Last-minute planning tips for singles and couples this season

Last-minute planning tips for singles and couples this season (Photo: iStock)

Christmas is supposed to be a peaceful time of the year, associated with a time for eating, drinking, and making ‘merry’ or relaxing and putting your feet up at the fire.

However, for many of us, Christmas can be a stressful time of the year, especially for those travelling during the busy festive period. Whether travelling home for the holidays or celebrating in a different country, you still have time to plan and make your holiday vacation fun, and adventurous. 

For those whose plans are not about celebrating with family, friends, and relatives, get out of your comfort zone and plan for something that is unique and will be a great memory.

Plan for a unique holiday

There is uniqueness in planning for a unique vacation. You could for example in your itinerary, include sightseeing. Can you imagine how adventurous such a trip could be? The fun side is you do not have to travel far, but plan according to your budget and enthusiasm.

Remember that such sites attract many visitors and at times are crowded with tourists. If you want to capture the best, plan to rise early to have such attractions to yourself while avoiding large tourist crowds. 

Another reward for an early riser is that you will capture beautiful photos through natural lighting, while at the same time, enjoying an interactive time with the locals as they go about their daily routines. 

A relaxing holiday plan

Plan on making your trip a relaxing one. You have spent 12 months working, so you need to take time out to relax during this one-time-in-a-year holiday season - as the saying goes, “learn to travel without sweating the stuff you cannot control”. 

Even if you are planning a solo or a couple vacation, remember the site and sounds of your destination are not only open to you. You will meet all manner of people.

Simply put, anticipate all manner of challenges.

 Pack Wisely and Lightly

Have you heard of the 5-4-3-2-1 packing rule? It is a simple packing method that will save you a lot of space in your carry-on luggage. The numbers represent the number of certain items of clothing. 

According to the method, this is five tops (shirts), four bottoms (trousers), three pair of shoes, two dresses, (jackets), and an accessory set—consisting of a jewelry set, sunglasses, and a hat.

Instead of folding your clothes, roll them. This is the recommended way of packing your clothes. Rolling clothes saves room. It also keeps clothing wrinkle-free.

Separate your clothes into innerwear/socks, t-shirts/tops jeans, and other bottoms. Roll them into neat lines. Save any jumpers of raincoats until last. 

Planning also goes along with ensuring that you do not miss your transport - flight, bus, or train. Confirm your accommodation beforehand to avoid a mix-up. This being a holiday season, so many people are travelling and there will be some mishaps.

In case you find yourself in a “spot on” situation, do not get worked up. There will be a solution to these situations, and of course, it will leave you feeling better prepared for your next holiday trip next year – to be an early bird. 

Build your confidence

If you have a problem talking to strangers back at home, take the opportunity to learn how to interact with people. After all, though strangers, they are just like you. Let loose, (though with caution so that you do not expose yourself to insecurity). 

If you are the shy type - go out and have fun. rk. 

One favourite for many travellers who want to get the feel of the pulse of a place is setting aside time to indulge through observation and “watch a life-streaming movie” as it unfolds right before you.

You could do this by spending a few hours sitting at a park or at a favourite spot in the middle/outskirts of a city or town, whatever your destination. 

The human interactions, the smells, the sounds the colours - all that is around will leave you in the sense of meditation, and you will be sure to notice stuff that will give you lasting memories of your destination for a long time.

Whenever you have an opportunity to do something adventurous get out of your comfort zone because this might be the only chance you will get such an opportunity.

Challenge yourself to try out things that you never thought you could do such as zip-lining, skydiving, bungee jumping, water rafting, snorkeling, rock climbing, and hiking.