bags and now... it's the evening just before you leave on holiday. What do I still need to do?

So, the day has finally arrived, and you're on the brink of that epic getaway you've been plotting for ages – HooRAH! But before you dive headfirst into a sea of adventure and relaxation, let's ensure you're all set before conquering your vacation like a true legend.

Here, we've got some handy tips to sprinkle a bit of fairy dust on your travel plans and make your vacation even more epic. These little nuggets of wisdom could be the difference between "meh" trips and life-altering escapades. Plus, if you've got some genius travel hacks up your sleeve, don't keep them to yourself! Share your wisdom in the comments below, and let's all become vacation legends together.

Prepare to uncover the secrets to vacation success that could change your life and have you living your best holiday life!

Ah, the joys of travel! You've planned the perfect getaway, but have you considered the potential havoc water can wreak on your home? Picture this: you return from your dream vacation, and instead of a warm welcome, you're greeted by a watery disaster that's turned your humble abode into a makeshift swimming pool. Not the kind of surprise you were hoping for, right?

Now, sure, your trusty insurance might come to the rescue, but wouldn't it be even more amazing to avoid the aquatic calamity altogether? Turn off the water supply before you bid farewell to ensure your home stays high and dry while you're away. No more unwelcome "indoor water parks" in your living room – just pure vacation bliss.

So, erm... make a splash on your vacation, not in your living room.

While you're off gallivanting on your vacation, there's a silent menace lurking in your home – the electronic vampires! Yes, your trusty appliances, like the TV, microwave, and even that old-school radio, have a secret life of sucking up electricity, and they're not inviting you to the party.

Not only can these energy-sucking fiends drain your wallet, but they also pose a risk of sparking some electrifying drama in your absence. We're talking about the dreaded electrical fires, and nobody wants those as a souvenir from their holiday. So, here's the electrifying solution: unplug those energy vampires! Don't just switch them off, give 'em the whole "You're outta here!" treatment, including unplugging the dish and antenna.

Alright, you've nailed down the electronics and water issues – high fives all around! But here's a culinary conundrum you don't want to overlook. Before you embrace your holiday adventure, give your fridge and food cupboards the once-over. Why, you ask? Because returning home to a stinky fridge or a kitchen smelling like an uncharted forest is not the grand homecoming you had in mind. #NoJokes

Eat it, toss it, or share it. Bid farewell to any perishable food that won't survive your absence. Then, take the extra step of running the dishwasher, emptying the trash, and giving the sink a thorough scrub to ensure no rogue food particles lurk to haunt your drain (or attract an unwanted insect posse).

Oh, but wait, there's more! Enter the dynamic duo of kitchen cleanliness: baking soda and vinegar. Combine these household heroes to freshen and unclog your drains – because coming home to a stench is so last season. And why stop there? Treat your toilet to the same magic potion before you depart, and voilà, you'll be greeted by a home that smells as sweet as your vacation memories when you return.

As you prepare to jet off into the sunset for your vacation, don't forget about your outdoor kingdom! We're talking about those trusty patio chairs, the cushions, pool equipment, your beloved Weber grill, bicycles, tools, and anything else that's not bolted down. Leaving these treasures unguarded is like hanging out a "Welcome, Thieves!" sign, especially for those sneaky lightweight items that could disappear in the blink of an eye.

Now, if you're the proud owner of a swimming pool, consider this golden tip: enlist a guardian for your liquid oasis. No one wants to return from a blissful vacation to a mosquito-infested pool party, right?

So, before you head out on your adventure, round up your outdoor possessions and give them a safe haven. Whether it's locking them up, tucking them away, or asking a neighbor to keep an eye out, these simple steps can thwart any would-be outdoor bandits and ensure that your return is marked by serenity, not stolen treasures or mosquito mayhem.

Take a moment to peer into the depths of your wallet or purse. You know, that faithful companion that houses not just cash and cards but a mishmash of memories and receipts from times long gone.

Bid adieu to items you won't need on your journey – loyalty cards, gift cards, the extra credit card that never sees the light of day, and any other odds and ends that have been quietly amassing in there.

Before you embark on your adventure, it's time to become a financial wizard. Here's the deal: pay off those monthly bills with due dates before your departure. Avoid penalties for late payments or annoying debit order mishaps while you're sipping cocktails on the beach. Clear your schedule of credit card payments, housing expenses (like rent or mortgage, utilities, and groceries), and other monthly bills to ensure they're all taken care of.

But that's not all! For extra financial zen, consider paying for your holiday and experiences well in advance. This way, you can squirrel away some extra cash for last-minute treats and souvenirs, and you won't return to a nasty surprise bill. Because coming home to an empty wallet is not the kind of souvenir you had in mind, right?

With your financial house in order, you're all set to sail into vacation bliss without a care in the world. Bon voyage and happy travels!

Firstly, make sure your credit card/bank card works while you're traveling. Check up on them before leaving!

And there's one other very important thing; make sure you have enough available credit on your credit cards. It would suck to be in the middle of something and you run out of cash! Trust me. I try make sure this doesn't happen by having more than one card and money available on it.

Traveling abroad? Call your service provider to help you set up the cheapest plan for making calls, sending text messages, and accessing Internet from your smartphone. Many mobile phone companies, including Vodacom, MTN, Cell C and Telkom, offer affordable packages for international talk, text, and data plans. Just ask them.

If you're leaving and staying away for two weeks or longer, it might be a good idea to tell your local police department you'll be gone and also tell your local security company... and if you ask nicely, they may even do a few extra runs by your house.

I always double-check all my reservations and so should you; your flight, hotel, car rental, restaurants, attractions and any other services or experiences you've planned. You don't want any surprises at a check-in counter.

If you have access to a printer, it's not a bad idea to print out all your confirmations and keep them safe on you. If you can't or don't want to, write down confirmation numbers (and customer service phone numbers) and keep the paper easily accessible in your wallet or carry-on.

In the age of unpredictability, it's wise to be prepared, even when planning a leisurely getaway. Before you set off, be sure to leave a copy of your travel plans with a trusted friend or family member who serves as your emergency contact. In the whirlwind of travel, unexpected situations can arise, and having someone aware of your itinerary can be a crucial safety net. It's an extra layer of assurance that can help ensure your peace of mind and their peace of mind, too.

This may seem like an obvious one, but a lot of people forget to do this. Check the forecast for your destination and your hometown when you'll be returning... and pack appropriately. Being in need of a jacket when it's cold or even wearing winter clothes when it’s summer, can really bum out a holiday.

It's always a good idea to leave your GamePlan with your boss. This includes all ongoing projects that you won't be able to attend to when you are away. Also, try including a summary of each project, it's status and deadlines that might creep in, in your absence. What might also help here is to create a list of all the things that could possibly go wrong and provide clear instructions for co-workers to handle in case it does happen.

Before you know it, that long overdue holiday will be over, and you will be back to the grinding stone. So, don't spend most of your holiday attending to emails and phone calls from co-workers who don't know how to help.

Here's a tip that wraps up your vacation with a delightful bow: freeze a scrumptious meal before you leave. After all, there's nothing worse than returning from a blissful getaway only to face the dreaded "What's for dinner?" scenario on your first day back.

So, whip up a favorite like bolognese, a hearty stew, or a comforting soup and pop it in the freezer. When you return home, tired from travel and wanting to extend that vacation glow just a bit longer, you'll find a delicious meal waiting for you. It's a time-saver, a hassle-eliminator, and a money-saver all in one. This simple act is the cherry on top of your holiday sundae, ending your adventure with a smile, a full belly, and a heart brimming with contentment. Bon appétit and welcome back!

I hope these tips help and may your holiday be relaxing, safe and responsible! ✈️💼