Start with your holiday package by choosing a guided tour package. It’s the best way to travel with family because all the details are pre-planned for you. This is especially important if you are not keen on researching destinations yourself.

For those who do pre-plan, take some time to create a complete itinerary following some research on the destination you are visiting. Pay special attention to special festivals, weather, and political climate when you are working on the itinerary. This provides space for back up plans in case of unforeseen travel problems.

The itinerary also ensures that everything is planned based on what you/ your family wants to see and experience. Just make sure all the activities are something worth trying and gives you and your fellow travellers a new dimension of the places visited.

If you are travelling on a budget then you should plan with flight, ground arrangements, passport, visa, meals, transport, shopping and contingency cash for emergency.

Please take note that visa requirements for certain countries may change from time to time. It is advisable that you check with your travel agent or directly with destination country’s Embassy or High Commission in Malaysia before booking a holiday.

What sort of protection/coverage does a travel insurance covers you? Some of the coverage that you should expect is as below:

• Personal Accident
• Medical Expenses
• Loss of Luggage & Personal Effect
• Loss of Travel Documents
• Baggage Delay
• Travel Delay
• Missed Departure
• Flight Overbooked
• Hijack Inconvenience
• Travel Cancellation
• Loss of Money/ Valuables

….and other types of coverage as well.

Here are other examples that might NOT be covered in travel insurance:

• Declared or undeclared war or any act of war, invasion, act of foreign enemy, and other war terms
• Loss or destruction of goods due to radiation
• Suicide/Self harm/ or any intentional acts by the insured person that provoked homicide or assault personnel or military personnel of any country or international authority, whether full-time service or as a volunteer
• The Insured Person engaging in, practising for or taking part in training in any speed contest, any professional competition or sports, and participating in Hazardous adventure

For more information on the inclusions & exclusions of travel insurance coverage, contact your travel agent.

You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while travelling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot. Latest updates on vaccinations can be obtained from your local clinic or hospital.

Make sure you apply for vacation days which include a day’s rest after your return to cope with fatigue or jet lag if you’re flying. Furthermore ensure all your travel documents are confirmed 3-4 working days before the travel date to ensure any last minute changes can still be accommodated.

As for packing, it is essential to pack what you need with consideration for the shopping you plan to do at your holiday destination. If you’re travelling with family and kids, ensure the needs of the elders and children are itemized and packed to avoid discomfort or tantrums.

Most importantly, it is vital to inform your close relatives/ friends of your travel. It would be good to arrange for house/ pet sitting while you’re away. Lastly, call your bank and let them know that you are travelling and there will be large amount of purchases with the debit or credit card.