The Rolling Effect

There’s nothing worse than creased clothing and rolling your clothes actually creases them less than folding them. It also seems to take up much less space too. Lay flat and fold in the sleeves of any tops, then roll into a neat package. It’s also worth arranging the space into different sections – one for tops, one for bottoms, one for dresses etc.

Fold your clothes together

Taking 5 different vest tops? Lay them one on top of the other in a pile and then fold them all together, this can help to minimise the space that they take up and helps to reduce wrinkling.

The Bundling Method

This one is a bit trickier to explain, but it is well worth it. First of all you need to create your bundle, which should be around ½ the size of your suitcase. This could be all of your underwear and socks for example. Pop in a cloth bag or pillow case. Next start laying your clothes in the suitcase.

Start with the piece of clothes that wrinkles the most, or your biggest piece of outerwear. Lay the collar or waistband flat against the edge of the case and then let the remaining fabric drape on the outside.

Repeat this process but alternate which way you lay the clothes. When all your clothes are laid down, put your ‘bundle’ in the middle of the suitcase and then fold the draped fabric back into the case, over the top of the bundle. Do this in reverse order and you will end up with a large bundle that doesn’t waste any space in your suitcase and because they aren’t folded too much, your clothes should stay fairly wrinkle free!

If you choose the right suitcase then you can avoid scenes like this as well as avoiding the annoying baggage fees for over sized pieces of luggage or the need to fit as much as possible in your carry on luggage.

When it comes to suitcases there are a number of options to choose from, backpacks to hold alls and large suitcases. All of these can come with a range of wheels, back straps on the smaller items and retractable handles. It is important to know exactly what you are looking for before you start the hunt for your luggage, a good tip is if you want wheels on your suitcase make sure you look for ‘spinner luggage’ which has wheels that can do a 360 degree twist. These give you more mobility and you are less likely to run over others feet!

Traditionally suitcases come in two materials, hard or soft cases. Which one you choose is down to personal preference. Soft cases tend to be more common than hard cases, they tend to absorb shock better and are available in a wide variety of models. Hard cases tend to be in the ‘ultra light’ class which can help you meet weight restrictions easily. They also protect fragile items better than soft cases.

Whichever case you opt for it is important to make sure you are buying a good quality one. Cheap suitcases can split or tear and leave you with your washing hanging out so buy the best you can. Also try to opt for a non-black case, which it may not be pretty neon cases are harder to loose or mistake on the luggage belts meaning you can be sure you pick up the right suitcase.

Many countries have taken on the Euro and this tends to be quite easy to convert back in to pounds and pence but others can be a bit confusing. Then of course you have the tricky task of trying to find out exactly what currency it is you need for a country. Many of these are quite straight forward, but for smaller countries it can be difficult knowing exactly what you need. For these countries it is often worth taking travellers checks which can be cashed in once you arrive at your destination in to the correct currency.

Of course many countries will now accept American Dollars as well as their own currency so it is often worth keeping a few of these tucked away in your luggage to allow them to be used if you haven’t brought the right currency.

The first of this is to understand the driving laws of the country you are visiting as well as typical speed limits; unfortunately for speeding offenses ignorance is no excuse.  You should also make sure you are covered by your insurance company to drive abroad if you are taking you own car, make sure this includes breakdown recovery and any medical expenses which may result from an accident. If you hire a car while abroad you should be covered by the hire company’s insurance.  If you are taking your own car it is important to service your vehicle before you leave the UK to avoid any unpleasant surprises or detours to your holiday, such as spending a day in the local garage or on the side of a motorway.

Before driving in any country it is important to check if you need a ‘green card’ for the country. This is in place as proof that you have at least minimal insurance for the vehicle. It is also important to check if you need an International Driving Permit to drive in the country you are visiting.

If you do decide to take your own car on holiday it is essential you make sure you comply with any vehicle requirements in place. There are many requirements in certain countries, such as in winter, winter tyres are compulsory.

Finally it is important to note that although you are allowed to drive on a learner’s provisional license in the UK, this form of license does not mean that you can drive outside of the UK.

The first of these is your accommodation, you can choose from three of the Disneyland Resort Hotels. The great Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, the Disneyland Hotel and Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel. All these three hotels offer a great number of benefits, a complimentary fitness centre access, recreational facilities and all of this located only footsteps away from Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park. On top of this you get an exclusive Disney California Adventure Park entrance and theme park tickets. Plus guests receive a Disneyland Resort Park Hopper souvenir ticket which is valid for same day entry to both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park.

Included in a vacation package from the official Disney Travel Company  is one Magic Morning Early Access admission into a number of selected attractions at a designated theme park. This is valid with the souvenir ticket of three days or longer.

One of the great aspects of the vacation package for the kids is that you get your very own special cal welcoming you to Disneyland Resort from Mickey, Minnie or Goofy! Another one for the kids is Mickey’s Toontown Morning Madness, in this you get to interact with a Disney Character where you are the star.

Guests on the vacation package can also take advantage of preferred seating at selected shows within Disney California Adventure Park. You will also receive an exclusive Walt Disney Travel Company Collectible Pin and Lanyard only available to those on the vacation package.

As the setting for a major Hollywood film it will be surprising to learn that Skopelos has managed to stay off the holiday maker’s radar. Mamma Mia showed off the islands secluded beaches, rocky outcrops and stunning sunsets over the sea to their best, showing viewers just why this little Greek island is a great choice for a romantic getaway.

If it is a sun filled holiday you are after then why not try Flatey in Iceland. In summer this island gives you 21 hours of sunshine a day making it the perfect place to relax and unwind. This tiny island paradise is located in Breiðafjörður Bay with meadows and brightly coloured picturesque houses as well as wonderful views of the magnificent Snæfellsjökull volcano.

If you are looking for a paradise island with more than a sun soaked beach why not try out Mabul in Malaysia. This island is a brilliant hotspot for those with a passion for scuba diving and snorkelling boasting stunning marine life to rival the Galapagos Islands in South America. The gorgeous turquoise waters surrounding Mabul are not just the only reason to visit this tranquil island, there are amazing markets on offer at this beautiful sun soaked location.

Travel insurance is usually arranged at the time of booking the trip in question, however annual travel insurance cover can also be arranged.

Annual travel insurance tends to suit individuals or families that travel on a regular basis as appose to those that just make a one-off trip now and again.

Travel insurance can be tailored to the individual traveller. Insurance companies usually offer travel insurance or annual travel insurance to the likes of student travellers, business travellers, those that travel leisurely, those that use their holidays to take on an extreme sport, international travellers and those that travel regularly on a cruise liner.

The most common risks to be covered by travel insurance include the likes of cancellations, curtailments, delayed departures, loss, theft or damage to personal belongs, money and travel documents. Delayed baggage and emergency replacement of essential items, medical expenses, emergency evacuation, overseas funeral expenses, injuries, legal assistance, personal liability and rental car damage excess.

An annual travel insurance policy is one of the most cost effective policies to buy into if you are a regular traveller.

Annual travel insurance entitles the policyholder to full coverage for all of your trips regardless of how many times you travel.

Other discounts can be made if you are a couple or family as everyone can go onto the same policy.

Annual travel insurance usually comes in a variety of levels, when choosing such a cover, ensure it offers to correct insurance level to suit all of your needs.

There are a few well known locations to get down on one knee and pop the question, a restaurant, the beach even a theme park or at the pool side. These are all very public locations so if you are a feeling a bit nervous you may want to consider a park or woodland away from the mass crowds.

If you take the restaurant option it tends to give you more variety of ways to propose, you can either get down on one knee in the traditional way and ask either by first drawing everyone’s attention to your table or by letting your loved ones exclamation of delight draw the crowds. You can also hide the ring in a glass of champagne or in a piece of cake, this is a fun way of proposing though it can mean a sticky ring your other half may not want to put on their finger!

Even if you do not choose a public location you can still have a variety of options in the way to propose. Why not organise a romantic picnic in the woods, next to a roaring fire on the beach as the sun goes down or even with the help of characters in front of a princess castle in a theme park.

With so many ways and locations to propose how you do it very much depends upon you and your partners preferences and characters but in the end all that matters is getting that ‘yes’ when asking that eternal question, ‘will you marry me……..’

Every savvy travel knows that taking the first step on a trip be it a long weekend, an overnight break, a long holiday or even a 3 month cruise is foolish without travel insurance. But why is this? Well travel insurance is there protect you when you are on holiday, there are many unforeseen problems that can arise thorough no fault of the travellers and if they do occur you have the back up of travel insurance to help sort out the problems.

Make sure you get the most for your buck with my quick fire guide to types of holiday to choose from!

Self catering

Self catering holidays mean that your accomodation is included, but nothing else. There are no meals included in your holiday. This can be a good thing though -you can get out and explore the local area instead of sticking to your hotel but it can add up if you eat out everyday.

B&B

B&B or bed and breakfast as it’s commonly known, means that your holiday includes your accomodation and also breakfast each morning. A great way to start the day and make sure you fill up to save your pennies when it comes to lunch.

Half board

Half board holidays always include breakfast and will also include lunch or dinner, depending on your chosen deal -make sure you check this closely beforehand. These kind of holidays can be great if you just want to eat out for one meal a day.

Full Board

Full board holidays include your main meals – breakfast, lunch and dinner but most will not include any additional snacks or your drinks, so be prepared to pay extra for these.

All-inclusive

The grandaddy of all holidays, all-inclusive holidays include pretty much everything you’ll need – accomodation, breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. Check the fineprint on drinks though as sometime alcohol will not be included or there may be restrictions on what you can and can’t drink under your holiday agreement.