10 THINGS FOR A HASSLE-FREE HOLIDAY

1. Start with planning the perfect holiday for you and your family.
Ask yourself the right questions. What kind of holiday do you wish to enjoy? Are you looking for peace and solitude? Do you want to go up the mountains? Or laze by the seaside? Or explore historic or pilgrimage sites? Will your family be happy doing what you want to do? Are there any food restrictions?

2. Plan for various health aspects.
Make sure that existing problems like toothache, recurring medical complaints and allergies are attended to before you leave for your holiday. Pack a small medical kit with medicines for head aches, pains, fever and stomach upsets. If you're trying out adventure sports, it is advisable to carry some first aid elements too. And if the place you are going to is sunny, you would do well to carry sunscreen with you.

3. Make lists - and carry them with you
Make list for various things - what you want to carry, what you want to do, things to look out for, things to avoid if you are allergic to a few food items, etc. Keep these lists with you at all times. You will find that holidays and chores like packing and unpacking are suddenly so much more relaxed!

4. The shopping bag and the wallet
Every local place has its own flavour that it tries to market, so when you go shopping, make sure you buy what is relevant to you in your city/town. Make sure it fits your needs, the space available in your home and most importantly, your budgets. There are many things that are available locally in every town and city, so make sure you don't have to lug something that's available right next door!

5. Switch off, shut down, lock up
Before you leave, make sure all the electrical connections are shut down (unless it is mandatory for something to be running when you are away). Lock up the doors and windows and make sure your security devices are in place. Check and double-check before you leave for your holiday - there's nothing worse than reaching your destination and then wondering if you had locked the front door or switched off the iron. It can spoil the complete holiday.

6. Make arrangements for bills and mail
Even if you are away for just 2-3 days, there are chances that some bills might have to be paid during that time or you could be expecting some important snail mail or courier. Make sure that you make the right arrangements so that you don't have to miss out on any documents or payments. Wherever possible, make your bill payments in advance, before you leave. This way, you can at peace in your holidays.

7. Important numbers
Do bring along a list of important numbers - like those of your neighbors, old relatives, parents or siblings. It always helps to stay in touch in case of an emergency.

8. How much is enough?
Money is always a big criterion during holidays. While most of your accommodation charges are taken care of by your timeshare, there are other expenses that you will have to bear. Do make sure you plan it out in advance before beginning your holiday. Also make sure how much you need to carry in cash and if credit cards and travelers Cheque are accepted in your place of vacation. These things can lift a load off your mind when you are holidaying with your family.

9. Packing it in
Traveling light is a virtue, but traveling right is equally important - that is, you need to know the right kind of things to take with you. Choose the right kind of luggage - something that is easy to carry and transport. Find out what works best for you - strapped backpacks or hard luggage with wheels. Also make sure that you pack clothes that suit the weather, the terrain and the kind of activities you are going to indulge in.

10. Senior citizens and babies
If you are in the company of senior citizens and toddlers/infants, make sure that you take the right kind of precautions in terms of medication, clothes, food and activities.

These are 10 things you can do to make sure you have total peace of mind with your family.

Happy holidaying!