When you think of Bora Bora and The Islands of Tahiti, you think of crystal clear water, serene beaches, overwater bungalows, and gorgeous sunsets. You can easily picture yourself in ultimate relaxation mode, getting away from your day-to-day stresses and worries.
Although this image is attainable, the fact is that 60% of Americans admit to not being able to unplug while on vacation; now with all of the new capabilities of remote work, this task may be even harder. To truly enjoy all that Tahiti has to offer, here are some tips to get everything in order at home before your trip, so you can relax and unwind for your entire vacation.
The easiest way to ease the stress of trip planning is to hire a professional. A travel professional’s job is to not only find and book the most amazing experiences for you, but also to take care of the logistics and any problems that arise. Missed flights, complicated inter-island transfers, new COVID-19 testing requirements, and any accommodations issues or emergencies while traveling are in the hands of someone qualified and knowledgeable. Working with a specialist for custom travel planning saves you hours of researching, comparing, and booking because you’re working with experts who have helped so many travelers before you. They already know which resorts, restaurants, and activities are the perfect fit for what you’re looking for, allowing you to sit back and enjoy.
If you want to be more hands-on in the process, look to sites that deal exclusively with your destination that offer planning services. This way, you know that the packages they offer and the resources and recommendations given are from true knowledge and comparison, rather than a large search engine where info can easily get lost or a social media influencer or travel blogger who was paid to visit a resort.
Before the pandemic, many travelers asked us, do you really need travel insurance? Venture Tahiti has always recommended travel insurance for long international trips because of the investment and the unavoidable unknowns involved in an expensive trip. With the pandemic, many travelers faced a harsh new reality of canceled trips and lost funds when they didn’t consider the need for added protection (i.e. a “Cancel for Any Reason” policy), especially when so many airlines were offering deals.
With the added worries and considerations of Covid-19, there are many more costs. Tahiti specifically is asking for all travelers to purchase travel insurance that covers Covid-19 health and medical expenses or agree to personally cover all Covid-19 related expenses should you contract it. With the uncertainty of the pandemic, travel insurance not only buys you peace of mind, but actual protection if something were to go wrong, whether Covid-19 related or not.
Getting your home ready before a long vacation involves lots of considerations, especially since many of us have not had a vacant home since before the pandemic. If you tend to be a worrier, there are a few extra steps and security measures you can put into place before you leave to know that your home is safe and cared for while you are away.
When setting up your home, a security system that also doubles as home automation is a great way to be able to check in and get alerted of anything unexpected. However, you do not want to be checking your video doorbell while relaxing in your overwater bungalow. To truly unplug and relax, disable notifications or even delete the system app off of your phone—just be sure to have a trusted friend or professional house sitter monitor it for you. This person can then control lights and temperatures within your home without being there to make sure your home does not appear empty to potential intruders, in addition to helping you save on energy.
In the event of an unforeseen emergency like flooding, burst pipes, or electrical issues, having additional protection plans in place, like a home warranty, allows you to have peace of mind while relaxing, knowing that financially you are covered and that you’ve got a professional taking care of the issue. This also saves you from having to find and contact a professional while on vacation. It’s simply another way to help remove any worries that you might have about your house, and, instead, allows you to fully immerse yourself in everything that Tahiti has to offer.
As mentioned above, one of the hardest parts about enjoying your vacation is shutting down your work computer, whether for guilt of wanting to be available for your team or fear of falling behind. It’s important to remember that your vacation time is for you—to relax, recharge, and enjoy time away from work and other responsibilities. If you prepare yourself and your team for your absence, a stress-free vacation is not only possible, but expected.
The first step is to take a look at all of your current tasks, summarize each one, and think of possible scenarios and next steps. Then, assign each task to a person or persons in your company doing similar tasks, as well as provide a contact person who can answer any unforeseen questions, like a team lead or manager. Set up your out-of-office automatic email reply to include the contact information of whoever is taking over your responsibilities, and remove your phone number if included in your signature. If you truly feel you can’t unplug, follow these tips from CEOs, which include setting a timer and adhering strictly to a quick email or messaging check.
Just like work, family schedules and responsibilities can be hard to step away from. But for something like a honeymoon or romantic vacation, the focus should be on you and your significant other. Kids and pets should be cared for by a trusted family member or friend. If your kids are still in school, having them stay with a friend’s family who may have a similar schedule and activities is a great way to ensure there are no forgotten practices or lessons. Be sure to inform school and activities personnel of who the caregiver is, their relation to your kids, and all of their contact information before you leave for your trip to avoid any confusion or safety concerns. As always, be sure to leave a detailed schedule, any medical or dietary considerations, and emergency contacts. Being over prepared, and working through a kid-free vacation checklist can make all the difference for you, your kids, and their caregiver.
For pets, if you cannot find a friend or family member to care for them while you’re away, a kennel, border, or dog hotel can be a safe alternative. Be sure to look at reviews and don’t be afraid to ask for references. Additionally, many of these pet services offer cameras and updates so you can check in on your furry friends virtually.
The final step to prepare for a stress-free vacation is packing. Luckily, the beautiful weather of Bora Bora and The Islands of Tahiti makes it pretty easy to pack for. In addition to swimwear and cover-ups, including a nice outfit for a romantic dinner or extra layers in case of rain gives you more flexibility in activities and adventures. The easiest way to pack is to have versatile pieces that can be dressed up or down that can layer easily.
Outside of your wardrobe, self-care essentials ensure that you can enjoy your vacation with your own trusted products. Things like medicine, sunscreen, and sun treatment products are good for preparedness, especially if there is a certain brand you trust. Although you can find our full Tahiti packing list here, make sure to think about any specific activities that may require their own accessories or equipment to avoid sharing or renting.
A trip to Bora Bora and The Islands of Tahiti can be the dream vacation of a lifetime, with the chance to experience relaxation, exceptional culture, and gorgeous scenery. It offers a chance to truly get away from daily stresses and worries to enjoy your loved ones and your surroundings. By preparing at home and work before your trip, you give yourself the best opportunity to experience all that Bora Bora and The Islands of Tahiti have to offer.
