Top tips for the ultimate stress-free holiday

Here at Bookings For You, we strive to make booking and arranging your holiday accommodation as relaxing and stress-free as possible. However, we also understand that accommodation is just one part of your holiday experience (albeit a very important one!) so have compiled our favourite tips for making your whole break as stress-free as your accommodation booking.

When Packing

It might not be super glamorous, but being super organised when you pack to go on holiday can help cut down on the pre-holiday stress. From writing a master list for the essentials which can be ticked off each holiday, to putting together your own capsule wardrobe for your break, it can be surprisingly simple to reduce the stress involved in packing. If there’s anything you wish you’d packed — or wished you hadn’t — make a note and leave it in the case for next time.

For those travelling with young children, you can arrange pick up some of the bulkier essentials — formula milk, nappies, or even liquid medicine which wouldn’t pass through security — when gate-side at the airport by ordering via click and collect.

At the Airport

If you’ve got an early flight, or live a long way from the airport, it can be well worth booking into a hotel for the night before your departure. Pack what you need for an overnight into your hand luggage and you don’t have to worry about having to repack everything in your luggage bleary-eyed before your flight either.

You can also pay to upgrade your airport experience; even if you’re travelling economy you can usually pay extra to use the facilities in an executive lounge, and there might also be an option to pay for priority security, which enables you to fast track your way through the queues.

If you’re worried about flight delays, utilise the flight tracking app Flight Radar 24 to see whether your inbound plane is travelling on time or not. The information isn’t always available — it varies depending on the airline you’re travelling with — but you’ll be able to see your plane arrive at the airport in real time. You’ll also be one of the first to know if it’s not running on schedule.

On the Flight

When there’s no in-flight entertainment available other than the ad-heavy in-flight magazine, preparation is key. Download some of your favourite TV shows to your smartphone or tablet (iPlayer and All4 both offer this service), or films from iTunes — although do this at home to avoid costly data charges. Remember to pack your earphones too, especially if you don’t want everyone to know what you’re watching. Alternatively, fill your Kindle / eReader with books ready for the flight — but keep some books unread for those lazy days in the sunshine!

At the Villa

Hiring a chef can really elevate your holiday to the next level, even if only for a couple of nights. For some of our villas, we’re able to arrange this for you or make personal recommendations — let us know if this is something you’d like assistance with.

If you’re looking for a more hotel-like experience (but with the privacy of your own space), booking a villa which is part of a luxury complex can be an excellent options. One of our favourites includes the apartments at Golfo Gabella — where we can also upgrade your stay to include perks such as a personal trainer or visiting masseuse.

Back at Home

There’s nothing worse than returning home with a list of chores as long as your arm, all clamouring to be completed before your return to work. Booking a ‘spring clean’ for the day before you return means that you’ll be welcomed by a house that’s cleaner than when you left. For those food essentials, book an online grocery shop to coincide with your return – or even when the spring clean is scheduled; you’ll return home to full cupboards and fresh sheets – doesn’t sound so bad now, does it?

Inspired to travel? Check out our holiday villas in France and our villas in Italy.