The world is opening up, we are booking flights quicker than you can say “leave approved”, and air travel is fighting hard to get back to normality. With understaffed airports, fully packed flights and inclement weather we are faced with new challenges when it comes to hopping on a plane.
We asked our experienced travel consultants what their 2022 Top Travel Tips are:
- For the smoothest start to your journey, check in in advance via the airlines mobile app or online. You can check in in advance, 24/ 36 hours before departure (airline depending)
- Take pictures of your checked baggage, keep a list of contents and do not put anything of significant of value in your checked bags.
- We suggest you clearly label all your baggage, inside and out, with your name and contact details, such as a mobile number and email address.
- Be Prepared for Anything. One of the key travel tips to keep in mind is to pack smart and be prepared. That’s especially true during busy times. You’re typically allowed to bring a small carry-on onto the plane, so make sure that everything you need is accessible in those bags Your hand luggage should include the following;
- hand sanitizer and antibacterial wipes
- High-protein snacks / Granola bars
- Gum to chew for elevation changes
- Cough drops/ throat lozenges
- All your medications for the duration of your trip (luggage can get misdirected or lost, so you should keep these with you)
- Facial moisturizer, toothbrush and lip balm
- Eye mask, earplugs or headphones
- An extra sweater (this can function as a blanket or neck pillow)
- Try to avoid short connection times when possible
- Check the latest travel requirements for your destination, find out which travel documents are needed to travel to your destination considering your nationality and departure country
- Reducing time and money spent at the airport by adding travel extras, like extra baggage, before your trip.
- Listen to Announcements. I know you would love to catch up on calls or crank up your music while killing time but we suggest you pay attention to the blathering announcements. Flights may board and depart early, gates may change, and flights may be delayed or cancelled.
- Be Nice. Travel karma is real, and it pays dividends to be nice to the airline and airport personnel all the time, especially when it is super crazy. A smile goes a long way with shuttle drivers, ground staff workers, and overworked and underappreciated airline staff. They are all trying to get you to your destination without extra delays
- Have fun. After all it is travel and exciting whether you are going on holiday, or your next work project
