Aah holidays. We’ve waited all year, eaten frugally to put our pennies aside so we can splash in the pool and splash out on an exciting new summer wardrobe and cozzies galore.
And yet, it’s a bit of a nerve-wracking time too. Booking.com has revealed that 36% of holiday makers experience anxiety, expecting problems to arise as early as day one.
There are various triggers for holiday anxiety, ranging from a fear of flying to worries about language barriers and culture shock to the general tetchiness at not being around to make sure things at work go smoothly. Then there is the fear of your house being burgled. There’s also the issue of missing special people if they are not enjoying the holiday with you.
Being in a new country in particular makes people nervous. Things work differently, there are customs you might not know about and the food may not agree with you.
Yet there are things you can do to take down the stress levels a notch or two. We’ve compiled a list of handy items that make us feel more at home when we’re in a strange place, and we hope they’ll alleviate your holiday nerves too.
Holiday Home from Home Cosiness Kit
Kettle, tea and coffee
An absolute must for anyone who can’t function without their daily cup of coffee. As well as giving you an energy boost after a long flight, hot drinks are a form of cosiness in a cup that comforts you when you are getting those homesickness pangs. It’s not uncommon to rock up at your hotel only to start your holiday with that disappointed feeling that there are to be no warm beverages unless you are happy to part with two euros a throw.
Yes, we know they have tea and coffee in shops at your holiday destination, but while you’re settling in, you definitely need to take away the stress of finding the local amenities as soon as you arrive, so pack a few PG Tips.
A favourite cup
Even if your hotel does provide you with a cup and saucer, it’s never the same as a good mug of tea. Pack it in your suitcase wrapped in socks and other clothes to keep it protected during the flight.
Your favourite shampoo, shower gel and smellies in travel-size bottles
Once again you can get hold of these items in shops, but if you prefer a certain brand that makes you feel a million dollars, then don’t be pressured into a thrifty existence stealing hotel supplies. Being somewhere new and feeling nervous about it, you need you need your A-game. Don’t forget that perfume or aftershave that takes you back to happy times dating your number one.
Travel guide, phrase book and mini dictionary
Getting to know a new culture can be daunting, but with a travel guide, you can start to get excited about all the new places you will discover while there. Find out what trips your tour operator provides and make some plans. Make it your mission to photograph as many of these places as you can.
Your travel book will contain some nifty phrases, but take a mini dictionary in case you need to communicate something else.
A journal
We live in a 24/7 switched on culture, which means we are never really fully relaxed.
For some, the idea of “doing nothing” for a whole fortnight can provoke nail-biting and butterflies, so turn your holiday into a project. Once you’ve planned out what things you hope to achieve, where you want to see, what foods you want to sample, and what language skills you are hoping to pick up, you can record your holiday in a journal. When you come home you can add in your photographs as a keepsake from an excellent holiday that you will no doubt reminisce about.
Photos
If you had to leave someone special behind, or a beloved family pet, keep them close to you in spirit with a photograph. Yes, you have photos on your phone, and paper pictures are so retro, but for the nostalgia factor alone, they get a big thumbs up from us. You can put it under your pillow, plus you don’t need to charge a photograph up. Better for the environment, and after all those air miles you have accumulated, you kind of owe it to the planet, right?
A favourite paperback
When you’re feeling homesick or out of your comfort zone, there’s nothing like a novel to transport you to somewhere you feel more at home. Holidays are for “fun” reading: no university textbooks, coding manuals or reports. When it comes to holiday reading, there is one rule only: it has to be 100% enjoyable.
Sun cream and aftersun
I know these don’t go with the list of fun reminders of home, but if you don’t take these items, you really will feel uncomfortable. We all know what sun cream is for. You need to apply it regularly to keep the burning at bay. Aftersun is a soothing lotion to ease those burns if they do happen. Plus it makes your skin feel good after a shower. If you buy these abroad, you will end up paying full price, so pack them in the suitcase before your trip.
Thinking of somewhere more long-term? If you’ve got itchy feet and are dying to bag a few adventures, Rent A Space is here to help you take care of your things in the short, medium or longer term. Find out more about what household storage options we can offer.