Foolproof guide: How to avoid a holiday from hell this summer

When to take your well-earned break deserves careful consideration. Long weekends are a great way to stretch annual leave but it's wise to find out when public holidays fall at your destination while you're planning a trip, not when you get there.

Friends were delighted when they scored cheap flights to Melbourne until they discovered their trip coincided with a local long weekend. Their Yarra Valley getaway still went ahead, but as most of the accommodation was already fully booked, it cost them a fortune. They also shared their romantic getaway with what felt like half of Melbourne, as the locals had booked wine-quaffing day trips.

School holidays often fall at different times, so check the dates in your own state and at the destination you're thinking of visiting before you book any flights. Going away for a fortnight and paying almost double for the second week remains one of my least favourite holiday memories.

Office workers can't escape the perils of peak hour, but travellers should avoid it at all costs. Using public transport to get to and from the airport can save you money and avoid traffic, but don't assume it runs as late as the last flight of the day. If you're hoping to take Brisbane's Airtrain after 10pm, you could be disappointed - and seriously out of pocket if you have to pay for an Uber.

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Also, think twice about using public transport to get to your accommodation after dark unless you're familiar with your destination. Even a bustling central business district can become a very different place when night falls, especially if you're arriving in the early hours of the morning. Don't let your guard down because you're in Australia, either. Even the friendliest cities can have a "bad part of town". This is one local attraction you don't want to experience, especially if you're carrying luggage, which makes it harder to escape a dicey situation.

It can be fun holidaying with a friend as there's so much to share (including the cost of accommodation). However, your best buddy isn't necessarily the best travelling companion.

You can discover far more than you wanted to know about someone by sharing a room. Like the fact they leave the television on 24/7 for background noise. Or blow their nose with gusto in the shower.

Some of my best trips have been with friends but the secret of our success comes down to communication.

For example, when an early bird and a night owl share accommodation there are sure to be ruffled feathers. Have an honest chat about the practicalities before you book a twin room, as a space to call your own is sometimes worth the extra cost.

If an issue arises while you're away (and at some point, it probably will) speak up before you lose your cool or, better still, sit down and decide on some basic ground rules before you leave.

Agreeing not to do everything together sets you both up for solo exploring with no hurt feelings.

How many times does a flight arrive early? Not often. How many times do flights arrive late? We all know the answer to that question. Whether you're travelling domestically or overseas, allowing a little extra time to make flight connections makes for a more enjoyable trip. If you really need to be somewhere, booking the first flight of the day is usually a sure bet, even if you're flying on a budget carrier, as an early-morning departure means your plane is probably already at the airport. Later flights rely on incoming aircraft which can be prone to delays.

If you are flying with friends or family, split your packing between two bags as it's unlikely both your suitcases will be lost (here's hoping, anyway). And always pack a spare set of clothes in your carry-on.

It's also worth considering whether you'll need particular clothes in the first 24 hours of your stay. Turning up to a posh wedding in your best T-shirt because the airline lost your luggage makes for an amusing story once you get home, but the bride's mother may not see the humour on the day.

Consider checking into a cheap hotel overnight rather than flying onwards to your destination after a long drive. Anything over 10 hours in transit can knock you around for days afterwards. If you've ever driven from Esperance to Perth and then flown to Australia's east coast, you'll know what I mean. Tired and emotional travellers are a shoo-in for botched arrangements and heated arguments, especially when they get lost on the way to the airport after an eight-hour drive and almost miss their (expensive, non-refundable) flight.

My husband and I laugh about this now but, like most holidays from hell, the situation wasn't much fun at the time. It also goes to show these are pitfalls even the most experienced travellers can fall into.

Pictures: Getty Images; Shutterstock