Happy holiday: 33 travel tips to tackle stress, from hotel and airport hacks to clever shopping
- Seasoned travellers share their secrets to a happy holiday, from flights to packing to hotel stays
- Find out what to take, what to leave behind and how to get more for your money
With the help of these tips from seasoned travellers you’ll be well-armed to tackle any holiday travel stress – whether you’ve yet to solidify your plans, are stuck on your shopping list, or simply need to keep the peace amid the airport chaos.
Ace your packing game
1. This time of year, the last thing you want to do is check in a bag. Pack small. Skip the jewellery roll, and use a wine cork to stash your earrings, says venture capitalist Hitha Palepu, author of How to Pack. Chips of the cork also make for improvised backings, should one get lost.
2. Use a washed and dried prescription bottle to pack toiletries that don’t come in travel sizes. The shape of the bottles makes them easy to clean; tamper-proof lids mean they’ll never spill.
3. A tiny, tidy stain-removing kit will let you rewear outfits with confidence. Include baby powder (for grease stains), scented paper (to keep everything smelling fresh – even your laundry compartment), wipes and a stain-removal pen.
4. Don’t pack what a hotel can give you. Many hotels offer rain boots and hiking gear, and other bulky goods your suitcase can do without.