Introduction
If you're planning a trip, it's important to make sure that the travel goes as smoothly as possible. That's why we've put together some top tips for making sure that your journey runs smoothly.
Check your documents
It's a good idea to check your documents are in order before you travel. A passport is typically required to enter most countries, so make sure yours is up-to-date and ask if there are any specific requirements for your destination. Make sure you don’t need any tests before you travel. There are two tools I find quite handy:
BA travel checker – checks if you need any tests before travelling and visas you need to enter the country.
Gov.UK foreign travel advice – lists of all countries to travel to with every bit of information you need
Also, make sure you have a boarding pass for every flight and travel insurance details and flight details (including phone numbers). It’s worth noting that some airlines may ask for additional information when checking in, so keep this handy too.
Print any documents you may need
Before you leave home, make sure you have all the documents you need to travel.
Print your boarding pass and send it to your smartphone. This will save time when checking in at the airport because you don’t have to wait in line again if there is a problem with your ticket.
Print out any important travel insurance policies and keep them on hand during your trip.
If possible, print out copies of your itinerary and passport so that they are readily available if needed by embassy staff or police officers (but not necessarily both).
If you're travelling in another country for more than three months or have a visa requirement, print out a copy of the visa page from your passport and keep it separate from the passport itself (in case they get lost).
Think about hand luggage
If you're travelling by plane, there are strict rules about what you can and can't take with you in hand luggage. You'll need to get used to the idea that some things just won't make it onto a plane. Check with your airline and ticket allocation as to the exact restrictions.
Don't take it personally if your hand luggage is too big or heavy, the staff will ask you to put it in the hold.
If your bag weighs more than 20kg (44lbs), it'll have to go into a separate suitcase.
You can only bring one piece of hand luggage on board with you - but if this is too small for all your needs on holiday, then consider buying an extra bag at the airport when boarding!
Plan your journey to the airport
The first thing you need to do is plan your journey. You can use the following checklist to make sure all the bases are covered:
Plan your route: check the traffic, train and bus times and weather.
Check there are no strikes on!
Parking - if you are travelling to the airport via your own car, pre-book parking as often this will save you some money.
Taxi - pre-book a taxi for the return journey to ensure a vehicle is available and make sure they have your return flight details in case of a delay. Always confirm the cost and double check with the journey time if you are unsure. Do note, some airport also charge a 'drop off/picking up' fee.
Make sure you have the right travel apps on your phone before you travel
You've got your travel itinerary ready and you're all packed, but there's one thing that can often get overlooked when travelling: having the right apps on your phone. Having the right apps on hand can help you with everything from planning your journey to navigating around town once you reach your destination.
Here are some of the most useful travel apps out there:
Tripit - This app allows users to track their flights, accommodation and other activities in one place. It also provides recommendations for things to do at each location during your trip.
Skyscanner - This app is great if you're looking for cheap flights across multiple airlines or destinations within Europe or Asia. It lets users search by date, duration and price range so they can find the best deal possible before booking their flight with another company like Expedia or Booking.com (which offer similar services). If you don't have access to WiFi while travelling abroad then this app will be especially helpful because it doesn't require any data usage!
Don't forget to hydrate
It's important to stay hydrated when you're in the air. Drink water before, during and after the flight. Don't wait until your mouth is dry or your throat feels parched to start drinking water, because it might be too late by then. Avoid alcohol before and during flights as it dehydrates you more quickly than normal (and makes frequent bathroom trips necessary). Also avoid coffee or tea on board as they can make some people irritated (if this happens to you, ask for an empty cup of water instead). To avoid complications at security, take an empty refillable bottle with you, then fill up on the other side at one of the water points provided.
Conclusion
Travelling is a great way to expand your horizons, but it can also be stressful. We hope these tips will help you have an enjoyable time without too many hassles.
Have a safe and stress-free journey!
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