They say when something has to go wrong, it definitely will. But some preparedness certainly goes a long way. Through our long experience in the industry, we’ve put together some tips and bits of advice to help you have a hassle-free and enjoyable holiday.

• Be mindful of your passport. Always carry a copy of your passport in your check-in luggage. A copy of your passport helps during an emergency - especially if your passport has been misplaced or robbed.
• Travel light, so you don't have to lug around heavy luggage everywhere. Also, make sure you have a handbag where you keep essentials, documents, files, money or valuables - this will also help you avoid unnecessary tensions during security checks.
• Always name tag your hand and checked in baggage. Make sure that you mention your full name, phone number, flight details as well as the address you can be contacted at. The latter can be extremely helpful if your bags are misplaced or mishandled by an airline.
• Be on time. Make sure you are at the airport well in advance (3 hours prior to your schedule flight) - whether you are about to embark on a holiday or are returning from one. Traffic conditions in most places are unpredictable, so make sure you leave for the airport early.
• When going abroad, double check with your travel agent / airline if all flight and hotel reservations are made. Be sure to carry a list of contact names, addresses and phone numbers, the address of your hotel in the city that you are visiting and contact details of people back home. Make sure this list is in your handbag or purse, so you can get to it quickly during an emergency.
• When traveling abroad, give a copy of your itinerary details of your hotel and personal contacts in the country you are visiting to your family. It would help them track you faster in case of an emergency.
• Be attentive during the flight, so you are ready for any eventuality.
• Carry a couple paperbacks or magazines to keep you busy during long flights or travel schedules. You can also dig into these at your hotel room if your travel schedules have gone awry because of heavy thundershowers!

• Be organized in your packing, so you don’t have to rummage into your luggage for the pair of shorts for the safari or your sunscreen!
• Try and compartmentalize your luggage with paper / cardboard dividers, so you can get to things quickly and also your clothes stay ironed.
• Study the weather conditions in the city or country you are traveling, but also be prepared for any eventuality. Make sure you carry a light raincoat or umbrella in monsoon and jacket, in case temperatures at night dip. If you are going to a sunny place, carry cotton clothes, so you don't feel hot and uncomfortable. Also don't forget to pack some trendy and smart clothes, in case you get invited to a posh eatery.
• Travel entails walking! So carry some comfortable footwear; you could also pack a trendy pair to match those smart clothes.
• Make sure you carry some basic medicines with you for headaches, motion sickness, tooth aches, fever, stomach upsets or allergies and other common ailments, especially if you are travelling with children.
• It would help to create a check-list so you don't regret that you forgot to pack your camera or a torch!

• Once you arrive at your destination, keep your passport and part of your money locked in the hotel safe; also always carry a copy of your passport with you.
• When checking out of the hotel, take a few minutes to check all the drawers, cupboards and bathroom and even under the pillow, to make sure you haven't left anything behind.
• Eat light when you travel to avoid any indigestion and make sure you drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration during long flights. If you are doubtful of the water, rely on only packed bottles.
• Make sure you know the basic customs of the place you are traveling to, to avoid any social faux pa or even any serious offence.
• Be wary of people trying to sell you wares or any eatables on the roadside, unless the tourist guide says they are safe.

• If you plan on indulging in some shopping, a collapsible suitcase could prove very handy, as would bubble wrap - to keep those breakables safe.
• If you are in a foreign destination, where you don't know the language, make sure you have a pocket calculator for currency calculation and if you are using a credit card, it would be wise to write the amount of the items and the prices, date and place of the purchase, so you can tally it with your statement when it arrives.
• Be doubly careful when you are buying apparel, memorabilia or gifts from street markets; you could be cheated unless you have good bargaining skills. Also make sure you check the wares before purchasing. If you are shopping at proper stores, insist on a bill.