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: Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝
There’s growing debate about whether New Zealand’s extended Christmas break (and the slowdown that comes with it) affects productivity.
Tracy Watkins has weighed in ... now it’s your turn. What’s your take? 🤔
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73.1% We work hard, we deserve a break!
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16.2% Hmm, maybe?
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10.7% Yes!
Brain Teaser of the Day 🧠✨ Can You Solve It? 🤔💬
How many balls of string does it take to reach the moon?
(Peter from Carterton kindly provided this head-scratcher ... thanks, Peter!)
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm on the day!
Want to stop seeing these in your newsfeed? No worries! Simply head here and click once on the Following button.
Minimum wage to increase from April next year, Govt commits to bigger rise than last year
The Government will increase the minimum wage by 2% from April next year.
Workplace Relations Minister Brooke Van Velden announced the hourly wage would move from the current $23.50 to $23.95 in line with advice from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.
“Moderate” increases of the minimum wage formed part of NZ First’s coalition agreement with National.
Van Velden says the new rate, which would impact around 122,500 New Zealand workers, strikes a right balance between keeping up with the cost of living – the Reserve Bank expects inflation to fall to around 2% by mid-2026 – and no adding more pressure to the costs of running a business.
The starting out and training minimum wage would be move to $19.16 to remain at 80% of the adult minimum wage.
The minimum wage was last increased on April 1 this year. That 1.5% increased to $23.50, affecting between 80,000 and 145,000 workers, was not at the time in line with inflation which sat around 2.5% in March.
“I know those pressures have made it a tough time to do business, which is why we have taken this balanced approach. With responsible economic management, recovery and relief is coming,” Van Velden said.
“I am pleased to deliver this moderate increase to the minimum wage that reflects this Government’s commitment to growing the economy, boosting incomes and supporting Kiwis in jobs throughout New Zealand.”
Official documents from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) show the department provided the Minister with seven options for the minimum wage, ranging from maintaining the current rate or increasing by 3% up to $24.20 per hour.
A 2% increase was recommended, the Ministry said, as this was ”considered to best balance the two limbs of the objective - protecting the real income of low-paid workers and minimising job losses."
“CPI inflation forecasts suggest annual inflation will ease to be within the 2–2.5% range in the first half of 2026 and remain relatively stable at around 2% from June 2026 through to 2028.
“These forecasts indicate that a 2% increase would largely maintain the real income of minimum wage workers relative to the level of the minimum wage when it last increased on 1 April 2025.”
Officials said a 2% increase wouldn’t have significant employment restraint effects.
But given recent economic data, including a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) contraction and elevated unemployment, MBIE said it favoured a “cautious approach”.
“A 2% increase to the adult minimum wage is expected to affect approximately 122,500 workers, including those currently earning at or below the minimum wage, or between the current rate and $23.95.”
The key groups that would be impacted include youth, part-time, female, and Māori workers, as well as sectors like tourism, horticulture, agriculture, cleaning, hospitality, and retail.
“While these workers would benefit from a wage increase, they may also be more exposed to employer responses to increased labour costs such as reduced hours or adjustments to non-wage benefits,” the ministry said
“The estimated fiscal cost to government from this increase is relatively modest, at $17.5 million annually, consistent with the small cost estimates across all rate options.”
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