Top tips for a hassle-free holiday
Are you planning your next getaway? Organising a holiday is exciting, but the journey itself can sometimes be a little overwhelming. To ensure your trip is smooth from start to finish, here are some top tips from the travel experts at You, Me and Friends to help you avoid common travel pitfalls and enjoy a carefree vacation.
Before You Go
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Know your luggage and its contents
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Before you zip up your suitcase, it’s helpful to make a list of your contents in a notebook or on your phone. Taking a few quick photos of both the outside and inside of your luggage is also beneficial. If your bags are lost or delayed, having a written or visual record makes it easier to recover or replace your belongings.
Make copies of your documents
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It’s a good idea to keep all your essential travel documents - passport, tickets, and itineraries - in one easily accessible folder or wallet. You may want to scan these documents and store them digitally on your email or an app. Having backups ensures that even if something goes missing, you won’t be left stranded.
Choose the right travel insurance for you
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It’s worth spending time finding the right travel insurance policy that fits your needs and the places you’re heading. And of course, remember to double check the fine print to avoid any surprises! Look for coverage that includes things like medical emergencies, repatriation flights, trip cancellations, and lost baggage. Don’t hesitate to discuss your options with your insurance provider - they can help you select the perfect policy for your trip.
Research local customs and etiquette
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Familiarising yourself with the local customs, etiquette, and basic phrases of the country you’re visiting can help make your holiday smoother. Carrying a language phrasebook or using Google Translate can be handy in a place where English isn’t widely spoken. Free language learning apps like Duolingo can also get you started with basic conversations. A little research can go a long way in making your trip more enjoyable.
Think about travelling with medicines
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If you're travelling with medication, it's a good idea to keep it in the original packaging and carry a list of what you're bringing. This can help if customs have any questions. Packing at least three days' worth of medication, along with some clothes and personal items, in your carry-on is also smart - just in case your checked bag doesn't arrive at your destination.
Offline maps and apps
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Before you leave, you might want to download offline maps of your destination and any apps you think you’ll need, like translation tools or public transport guides. This ensures you’ll have access to essential information, even if you don’t have an internet connection. Organic Maps is a great free app that gives you access to city maps offline.
Set up travel alerts and notifications
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Registering your travel and signing up for travel alerts with Safetravel is a useful way to stay informed. Safetravel provides official advice for New Zealand citizens travelling overseas, including updates on travel advisories, emergency contacts, and tips for staying safe while abroad.
Bring a portable charger
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Bringing a portable charger with you could be a lifesaver. Whether you’re out exploring all day or find yourself stuck at the airport, having extra battery power ensures your phone or tablet stays charged when you need it most.
You can pick up a portable power pack from places like Kmart, just be sure to pack it in your carry-on bag.
Research places to visit
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Would you rather hike 10 stairs or 1,000? When researching attractions, it’s helpful to consider your groups fitness and energy levels. You might find that exploring nearby options that are easier to reach, or free of charge, could make your trip more enjoyable for everyone. TripAdvisor is a handy website to check reviews and find information about restaurants, hotels and attractions.
Discounts for over 65’s and kids
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Over 65? Many countries around the world offer discounted rates on public buses and trains, as well as entry fees to some museums and attractions. Visiting the Colosseum? That will be free. Visiting Prague? All transport will be free for tourists over 70. What about the Tokyo National Museum? That’s also free.
Want to take the grandchildren on a trip? The same rules apply, attractions are often free or discounted for children.
Enjoy the journey
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While planning and preparing can help make your holiday smooth and hassle-free, the most important tip is to remember to have fun and embrace the adventure. Whether you’re uncovering hidden corners of the world, sampling new foods, or simply soaking in the local culture, travel is all about creating memories.
So, enjoy the ride, and let your journey unfold in its own unique way. After all, it’s the unexpected moments that often make for the best stories when you return home. Safe travels!
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www.rymanhealthcare.co.nz...
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Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.
When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?
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82.4% Yes
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14.9% No
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2.7% Other - I'll share below
The Story of Tahu and the Sacred Visitor - Day 10
In a small kāinga (village) nestled by the ngahere (forest), lived an elderly woman named Tahu. She was a simple kuia (elder), devoted to the atua and known for her aroha (love and compassion). Though she lived humbly, Tahu’s heart was rich with kindness and her hands were always busy caring for others in her community.
One night, Tahu had a vision during her karakia (prayers). The atua spoke to her, saying that a great rangatira (chief) on a sacred journey would one day visit her home. This visitor would be a symbol of mana (prestige) and the spirit of aroha. Tahu woke with a sense of purpose and spent her days preparing for this rangatira’s arrival.
She tidied her whare (home) and tended to her māra (garden), ensuring everything was in perfect condition. Each day, she gathered the freshest kumara and sweetest berries from the ngahere, tasting them carefully to ensure they were fit for her guest. Although her people sometimes laughed at her efforts, saying, “Tahu, why prepare so much for someone who might never come?” she remained steadfast in her devotion.
One day, the great rangatira, Tāwhirimātea, arrived at her humble whare with his companion. Tahu’s heart swelled with joy as she welcomed them, offering water and the food she had so carefully prepared.
However, one of Tāwhirimātea’s companions noticed Tahu tasting the berries before offering them. He frowned and whispered, “It is disrespectful to offer food that has already been tasted.”
But Tāwhirimātea smiled and replied, “You judge her actions, but I understand her intentions. Tahu is not tasting out of disrespect—she is ensuring that only the sweetest and best berries are served. It is her aroha that makes this kai truly sacred.” He ate the berries with gratitude, blessing Tahu for her kindness.
The atua smiled upon Tahu, and the mana of her aroha inspired her whānau to live with the same compassion and care for others.
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Moral of the Story
This story teaches that acts of aroha (love and compassion), no matter how humble, hold the greatest mana. True kindness is not measured by wealth or grandeur but by the heart and intention behind our actions. Like Tahu, we are reminded to serve others with sincerity and respect, knowing that aroha strengthens the bonds of whānau and community.
Riddle Alert! Who’s Up for Some Brain-Busting Fun?
4-letter word, always done tomorrow,
We’re out of tea, the ultimate sorrow!
Without the eye, you owe me some money,
No sugar no nectar no sweetness no honey,
4-letter word, if by chance you choose,
You can never win, you can only lose!
What is the 4-letter word?
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