Some top travel tips
Too many liquids for security?
Swiped all the bath gels, shampoos and conditioners from the hotel but you haven’t room to bring them back in that tiny plastic bag you take through security at the airport? If you’re travelling with more than one piece of luggage simply put one plastic bag in one piece of luggage and the other bag in another piece of luggage, and put them on two separate trays. With the endless procession of trays going through the scanning machine, it’s very unlikely your two bags will be noticed. But if they are, be prepared for the security officer to confiscate one bag (so put all the best stuff in one bag so you can forego the other). You may get a mild talking to, and if so, look down and adopt the air of a remorseful pupil being told off by their teacher. You could get a thorough search of all your luggage too, and there’s a remote possibility you’ll also get a pat down by the officer. Which may be a bonus if you’re a touchy-feely kind of person who enjoys a bit of physical interaction at any opportunity.
Really cheap tea
Instead of paying £3.50 for a cup of tea on a plane, ask the flight attendant for some hot water and add your own tea bag. They sometimes say no, especially on the budget airlines where they might make a commission. In that situation you need to say ‘pretty please’ and smile.
Miniaturise your luggage
The less luggage you have, the more freedom you get, and you’ll save on pricey luggage fees for each flight too. Instead of carrying a selection of books, carry a Kindle; instead of a bulky SLR camera, the latest compact cameras from companies like Nikon, Canon, Sony, Fujifilm and Leica offer fantastic quality - a lot better than most phones. Streamline everything down as small as possible.
Carry spare passport photos and copies of your passport
Many countries require that you carry ID at all times. However, it’s often safer to keep your passport in the hotel safe and carry a copy of the ID page instead. And a digital version on your phone won’t hurt either. It’s good to also have a few spare passport-sized photos too, in case you need any for visa applications and other forms that require filling in. Note that these need to adhere to international passport photo regulations, so that snap of you half cut wearing fancy dress, a fake moustache and makeup the band Kiss would be envious of won’t cut the mustard.
Patience is a virtue
Your accommodation may be cancelled, a visa refused, a train may be late. Your whole travel experience will be transformed if you can be as flexible as possible, focus on a solution rather than get angry and resentful, and accept there’s no point sweating the stuff you can’t control. The bus has got a two-hour delay? See that as a great opportunity to explore the locality. The sooner you can get into the rhythm of the place, the better.
Get off the beaten track
The more touristy and well-known the destination, or popular the season the more crowded, stressful and expensive. Quieter, less obvious places at off-peak times are likely to be friendlier and cheaper.
Buy a water bottle
Travelling healthily means staying hydrated, especially in hot climates. It’s amazing how much money you save over time when you decide to ditch buying plastic water bottles and buy a metal one for longterm use when you travel. Even better is one that has a filter so that you can drink water of questionable quality, for example when you’re on a long hike, miles from any shop or tap. By buying a water bottle not only will you save money, but your inner smugness will become stratospheric as you congratulate yourself doing your bit for the planet. However, don’t think too hard about all the good that you’re doing if you are about to fly business class across the Atlantic: your eco-friendly actions not buying a plastic water bottle may be negated a tad.
