Travel Advice

How to avoid holiday stress

Feeling pre-travel stress? The temptation to hastily complete work and tidy the house can leave you stressed and fatigued before your relaxing holiday begins. Avoid this recipe for chaos! Here are some invaluable tips to maintain a stress-free state before your trip:

Before you depart

Ensure comprehensive travel insurance covers your planned activities.
Confirm passport validity and visa requirements, checking with your nearest visa office for specific details, as many distant countries mandate passports remain valid for at least 6 months post-return.
Create copies or securely store essential travel documents online.
Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs in your destination, which may differ from what you're accustomed to.
Check for necessary vaccinations at least six weeks in advance by consulting your GP or a travel health clinic.
Share your travel plans and emergency contact details with someone.
Bring enough money and ensure your bank card is set for ATM cash withdrawals.
For Dutch citizens: Download the Travel App from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, providing dependable travel information and travel advisory notifications on the go.
For Belgium citizens: Travel updates.
Verify your flight times, luggage allowance, and transfer details for smooth travel preparations.

Whilst on holiday

Make sure you have the number of the local Consulate in case of emergency.
Act responsibly and be responsible for your own safety when travelling; don't do anything you wouldn't at home.
The laws and customs are often different to what you're used to, and penalties can be severe, even for something which may seem trivial at home.

How to help reduce and prevent jet lag

Gradually adjust your schedule. Try to sync your sleep schedule with your destination's time zone a few days before your trip.
Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration during and after your flight.
Avoid alcohol and caffeine. These beverages can disrupt your sleep patterns.
Get sunlight exposure. Spend time outdoors in natural light upon arrival to reset your body's internal clock.
Limit naps. Avoid long daytime naps that can hinder your adjustment to the new time zone.
Avoid heavy meals. Opt for light, easily digestible meals. This tip is equally valuable when returning from a wellbeing holiday and aiming to maintain your healthy lifestyle. Order a healthy meal in the plane!
Stay active. Engage in light physical activity, such as walking, to combat fatigue and encourage better sleep.
Stay awake until bedtime. Upon arrival, try to stay awake until the local bedtime to aid quicker adjustment.
And... treat yourself to a soothing massage upon your arrival.

Self-Care Tips at Home

How to nurture your well-being at home? Recreate the tranquil atmosphere of your favorite places of happiness and relaxation. Bring back a beloved essential oil or body lotion to infuse your home with its essence. Dedicate yourself to regular self-indulgence, whether it's through a massage, pedicure, personal training session, a sports activity, a hair treatment, or a spa day, at least once a week or month. Foster a soothing environment, maintain a wholesome daily routine, and prioritize self-care, cultivating a serene and balanced lifestyle within the comforts of your home.