Travelling is always a daunting experience. Whether you are a frequent flyer or going on your first solo trip, flying and venturing out of your comfort zone is always a difficult feat. Crying babies, rapid turbulence, hours of delays - not every travel experience is the same and it can never hurt to be prepared. In no particular order, the soon-to-be-mentioned hacks are applicable before, during and post travelling and help you get the most out of your time away.
#1 - Stick to one airline, if possible:
- Flyer loyalty schemes mean you are more likely to get upgraded to those swanky first-class seats and get frequent flyer miles (which in simple terms means future discounts) The latter is particularly useful when booking long-haul flights which can get expensive.
#2 - Flights can leave earlier than scheduled:
- Once every passenger has checked onto a flight (whether this is online or in person) a flight can leave earlier than its scheduled departure if all is running ahead of schedule.
So, keep an ear out for announcements and an eye out for boarding times when you have passed through security checks.
#3 - Be flexible:
- Sometimes when accessing the computerised check-in systems at the airport, you will be asked if you would like to be moved onto a later flight. This usually occurs because a flight is overbooked.
By delaying your travels, you are likely to receive compensation from the airline (yay freebies!) which can either be money or future flyer miles; either option allows you to travel more frequently and in a cost-effective manner.
#4 - Pack versatile clothing:
- Usually, short-haul flights or spontaneous weekends away only allow you to take cabin baggage onto the flight, meaning, you are restricted in terms of how many outfits you can take on holiday.
Therefore, packing some versatile fashion staples will allow you to mix and match outfits without looking like you are re-wearing the same outfits.
#5 - Carry an empty water bottle through security:
- Carry your everyday, reusable water bottle (empty) through security. Many airports have water fountains post-security checks which means you can avoid paying extortionate prices for water at Duty-Free.
Another plus is that by reusing your own bottle, you’ll help save the planet by steering clear of the plastic bottles that we carelessly throw away. Statistics have shown that eight million metric tonnes of plastic bottles have been dumped into our oceans in the past year alone.
#6 - Plan B and C when you’ve left your charger at home:
- If you’ve left your plug socket at home and have your charging wire, most hotel TV’s have a USB port in the back so, switch on the TV and plug in your phone to avoid purchasing a whole new plug socket.
Plan C- If you’ve forgotten your charger completely, before running to the store for a new one, call up your hotel’s front desk to see if there are any spare phone chargers lying about. Statistically, phone chargers are the most common item left behind or lost in hotels.
#7 - Look up your location:
- Sounds like stating the obvious but do some research on where you are going. Everywhere on this planet has its own culture and history and having some knowledge (even if minuscule) allows you to figure out what are the most enjoyable places for you to do.
Another big thing when travelling is the food. Food is a big part of distinctive cultures so do a simple Google search and figure out the best places to try new foods. Even if you are a selective eater, there are many tourist-centric locations that offer variations of home comforts to void you of any homesickness.
#8 - Book on a Tuesday and Incognito:
- Book your travels on a Tuesday morning, whilst on a private browser. Typically, booking at this time of the week is generally cheaper.
#9 - Pack a Pen:
- Seems silly to take a pen on holiday; however, most countries require you to fill in a customs form on the plane or upon arrival and it is much easier to have a pen handy rather than having to wait in extensive lines once landing.
#10 - Mark your luggage as fragile:
- Even if you aren’t travelling with your Grandma’s porcelain vase tucked in between your towels, marking your suitcases as fragile means airport staff are much more careful handling your luggage. This can help prevent damage to your belongings.
#11 - Scope out your seat beforehand:
- If you travel a lot, you know about SeatGuru. The free website allows you to check on your seat prior to travel. The site tells you whether you have a TV, entertainment access, a USB port, a plug socket etc. This knowledge is particularly useful when travelling long haul, when you know you are going to get bored quickly or if your phone/laptop/tablet is going to need a battery boost 3 hours into a 13-hour flight.
#12 - Roll your clothes:
- Not only does rolling your clothes make wrinkles on clothes less obvious, but it also saves tonnes of space when packing. This tip is especially useful when only travelling with a cabin bag.