On an upcoming trip, preparation plays a central role for success and the relaxation factor. This way you ensure a relaxed start and have all the necessary accessories for the holiday at hand. But when packing your suitcases, but also when choosing the right luggage, there are many pitfalls lurking. We show you how to keep an eye on all the important points during your preparation.

Create a thorough checklist

Before you start the actual packing of the suitcases, you should create a thorough checklist. Certainly, meticulously writing down the necessary utensils is not only not much fun at first glance, but can also take a long time. At the same time, however, the list makes the actual packing of bags and suitcases much easier. Apps can also be a valuable tool when creating a corresponding list. The individual points can be conveniently entered here and ticked off when completed. This way, you always have an overview, and most of these planning apps are available free of charge for all common platforms. If you prefer to use the classic version with paper and pen, you can create categories with different colors to highlight particularly important medications, for example. This provides more clarity and prevents these essential accessories from being forgotten.

High-quality cases and bags make the difference

But the best list is of little use if the right luggage is missing. Especially for longer trips, sturdy, high-quality bags and suitcases are essential. These can easily cope with the high weight that has to be moved on holiday. In addition, there is the possibility to use corresponding accessories with important additional functions. This applies, for example, to practical wheels on the underside, a padded carrying strap or even an integrated lock to prevent unauthorized access to the contents. In general, good suitcases are not really cheap, but the investment is worth it. The luggage proves to be a stable and long-term companion even under high loads.

Tip: Modern suitcases and bags not only impress with a high practical use, but are also often considered a fashion accessory. Elaborate patterns and colours, different materials or well-known themes are taken up in the design to provide the desired variety. There are also elaborately designed products for children with the favorite hero from well-known series or books.

Think about your pets too

Before you successfully start your holiday with packed suitcases, you should also think about caring for your pet. In many cases, it is not easy to take with you. This applies, for example, to many small animals, such as a hamster. But in the meantime, there are good opportunities to increase the well-being of animals even when they are away with suitable pet supplies. This applies, for example, to a stable stable for animals that generally live outdoors. Corresponding offers in excellent quality are available at surprisingly low prices for chickens, for example. There is also the right product for rabbits or rabbits, for example with a large stable with numerous activities and retreats. With the right equipment, your pets can relax and enjoy their time in their familiar surroundings, while you forget your worries and gather new impressions while travelling.

If you don’t pay attention once, and it’s done: A car accident during your holiday trip is probably pretty much the last thing you need. But if it has happened, you should first stay calm and get an overview of what is happening. We explain what to do in the event of an accident on holiday and what you need to consider if it is a leasing or rental car.

Procedure

If you have an accident abroad, proceed in the same way as in the case of an accident in Germany:

1. Keep calm and get an overview of the accident site.
2. If possible, get out of the car carefully. Pay attention to the traffic and secure the scene of the accident with a warning triangle. Always keep an eye on the traffic so that further accidents do not occur.
3. Make sure that your passengers and the other party in the accident are okay. If necessary, provide first aid and notify the emergency doctor. In any case, contact the police to prevent disputes about the course of the accident.
4. Then make a note of the course of the accident, take photos and ask the other party for his contact details.
5. Fill in the European Accident Report. The report is a uniform document throughout Europe. But don’t sign anything you don’t understand.
6. Contact your insurance company and clarify the further procedure.

Accident with the rental car

If you have an accident with a rental car during your holiday trip, then proceed in the same way as described above. Contact the police, but also the car rental company immediately after the accident. If necessary, they will then receive a replacement car for the remaining time. Just like in Germany, the car insurance of the other party in the accident will pay for the damage to your rental car if it caused the accident. If you caused the accident, your liability insurance will cover the damage to the other person’s car, but not the damage to your rental car. Here you need comprehensive insurance.

Therefore, take a close look at the insurance coverage of the rental car and the amount of coverage before renting a car. It is advisable to book full or partial comprehensive insurance in order to be covered in the event of an accident. If you then cause an accident, the comprehensive insurance usually covers the costs of repairing your rental car. In order for the insurance cover to take effect, you should notify the police. This is often also noted in the terms and conditions of car rental companies.

Accident with the leased vehicle

In the case of an accident with a leased vehicle , just like in an accident with a private car, the question of guilt must first be clarified. If you are at fault for the accident, your comprehensive insurance will pay for the damage to the leased car. In the event of a total loss, it pays for the replacement value. Often, fully comprehensive insurance is even mandatory for concluding a contract when leasing. Comprehensive insurance also covers personal injury. The lessor usually handles the repair damage. In the event of an accident with a leasing car caused by a third party, the motor vehicle liability insurance of the other party in the accident covers the damage to your leased car.

Before you drive your leased car abroad, first check whether this is contractually permitted. A trip to an EU country is often possible without consent. If an accident has occurred with the leased car abroad, then act in the same way as described above. In addition, complete the European accident report. Some car insurance policies are also valid in Europe and will cover the damage if you have an international insurance card.

Does the insurance cover the costs?

If you have an accident abroad, report this immediately to your insurance company in Germany. If you are at fault for the accident abroad, your car insurance will pay for the damage to the car. Personal injury and compensation for pain and suffering are usually somewhat more difficult to settle and should be discussed with a lawyer. Contact the hotline of the Zentralruf der Autoverversicherungen if you need information about the liability insurance of the other party in the accident. You will forward these to the insurance representative. However, this is only the case if the accident occurred in Europe.

Remember to take the international proof of liability insurance (“Green Card”) with you on holiday, as well as a first aid kit, a warning triangle and high-visibility vests. If your holiday destination is not listed on the Green Card, you may have to take out border insurance.

If you have to seek medical treatment abroad after the accident, you should have international health insurance . This pays for the costs and, if necessary, also for the return transport.

Result

A car accident on vacation can be quite the mind. The most important thing, however, is to keep calm and not hang your head. The further procedure can usually be easily arranged with the local police and – if it is a rental car – with the car rental company. If you are travelling abroad with your own car, don’t forget high-visibility vests, first aid kits and warning triangles, as well as the “Green Card”. If you have a rental car, it also makes sense to take out partial or fully comprehensive insurance so that you do not have to pay for damage to the rental car in the event of an accident that you are responsible for.

There are many different great ways to spend a family holiday together. From flexible travel by camper van to air travel to creative holidays at home, everything is possible!

The Exotics: Flight and Cruise Ship

If parents want to go on another trip with their children, it is a good idea to shorten the active travel time by flying. Of course, waiting at the airport and checking in also takes a lot of time, but children have even more freedom of movement and games can be played that would not be possible in the car, for example. Flying with babies is of course not for everyone, but good preparation can be used to it. From a certain age of the children, however, a family holiday together is then well possible as a plane trip. Of course, the question of cost also plays a role for most people on a family holiday. Air travel – especially if it is long-distance travel – is often one of the more expensive types of travel.

Nevertheless, air travel is enjoying some popularity: In 2018, there were around 46 million flights in global aviation – and the trend is even rising. Of course, these figures do not only include holiday travel, but various studies also expect increasing numbers in civil passenger air traffic: The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), for example, expects an annual growth rate of 4.8 percent in civil passenger air traffic until 2036. So if a family wants to join this trend for a family vacation, it is actually possible to find comparatively inexpensive long-haul flights by researching. A flight from Frankfurt to Tampa with the airline Discover , for example, is an offer that is also suitable for a family holiday together. Especially for family trips, Tampa , which has a population of about 400,000, is a real public tip. For example, the Busch Gardens amusement park in northern Tampa is known for its many breakneck roller coasters.

The “Laser Ops Xtreme Fun Center” also promises a lot of family fun: On over 3,000 square meters, you will find one of the largest laser tag arenas in Florida as well as a huge hall with numerous arcade game machines. Families who want to take it a little easier can spend a relaxing day at the centrally located Tampa Zoo . Last but not least, the legendary Disney World Resort in Orlando is just an hour and a half drive from Tampa. These many attractions, as well as the year-round pleasant climate, make Tampa an ideal destination for an eventful family vacation.

Another – albeit rather expensive – family holiday offer is a trip on a cruise ship. The advantages of this are that all destinations of the trip are already planned and everything is organized. Thus, both parents and children can sit back and enjoy. Germans in particular like to use this type of travel: in 2018, 2.2 million Germans took a cruise – and are thus at the top compared to other European countries. Comparatively, only the British made nearly as many cruises, with a value of 2 million people.

Desire for flexibility: car or camper van

If parents want to make their family holiday more flexible and adapted to the daily needs of all family members, a trip by car or a camper van makes perfect sense. Whether it’s a city trip through France, Italy, Spain, etc. or rather a road trip through your own country or neighboring countries, there is a lot to discover on a road trip.

Depending on the mood of the day, large cities such as Hamburg, Frankfurt, Vienna or Graz can be visited, or smaller, cozy towns, such as Bregenz in Vorarlberg, Gartz in the Uckermark or Murten in Switzerland, a wide variety of routes can be planned. With a coffee in the city centre, a museum with a special focus and exciting tips from locals, wonderful memories from the family holiday can be collected.

Above all, spending the night together on a campsite, either in a bus or tent, can also be experienced beautiful moments around the campfire or with outdoor games. The closeness to nature, which is experienced in the course of sleeping in a tent, makes the family holiday an unforgettable experience, which especially children from big cities will dream of for a long time.

Relaxed and uncomplicated: Holidays at home

A family holiday at home can also be made totally interesting and pleasant. Day trips depending on your mood, joint creative projects, such as creating self-painted wall portraits, or even a craft project such as building a tree house can create great memories and make the time together with the family a high-quality one without being characterized by boredom.

Theme days, such as a “water day” with swimming at your own pool, a water fight with water balloons and spray guns or sliding on a wet and soaped tarpaulin could also be an idea for a family holiday at home. There are no limits to the creativity of parents and children!

Family vacations are therefore as diverse as the families who plan them. So it should be possible for everyone to experience something great together and fill the summer with unforgettable memories.

Flying with babies is not always easy, especially the first time. Often the little ones scream or cause stress in other ways. What to look out for before and during the flight is what the following article will be about. To this end, some central questions will be answered and useful tips will be provided.

When can babies be taken on the plane?

Some airlines accept babies as young as two days old. From the age of two weeks, the infants are then allowed on almost any plane. In exceptional cases, the child must be a few months old. More detailed information can be found on the websites of the respective airline. Sometimes there is even a baby changing room or a play corner for the very young. Otherwise, these can be found in the washrooms on the plane. If it is unclear whether the child is actually healthy, an appointment with the pediatrician will help.

What are the additional costs?

Up to the age of two, infants are allowed to travel on an adult’s lap, but only one child per person, i.e. parent. There is only a small flat rate of 10 to 20 percent of an adult’s airfare, often between 15 and 50 euros. It is secured with an additional lap belt. A separate children’s seat costs between 75 and 100 percent of a regular flight ticket. Children older than two years of age must have their own seat on the plane.

Carry-on baggage during the flight

Most airlines are generous in this regard, and baggage allowances are the same as adult passengers. Again, the regulations differ from airline to airline. Babies and children with their own seat are generally subject to the same baggage allowance as adults. Larger items such as the stroller or a travel cot must be checked in as bulky luggage and are usually not allowed in the cabin. In the best case, the cabin crew receives them directly at the aircraft door for stowage. Some things that the baby needs during the flight are often free of charge. Excluded from the strict hand luggage regulations are baby milk, porridge or feeding bottles. This also applies to indispensable medicines. You can either bring your own baby food or it is available on request on the plane.

Required travel documents

With a children’s passport, you can travel to any country. However, exceptions prove the rule. For example, you need a separate passport for the baby or a visa for the USA . South Africa , on the other hand, requires the original birth certificate to avoid complications when leaving the country. Information is available from the embassies of the country in question. In some countries, a travel authorization from the legal guardians is added if your own parents do not fly with you.

What is important before departure?

Before departure, it is important to check a checklist for flying with babies again to make sure that all travel documents and things that the baby needs during the flight and on vacation are there. this applies to diapers, wet wipes, a change of clothes and baby food. Toys, picture books or toys, depending on the age of the toddler, also don’t hurt for a bit of variety. It is best if the flight times do not significantly affect the baby’s daily and sleep rhythm. Night flights are particularly advantageous. A time buffer on arrival helps to avoid stress. This eliminates annoying waiting times at the counter. Many airports have their own family area. Families with babies are allowed on the plane before the other guests.

Bassinet and other useful things for flying with baby

A Bassinet is a cot or baby basket on an airplane. It is usually hooked to the wall in the first row. This allows the baby to sleep comfortably in between. Of course, it is also possible to bring your own baby seat. In this case, however, the full ticket price must be paid. In any case, it is important to find out about the exact regulations of the airline beforehand. If there is pressure on the ears , a pacifier or a bottle helps to calm the infant. Otherwise, the favorite toy provides mitigation. If the toddler falls ill before departure, the flight should be avoided if possible. This is all the more true in the case of contagious childhood diseases such as chickenpox.

What else do you need to consider when flying with a baby?

If in doubt, there is always someone on board for support, because traveling with a baby can quickly become exhausting. It is important to keep calm, even if other passengers feel disturbed by baby crying or the toddler romping around. The flight crew also has useful tips for this. Suitable water for the baby bottle is provided by the crew. The onion look helps with temperature fluctuations. The air conditioning system is mainly responsible for this.

Whether it’s some time in the mountains, by the sea or in an interesting city: holidays are the most beautiful time of year. Even booking the trip in advance triggers a lot of feelings of happiness. However, many ask about the best time to book. At the latest then, early-bird trips and last-minute trips come into play. Early bird trips are booked between four and six months before the start of the trip. They often offer their advantages to those who depend on fixed vacation periods. Last-minute offers, on the other hand, are particularly advantageous for spontaneous travelers.

Holiday Last Minute: Rich Discounts

For the German Travel Association (DRV), a trip is considered a last-minute trip if the binding booking is made no more than two weeks before the start of the trip. Shortly before the start of the trip, the various tour operators want to fill up their last remaining contingents. So they then offer holiday packages at particularly low prices – shortly before the start of the trip, rich discounts apply. And if you are a bit tight financially, there are now even loans with immediate commitment.

Last minute vs. remaining places

Unoccupied seats on the aircraft as well as free hotel rooms where vacancy is imminent are remaining seats. They are often offered at particularly reduced prices. After all, the respective tour operators do not want to be completely left with their costs. According to this, remaining places are particularly cheap last-minute offers that are booked spontaneously. Remaining seats including flights are temporarily offered with discounts of up to 50 percent.

The advantages of last minute holidays

Of course, the low price is the big advantage of last minute travel. In addition, spontaneous travelers can also check the weather conditions in the holiday destination due to the very short-term trip – then the last minute trip may have a sunshine guarantee. Statistics also show that due to the short deadlines, changes in flight times are also less frequent.

Where to find suitable last-minute offers

Departure times, destinations and hotel categories: If travelers are consistently flexible here, they meet all the criteria to make bargains in the last-minute segment. Daily updated prices are offered by tour operators and well-stocked remaining place exchanges.

Book last minute trips cleverly

Usually, prices for holiday offers are lowered about 1 – 2 weeks before the respective travel date. Sometimes the deadline is even shorter. The benchmark is often the lack of occupancy of flights and hotels. Therefore, last minute trips are generally offered all year round. However, particularly popular routes and hotels are often fully booked during the peak travel season, so there are no remaining places left. As a result, bookings should not be delayed for long, the offers are only available to a limited extent. Checking the websites of various tour operators as well as the various social media offers prove to be clever in order not to miss any last-minute bargains and remaining space offers.

By the way:
Comparative calculations of travel vouchers and offer discounts are worthwhile! Compared to euro discounts, percentage discounts usually bring more savings. In addition, less frequented destinations are cheaper, this also applies to the departure airport.

Once the right offer has been found, it is possible to book a last minute trip online up to 24 hours before departure. Taking into account existing precautionary and hygiene requirements at the respective destination, nothing stands in the way of such a spontaneous journey. Overviews of current entry requirements of the holiday countries can be found quickly online.

Cancellations are possible

Any trip can be canceled. In most cases, however, cancellation fees will be charged. The following applies: The shorter the cancellation, the higher the costs. Therefore, it is worthwhile to study the applicable conditions for cancellations in the respective conditions of the tour operator.

Tip: In certain cases, travel insurance with cancellation protection applies. They then pay the fees.

Last minute travel: Many advantages, but also a disadvantage

If you want to go on holiday spontaneously, in good weather and cheaply, you can travel with last minute offers at rock-bottom prices. Because the start of the trip is so prompt, travel cancellation insurance can be saved. The security conditions in the choice of the target country deserve attention. The disadvantage is the limited selection of destinations, flight times, hotel facilities and room categories.
So when it comes to selection and preparations, the following often applies: We don’t have time!

A conclusion

Comparatively higher discounts can be expected for last-minute offers. Leisure travellers who want to book both spontaneously and flexibly are well served with last minute travel offers. The only disadvantage is the smaller selection compared to other discount campaigns. This mainly concerns the peak travel season. On the other hand, there are often nice bargains in the low season!
However, if you are dependent on the peak travel season and are focused on a specific holiday destination as well as on a specific hotel, it is better to book early to ensure a nice holiday at the best prices.