ARE YOU AIRPORT READY?

Start with the necessities - The Boring part. Underwear, swimwear, cosmetics and lotions, straighteners. Then move on to outfits - The fun part! To do this you will need to check the weather for when you are away and the type of holiday you are planning. Once you have got all of your potential outfits together, slim it down!

Do you really need that extra top? Do you need that dress that will only go with that one pair of shoes which means you have to take them as well!?

I find that travelling light is not only liberating, but you will thank yourself when you're not  lugging heavy bags around the airport or station. It also means you have extra space to bring some bits back with you!

Remember, going over your baggage allowance could be a costly mistake and it will delay you at check in. So keep it simple, I promise you will thank yourself!

Now I am a big fan of spontaneity HOWEVER, I am also useless at making decisions when I am hungry or tired. Not having a clue about your destination, places you'd like to eat, things you'd like to see or do will be time consuming when you just want to make the most of you're time away. My advice is to make a vague list of things you would like to see or do and a few places you'd like to eat- Referring back to my Google maps tip in Part 1 will always ensure you have somewhere near by.

It will also give you enough time to order attraction tickets and work out the logistics all before you leave!

Part one covers all the steps I use to book the best trip possible.

Click below to catch up with part 1 first!

Honestly, one bit of advice which I hope you follow is to create a grab bag that goes at the top of your hand luggage. It has all of your aeroplane essentials in it. Chargers, lip balm, moisturiser, headphones, Book, credit card, passport. Anything that you will want whilst on the plane all in one place, easily accessible at the top of your bag, so your not having to search your bags mid flight or be that person who is holding up everyone whilst trying to board the plane!

I know it is a pain, and we dont print stuff anymore but if you can, it might save you a lot of hard work and time. I think we've all been there, we've dropped our phones and the screen has cracked. We've then spent the next couple of hours logging on trying to retrieve those lost memories or important documents that had hopefully backed up before the fateful incident. Well imagine that was to happen 10 minutes before you're flight. In this day and age we have extra reasons to be cautious. We may need vaccination certificates or test results before we can board, so my advice is to print all of it, or at a minimum send another digital copy to your travel companion as a back up.

One of my favourite parts of the airport is getting through security and knowing you have a drink and some food waiting for you in your lounge. Book ahead to avoid disappointment, I've found in most cases you cant book these on the day and you will be lucky to get in at the desk.

We've been  to lounges all over the world and they've all varied in their presentation and service. You will most likely have a buffet with hot and cold food, and a bar where you can help yourself or get served by a bartender. Some even have complimentary showers, massages, champagne or an al la carte menu! I might try and do a run down of some of the best and worst we have been to at some point!

Want to know how we get into lounges for free? See 'Travel Hacks Part 1'

You are likely to be spending a few hours in this place so its good to know what is going on and what facilities are available. Apart from the obligatory vat free shopping and souvenirs what else is there to do in an airport!? Well, some have cinemas, spas, activity centres. The most impressive airport we've been to is Changi Airport Singapore. This airport has been awarded with 655 awards to date including having won ‘Best Airport in the World’ 31 times! (as of 2025) It has a pool, cinema, a waterfall and a butterfly sanctuary.

However, it is ALWAYS worth doing your research as some airports barely have a convenience store!

 This is a bit of a marmite subject within the travel industry, some people insist on having their transfers arranged, and some prefer to wing it. This will completely depend on your own travel style but I always prefer to have my initial transfer pre arranged, or at least a definite plan of how I'm getting to my first accommodation.

Some airport departures can be a little (or a lot!) overwhelming, lots of well meaning drivers all trying to get your attention, a new language, unknown currency etc etc etc

Knowing that someone will be waiting for me when I get off the plane, or I have a plan involving a reliable form of public transport takes the stress out of a potentially very stressful and costly situation.

Start with an offline map of the area where you are going to be staying. It is also worth looking in to E-Sims so you are connected as soon as you land. Download any passes or screenshot confirmations for accommodation or travel plans. If your travelling with someone trustworthy i would advise you send this to them as well. Another great back up is to email them to yourself, you can always find an internet café or public computer! I did this when i had my phone stolen in Athens and luckily i also sent myself all my usernames and passwords so i was easily able to access all my important information from my partners phone! 

•  Learn a little bit of the local language even if its very broken. The fact youre trying goes a long way! 'Hello', 'Good Bye', 'Yes', 'No', 'Please', 'Thank You'. 
• You will mainly be using your cards whilst your away however getting to know the local currency will be really beneficial and could save you from making a costly mistake. I tend to work out the basics - how much does £1/£5/£10/£20 work out as.in the local currency. This will cover you for the most part, ie drinks in the shop/bar, Taxi journeys, local transport charges etc