Going on a Summer Holiday?
Most UAE residents are seasoned travellers, either heading home or to a new holiday destination each summer, here are a few tips to ensure that your holiday is both safe and enjoyable.
Before you travel
Check to ensure that all family members have a valid passport and if required, a visa for the country you are travelling to.
Arrange any necessary travel and heath insurance.
Visit a doctor to confirm if any special vaccines or medications are required. For example, malaria tablets.
Leave a detailed itinerary with a friend including flight details and hotel names.
Arrange for someone to look after your pets, or check them into a kennel.
Lock all doors and windows and if required set timed lighting devices.
While you are away
Leave your air conditioning set to 24 degrees Celsius. If it is switched off, the humidity can build up and cause mould to form on walls and other surfaces.
If staying in a hotel, take a moment to familiarise yourself with emergency exits and hotel safety procedures.
Avoid wearing expensive jewellery or other items when travelling overseas to safeguard against possible theft.
Make sure you protect your skin and eyes from the sun, wear protective clothing, sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses while outside.
Make sure tap water is safe to drink, or use bottled water to be on the safe side.
Have fun!
When you return
Try to plan your vacation so that you have a day or two to yourself before returning to work.
Drink lots of water and get plenty of sleep to avoid jet lag.
Start planning your next vacation – it will give you something to look forward to and minimise the onset of ‘back-to-work blues’.
Write a travel review or post some photos of your trip on an online travel site such as www.tripadvisor.com - what better way to relive the highlights of your vacation than to provide valuable information and advice to other travellers.
Best wishes for a safe and happy summer holiday!