I love travelling. The trips you spend weeks looking forward to counting down the days, the trips you book the day before on a whim and the trips you take to celebrate exciting occasions. Speaking of holidays, I’ve booked my first post lockdown overseas trip and the excitement is real. Is it just me or is the airport half the fun of going on holiday? Some people find airports stressful but little tips and tricks can make your time in the airport enjoyable and fun. I’m a little apprehensive about what travelling will look like after lockdown but I’m more than a little overdue for some poolside cocktails. I find the travelling part stressful on a normal day, I’m disorganised, lazy and very easily distracted and have missed more than one flight by deciding to get a pre-takeoff pizza and I’m guaranteed to misplace my boarding pass more than once in duty-free. That being said, I’ve travelled enough to know what tips and tricks make your life easier and I’m going to share them all in one post.
Decant, Decant, Decant
No doubt, this is time-consuming but oh so worth it. After handing over my Laura Mercier moisturizer (all £53 of it) at airport security one time because it didn’t meet the 100ml rule, I now decant all of my favourite lotions and potions into mini bottles so I can’t be caught out when I don’t take hold luggage. This goes for perfume too! I always buy minis in the duty-free if I have time as they come in handy for your handbag on an evening as well as packing light.
Don’t underestimate the value of high quality luggage
Reducing your stress at the airport actually starts with packing your case. How many times have you opted for the cheap Primark case and the wheels have popped off or the zip has sprung open halfway through the journey only to arrive on the conveyor belt with half your items missing? Buy cheap. Buy twice!
Don’t forget to take a charger pack
Because no one wants to spend their airport experience crouched next to a bin near the toilet because that was the only charging point available. I’ve been there. It’s not ideal. I usually take 2 away with me so I can always have my phone on charge and still have a spare for a friend. Ideal if your plane seat doesn’t come with a charging point or you have a long commute at the other side. Charging packs mean more time in the airport lounge and less stress all round.
Get a Pre-Flight Facial
Do you know what makes an airport trip less chaotic? A relaxing mini facial! Did you know that not only can you buy skincare in the duty-free but you can also have it put on your face? I always used to plan in a pre-holiday facial at my beauty salon (I get this one) and pay £120 for it but did you know that you can get a complimentary mini facial at the La Mer counter in the duty-free just by asking? Sit back and relax and have your face cleansed and exfoliated to perfection with a heavy helping of moisturizer to stave off that dry cabin air.
Take the Train
I’m a firm believer in taking the shortest and most stress-free route to a destination and this includes how you get to the airport. I’m flying from Gatwick later in the year and they’ve just had an amazing upgrade to Gatwick airport train station that promises less crowding and reduced delays taking the stress out of your airport commute! I would always opt for a train journey rather than driving, pop open a mini prosecco, have a nap, eat some snacks, your holiday starts here! Oh, and did I mention no pesky parking to plan or pay for? *Applauds* The best bit? You don’t have a long boring drive on your return!
Lastly, tell your bank you are travelling. This way they don’t put a hold on your card before you can say ‘i’ll have the matching kaftan” when you’re trying to get spendy at the resort boutique.
*This was a collaborative post but my love of airports and travelling is 100% my own.
