INSIGHT
Summer travel plans for the FCM UAE team
With businesses slowing down for the summer in the Middle East, many of you are starting to think about how you plan to spend your holiday. We asked the team at FCM Middle East & Africa what their plans are for summer, the one item you don’t want to forget, and their top advice for travelling this summer.
Ciarán Kelly, Managing Director – Middle East and Africa
What travel plans do you have for this summer?
I've recently returned from an amazing holiday in Europe to celebrate a birthday and took a cruise for 7 days around Greece, Croatia, Montenegro which falls into my summer break. However, I will be going to Bali, Indoneasia, for our annual Global Gathering Conference in July with approx 2,000 fellow colleagues. Thereafter I will go back to Ireland for a short break for family reasons and visit several countries in the MEA region for work.
What is your top tip when travelling?
Always arrive at the airport on time, and research your travel options when you arrive the other side. I recommend you read up on the local culture of the country you are visiting and make sure you have some local currency. Check to see if there’s any great events on when you’re there, or seek some top tips from colleagues that live or work in the country – they will know the hidden gems.
What is one item that you never travel without?
Besides the obvious, passport, I take a pair of Bose airpods with me to silence out the engine noise, especially if it's a long-haul flight.
Jewella George, FCM Travel UAE - Travel Consultant
What travel plans do you have for this summer?
This year I’ll be visiting Italy, the country of culture, scrumptious food and amazing fashion.
What is your top tip when travelling?
My main tip while travelling is to follow travel vlogs and blogs to see what suits my interest. It’s essential to book flights and hotel rooms in advance to get the best prices. I also love to learn common phrases in the local language of where I’m visiting.
What is one item that you never travel without?
An international plug adaptor with USB points for all my devices!
Julian Pires, FCM Travel UAE - Travel Consultant
What travel plans do you have for this summer?
My summer break plans include travelling to India to attend a family function!
What is your top tip when travelling?
I think when you’re planning your holiday it’s always best to be completely prepared, from going to the airport to coming home. And the most important thing – SMILE!
What is one item that you never travel without?
PASSPORT 😊
Minhaj Nifaz, FCM Travel UAE - Travel Consultant
What travel plans do you have for this summer?
This summer I’ll be visiting the Netherlands and Italy.
What is your top tip when travelling?
Not to over plan; if you have some flexibility in your plan you might come across something new to learn or discover, or you might make new friends along the way. I try to keep my holiday packing list light to the essentials but it has to include a camera with an extra battery or power bank, and comfy shoes for walking. From a more practical standpoint I always make sure I have:
- An extra credit card in case my card gets frozen or lost
- My hotel location saved, and public transport routes saved on my phone
- Bought a mobile data plan for the duration of the stay
What is one item that you never travel without?
There are a few. A good book, passport, travel insurance and a headrest 😊