It’s no secret that the weather in the UK can be unpleasant. Rain, wind, cold, you name it, we’ve got it. Often all in the one day. For this reason, many people rely on an annual trip abroad to get some respite from the miserable climate, chasing the sun in warmer countries to get some much-needed vitamin D.

However, heading on a trip abroad involves a degree of planning. The last thing you want is for your holiday to be derailed because you were unorganised or poorly prepared. If you’re heading somewhere hot this year and not sure where to start when it comes to planning, we’ve got you covered. Check out this guide with some top tips before heading off.

Consider Using An External Storage Unit

One of the main concerns people have when going abroad is the safety of their home and possessions while they’re away. Empty houses can be attractive targets for thieves and burglars, who will look to take advantage of homes left unattended by holidaymakers.

Rather than getting someone to housesit for you, one of the best ways to ensure your possessions stay protected is to use an external self-storage unit. If you’re based in the Welsh capital, check out some of the storage options in Cardiff. You’ll be able to find an array of different units to suit whatever it is you need to store, be it expensive furniture or valuable artwork.

Pack Appropriately

It can be easy to think your packing can be done the night before. However, this is sure fire way to get stressed. Leaving anything to the last minute is a recipe for disaster, with packing able to cause us stress and anxiety even if it’s done well in advance. Do your packing in plenty of time and use a checklist to ensure you don’t forget anything.

Packing isn’t just a case of throwing clothes into a bag and being done with it. You’ll need to think carefully about how long you’re going for and what you’re likely to need in that time. Think about the temperature too, your woolly winter jumpers aren’t going to cut it in the sweltering sunshine. You’ll need loose, breathable clothes to help you avoid overheating. Dressing inappropriately in hot conditions can lead to potentially serious complications like heat stroke. Remember a hat, sunglasses, and sunblock too, prolonged exposure to the sun can be harmful to our skin, so always stay protected and take regular breaks in the shade.

Set A Budget

A holiday can be expensive. There are a lot of outgoings that you’ll need to take into considerations. These include travel tickets, accommodation, insurance, and clothing, not to mention the spending money that you’ll need when you get there. The best way to ensure you are not spending beyond your means is to draw up a budget ahead of time and strive to stick to it.

Think about everything you’re going to be spending on and work this into your budget. Set yourself daily limits to control your spending and guarantee that you’ll have enough to last the trip. Always remember to set aside some emergency money as well, it’s better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

Conclusion

For those of us who live in countries like the UK that are often wet and cold, getting away to warmer climates is often necessary to reset and recharge the batteries. However, to ensure you have the best possible time, you need to plan ahead. Follow the tips we’ve outlined above and make the most of your trip to the sun.