Happy Holidays!

Tropical beaches, country cottages, city breaks or trekking – we all have our own unique preferences for a holiday.

However, one thing all holidays do share in common is their potential to cause us considerable stress if our planning isn’t up to scratch.

With the summer holiday season upon us, I want to share some basic organisation tips to make sure your holiday is hassle-free.

Because our choice of holiday is as individual as we are, there’s no single format that will work for everyone – the prep for a week in Penzance will differ just a tad from the level of planning needed for two months in the Amazonian rainforests!

That said, there are some general pointers that should see you off to a trouble free break.

I travelled to Peru for three weeks in 2002, and I knew that it was going to be a life-changing experience, so I planned in advance to get the most out of the trip.

I want you to beat the post-holiday blues and get the most out of your break – be it local or international – so here are my five top tips to keep the holiday magic alive.

Tips for Keeping the Holiday Magic Alive

1. Plan your purchases

While you’re away, shop smart for souvenirs steer clear of novelty items that will just clutter up your home, and choose only things which will be beautiful or useful.

Good examples include jewellery or clothing that you can wear back home, and small household goods local ceramics or artwork, and utensils for re-creating local cuisine.

2. Capture the moment

Snapshots are an essential part of any holiday, and can be huge fun. Do remember to pick up local postcards too, as these will have been taken by professionals under optimum conditions, and if scenery is a big draw at your destination, then there will probably be local artists offering prints of their work at reasonable prices.

Consider creating a travel journal, or memory box, to keep selected shots and tickets stubs, brochures, cuttings etc.

3. Get into rhythm

If you’re travelling abroad, check the markets for recordings of local music, so you can summon up that holiday rhythm at will on the commute into work.

4. Celebrate your return

Beat the post-holiday blues by planning a celebration of your trip a few days after your return.

Invite friends and family over, cook a delicious meal inspired by your destination, play the local music you picked up, and share your best photos and stories.

5. Keep the magic alive

What did you enjoy most about your holiday? Did the leisure time give you any insights into what you’d like more of – or less of – in your life? Did you discover any new interests, or perhaps reveal an unexpected ability a knack for languages, or a sporting skill you never knew you had?

Holidays take us out of our everyday lives and as such can be extremely useful for giving us some perspective we eat, drink and live differently, and anything that has made your break enjoyable could be the key to creating a better life once you’ve returned.