As the year draws to a close, what better way to reward yourself than with a holiday? It’s a great way to spend quality time with your loved ones while allowing yourself a chance of scenery, whether you head off on an adrenaline-filled adventure or simply relax on a beach somewhere.

Before you head off, it’s always worthwhile to make sure everything is in order so there are no surprises during your trip. To that end, here are seven ways to ensure you have a wonderful and stress-free vacation.

1. Plan your itinerary

An impromptu trip can be unpredictable and exciting, but if you’re going away as a group, proper planning will help make every second of it count.

You can easily create an itinerary by doing an online search of attractions or eateries, or by checking out travel websites. Platforms such as YouTube can also help you get a preview of the places you’d like to visit.

It’s also important to know how you intend to get around your destination. E-hailing is an easy option in many locations; while those who are inclined to explore via public transportation can rely on apps such as Google Maps.

Finally, did you know you can use software such as ChatGPT to create your travel itinerary? All you have to do is input your chosen destination and the number of days you will be staying there, and let AI do all the work!

2. Know your budget

Holidays cost money regardless of the destination, which is why it’s crucial for you to set a budget during the planning stage to make sure you don’t end up out of pocket by the time you return home.

Start by allocating a sum you are willing to spend for your entire trip. Once you have identified this amount, do a breakdown of expected expenses, including transportation, accommodation, food, souvenirs, leisure activities, and emergency cash.

If you have the resources, go ahead and allocate an amount for indulgences or spontaneous spending. Setting a limit in advance will help ensure you don’t go overboard.

3. Check your documents

Going overseas? Make sure you have a passport with at least three or six months’ validity, depending on your destination, and make sure all necessary visas have been acquired.

If you are in doubt, it’s always best to check with that country’s embassy or consulate – in person or online – before making any bookings.

4. Make copies

It’s a good idea to have digital copies of documents such as passports, visas, hotel booking confirmations, and travel tickets, in the event of loss or theft of your physical documents.

Keep these digital copies in a safe place, ideally on a tool or device that is password protected to safeguard your sensitive information.

5. Bring extra money

While it’s good to adhere to your budget, emergencies can happen, which is why it’s a good idea to bring some extra money to cushion you from unexpected setbacks.

Using cash will allow you to steer clear of hidden or additional fees that credit cards would incur. That said, carrying cash while you’re travelling can be troublesome, especially if you have long commutes and transits between locations.

You can also opt for a multicurrency debit card or mobile applications such as e-wallets, many of which offer good exchange rates, free ATM withdrawals, and even spending tracking. These solutions save you the hassle of carrying hard cash, while ensuring you have a buffer in the event of contingencies.

Before going abroad, be sure to inform your bank or card provider about the duration of your stay, so they don’t freeze your card on the grounds of suspicious activity when they detect foreign transactions.

6. List down essentials

To avoid spending unnecessarily overseas, prepare a list of essential items that can be brought over from Malaysia, such as care kits, travel adapters, and medicines, which might be harder or more expensive to acquire abroad.

Also be sure to download all necessary applications such as translation, e-hailing and messaging platforms, and familiarise yourself with them beforehand.

7. Get travel insurance

It’s always a good idea to opt for travel insurance, especially if you are heading to another country. This form of protection allows you to get your money back if a trip is cancelled, delayed, or has to be brought forward for whatever reason.

Depending on the scope of coverage, such insurance can also cover emergency medical expenses, evacuation in the event of a disaster, or loss of luggage, ensuring you are protected and get to enjoy a more stress-free vacation. Happy holidays!

This article was written by Shafiq Wahab for Qoala Malaysia. Read more articles from Qoala Malaysia here.