Dear LPG,

I have not been on holiday abroad for some time but decided that this is what was needed.   I have family who live in parts of the world much nearer to the equator than London, and that I have not seen for ages and it is easy to slip into electronic relationships these days.

I have to admit that FaceTime and WhatsApp have their really valuable places in our lives but I hope that all readers will agree that no matter how real a moving virtual electronic image of a family member from the other side of a screen, there is something extra special about being able to touch and give a kiss to a long lost family member or friend which adds another real and unforgettable experience to one's rich mosaic of memories.  There is no doubt about the fact that travel gets more costly as you get older, but if you have saved all your life this is one real way to be able to spend your money with purpose.    

The climate is really a fundamental facet of being away that can cause unbalance and my trip over the Atlantic Ocean resulted in the usual jetlag on the way home. and even if there is no one to visit, a package tour to somewhere that you have never been to before acts as an adventure to preoccupied the mind with the usual preparation which is involved when you do something like this.

I would offer one small bit of advice though, and that is when planning your escape, please factor in the effect that a change of climate will have on your health when you return.  I have been the victim of a nasty cold after a trip before. 

So this time, before leaving, I googled and found a few tips that might be worth considering and I also have one of my own to offer: -  make a point of preparing for the type of whether that you will be returning to.   Firstly, by doing your best to make sure that the temperatures of your holiday venue and home are going to be vaguely similar at the time of your return.  It is also vital to remember that English weather, no matter the time or season often includes rain so have some appropriate outer clothing at the ready…

GS, Orpington

LPG found the following related information that may help…

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