Wherever you’re going, most likely you’re going to use an airport to get there. At some point in our modern lives, most people will encounter airports. I wouldn’t say they’re the most pleasant place in the world, but hey it means you’re going somewhere and that’s generally exciting! So here’s a few tips to make the transition a lot easier:

1. Security: So I picked what I always find the worst part of airports. I don’t know what it is about this part but I’m always on edge! I suppose I instantly become paranoid I will get beeped for the metal on my shoes or an earring. It’s just pure paranoia. To make this easier I usually put my shoes straight onto the tray now along with any belts and jewellery and empty my pockets before they even ask. You’ve probably been stood in those silly rows of tape like cattle for about 20 minutes so really you just want to get through as quick as possible. As unpleasant as this part may be always remember how important the safety of all passengers is. I try to make it as easy for the security guards but taking the actions I’ve listed. More to this, I tend to research prohibited items via my air carriers website beforehand just to make sure there will be no problems along the way, you’re going on holiday after all! It’s time to relax.
2. Dealing with long flights/changes: HYGIENE! The first thing that comes to my mind. I understand after 36 hours no one is gonna look or feel their best. So in order to help this why not have a cheeky sink shower in the toilets. Yeah it’s not the best, but it will freshen you up a little for the rest of the journey, and people around you will be thanking you for it (they just don’t know it yet). There is nothing worse than being sat next to a smelly friend on a 14 hour flight. Obviously after a long flight then a change you’re going to be tired. Try to get as much sleep on the aircraft as you can, it will help your body relax and cope with the journey. If you can’t sleep, whilst on board do some stretch exercises with your legs and relaxation techniques. This will mentally calm your body down making you more relaxed for the jouney. The stretches also help avoid getting blood clots in your legs. Simply lift your legs, flex your feet back and forth slowly and return your feet to the ground. Repeat this as necessary.
3. Visas and appropriate travelling precautions: Talk to your travel agent about it. One of the reasons I stress it’s easier to book through an agency.. you’ll find they will tell you everything you need. Visas are really important for certain countries of travel. For example in Russia my Visa was thoroughly checked and anyone without one was sent to a room for about 3 hours of interrogation… no one wants that on holiday. Make sure you don’t require any vaccinations for where you’re visiting, again if you’re unsure check with your travel agency or your doctor. I know some of my friends have been to Thailand recently without vaccs, but when I went I had to have Hep A/Typhoid. I suppose it’s a risk you have to also assess yourself, based on your current state of health. But in any case, better to be safe than sorry! Finally, get travel insurance! You don’t know what could happen, but just be prepared!
4. Tax Reclaims: Keep your receipts! When travelling, if you purchase anything ask for a VAT receipt. At the airport you will find a Tax Reclaim area where you can take these receipts to reclaim extra money you’ve paid on top of your product. Always worth trying this cause it could save you money!
5. Passing the time: Finally, most flights require passengers to be at the airport 2 hours before departure if not more. This can be frustrating if you’ve spent 2 hours getting to the airport and you’ve therefore become a little bored along the journey. Therefore I cannot stress enough the importance of a good book, or a game to play. If you have family members, they will probably be as bored as you are, so make conversation, play some cards and take a book on the place you’re going to to read. Then you can use the rest of your time to explore the shops in the airport and fill up on duty free.
6. Delays/Airlines: I love a good budget airline, but you get what you pay for. I recently travelled back from Tenerife with Jet2 and was delayed for over 2 hours on my returning journey (think it was 3 hours and a half). Make sure you know your travel insurance policy and have it to hand. By law, airlines are supposed to produce refreshment vouchers if delayed over 2 hours. Jet2 however, did not feel this rule applied to them. I am currently working on this dispute with them as all of the shops within the airport had shut with only water machines available for those with change. Not really acceptable for some of the passengers on board. In any case, inform your insurance if you feel your airline is not acting appropriately.

From, Violet The Andrew Earle Team