Planning a holiday these days takes a little more thought and planning than before the emergence of Covid-19. Petowners have always had to think ahead to find pet care and petsitting while they are away. However, now we all have to plan well in advance to understand travel restrictions where we are headed, and any other implications.

Below you’ll find some top tips to keep in mind on how to prepare for a trip away and manage any eventualities.

Planning a getaway in this year?

How to prepare for a trip away and any eventuality

There are lots of things to take into consideration as you prepare for a trip. All holidays require planning. However, the uncertainties and travel restrictions of the last two years have complicated things more than usual. So it’s understandable that you might feel a little anxious about travelling and making firm plans.

The effect of illness on travel plans

In recent years we have all had to consider the effects of illness and more recently a global pandemic as we prepare for a trip.

For example when it came to Covid travel restrictions, no two countries were the same. It can make the thought of travelling abroad sound daunting and worrisome. Furthermore, rules and regulations seemingly changed all the time, making things even more confusing. Which makes it all the more important that you do prepare for a trip ahead of time.

What are the questions to consider as you prepare for a trip

There are several questions that worry most people as they prepare for a trip:

• What happens if your trip is cancelled at the last minute?
• Which documents will you need to go abroad?
• What if new restrictions prevent you from getting home?

Thankfully, there are ways to overcome these concerns by making efforts to prepare for a trip. Read on to find out how you can prepare a travel checklist for all eventualities when planning your 2022 getaway.

Devise a plan and a travel preparation checklist

Planning ahead will save you a lot of hassle in the long-term. Create a schedule of your holiday covering each day from the first to the last. It doesn’t have to be overly-complex. Just prepare something that lists the timings and places you have to be on any specific day.

It might also be a good idea to book a few items ahead of time. Look up any tours or events you’re interested in before you leave home and download or print the relevant tickets. That way, you won’t have to worry about relying on finding Wi-Fi while you’re away.

Prepare for a trip by backing up your plans

Also make sure you have hard and digital copies of everything you need. For example, photocopy your passport, boarding passes, vaccination status, and any other important documents you need with you. Ideally, you should keep everything together in one folder.

However, you must make sure you have copies elsewhere in your luggage or on your person, in case you lose the folder.  This may seem a bit fussy but it helps you get ready for any eventuality on your trip away.

How to prepare for a trip away – Research

Researching your destination is important. However, make sure your research is thorough.

Look at what’s required of you amid Covid restrictions to get in to your destination and once you are there when you are moving around. Requirements will vary between different countries and different airlines, so make sure you know exactly what documents or apps you need; not just to enter your destination, but to return home.

Rules for Covid away from home

Different countries can have different mask rules – for instance some places don’t allow cloth face coverings, instead requiring that people wear designated surgical masks only. There might also be certain apps that you need to download in order to show vaccination status.

Note this well – some countries only recognise vaccination apps that are approved by their own governments. It’s also a good idea, before you arrive at your destination, to establish where the local police, medical, and fire stations are near where you will stay. Also, find out the phone numbers for emergency services just in case.

Get insurance cover

The covid pandemic has caused uncertainties everywhere, but particularly when it comes to travelling to foreign destinations. With regulations seemingly changing all the time and restrictions constantly getting updated, there is always every chance that your holiday could be cancelled at the very last minute.

That’s why it’s important that you have adequate cover against covid cancellations, so that you don’t end up out of pocket.

Prepare an emergency fund

Being away from home in a relaxing environment can make you more carefree than usual. It can be easy to spend more than you anticipated while you’re on holiday. Try to set yourself a budget for going away and stick to it.

It’s also wise to set aside some money in case of emergencies while you’re away. Ideally, have a separate bank account that you can access should you need to, and also keep some spare emergency cash with a trusted travel companion or hidden in your luggage, so you’re not tempted to spend it.

Find a house sitter

What is a house sitter?

A house sitter is someone whom you choose to care for your home and pets while living in your home. Their duties can vary and expand according to your requirements, their skill sets and amenability.

It is good to know that while you are away on holiday you can have peace of mind knowing there is someone there to keep your home safe. Start by looking for housesitters to help you.

How do you find house sitters and pet sitters to help?

But how do you find the sitters already checked and with home care experience? Look no further, we at Housesitmatch.com can help you to find suitable sitters that are already checked and with experience.

These days there are a range of housesitting platforms like Housesitmatch that offer wide access to pre-checked house and petsitters through a managed network.

Advantage of a housesitting platform and network

Using a housesitting platform to start looking for housesitters can save you a great deal of money. You may have to pay a small annual fee to register, however, once you have created a profile the rest is easy as they say.

Looking for house sitters

The best part about the housesitting arrangement is that no money changes hands. The house sitters will housesit and petsit, for free in exchange for free accommodation. It’s a win win for all including the pets who get to stay in their own home undisturbed.

Final thoughts on how to prepare for a trip away

Follow our advice for planning a getaway in 2022 and you should be prepared for any eventuality.

Plan for a live in house sitter

As you prepare for a trip don’t forget to plan for a housesitter. A housesitter can help you by caring for your property and pets in your absence. And if you choose Housesitmatch.com once you have joined membership and paid the small annual fee there are no other costs.

Plan to have a live in housesitter because of your home insurance. Making sure your house insurance is not invalidated by leaving your home empty while you are away is critical. Consider having a checked live in house-sitter look after your pets, home and garden in your absence.

That way the insurance company will be satisfied that you have taken ever precaution.

To Register as a House-Sitter yourself for housesitting and pet sitting follow this link HOUSE-SITTER REGISTRATION

To Register as a Homeowner yourself follow this link HOMEOWNER REGISTRATION

We hope you found these few house sitting guidelines useful! The are just a starting point and by no means an exhaustive list. Be sure to do your homework before travelling. Ensure that everything is prepared for your departure and your house sitter is briefed and settled.

Trusted house sitters

More questions about House Sitting and Pet sitting? Perhaps some of our most popular FAQs pages could prove useful:

What is House Sitting?

What is pet sitting?

FURTHER READING ON HOME AND PET CARE

4 Pet care tips for when you are away

The Affordable Alternative to Dog Kennels