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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81.3% Yes
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16% No
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2.7% Other - I'll share below
Persistence and Attention to Detail (Day 7)
In the serene village of Te Ao Marama, a young Māori student named Aroha was studying engineering at a renowned university in Aotearoa (New Zealand). Aroha was a dedicated learner, carrying with her the aspirations of her whānau (family) and iwi (tribe). She approached her studies with the same principles her tūpuna (ancestors) had lived by: manaakitanga (care and respect for others), kaitiakitanga (guardianship), and a commitment to excellence.
Aroha had consistently achieved high marks in her studies, always earning recognition for her hard work. But when her third-year semester results were published, Aroha was disheartened to see her grades fall to a whakamanawa noa (average pass). One course, in particular, had received unusually low marks, and she couldn’t understand why.
Instead of reacting in frustration, Aroha reflected on the teachings of her kaumātua (elders): "Kia mau ki te tūmanako” — hold on to hope. She sought advice from her peers, who told her to let it go and move forward. They warned her that challenging the system could be risky and might even result in worse outcomes.
Aroha, however, trusted her instincts. She remembered how her tupuna would pause to think carefully before making important decisions. She went to the local marae for karakia (prayer) and spent time in quiet contemplation, asking for guidance. While reflecting, she recalled that during the exam, she had used extra paper to explain her calculations. A thought struck her: what if the additional pages hadn’t been reviewed?
With renewed determination, Aroha submitted a formal request for a recount (re - totaling of her marks). She included a note explaining that she had attached extra pages and asked the examiners to check whether they had been accounted for.
When the recount results came back, her suspicion proved correct—the additional pages containing key parts of her answers had been overlooked. Her recalculated score not only restored her distinction but also placed her among the top students in her class.
Aroha shared the news with her whānau, who celebrated her perseverance. But she also took a moment to thank her professors for their work and acknowledge the importance of the process.
Moral of the Story
This story reflects the principles of whakamanawa (perseverance) and aro nui (attention to detail). Aroha’s success came not only from her hard work but from her willingness to trust her instincts, reflect thoughtfully, and act with respect for the academic system.
Her journey also highlights manaakitanga—the importance of showing gratitude and care for others, even when seeking justice for oneself. For Aroha, her achievement was not just a personal victory but a way to honour her tūpuna and demonstrate how Māori values can guide success in all aspects of life.
Ridiculous Fuel Pricing!
I opted to drive down 5kms to Waitomo Epsom, where fuel prices are lower compared to anywhere in Mount Roskill. On a full fuel tank of about 40 liters, you'll save around $8.5 overall, and this is without any discounts at Waitomo. Mobile Epsom is still cheaper, and the savings would have been $12 or more.
This math of pump pricing is beyond me as the source/starting point of the tankers is more or less the same and the suburbs aren't that far away 🤔.
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