Top Ten Travel Tips

At Flight Centre we have been travelling the world for over 30 years. During this time, our experienced consultants have come up with numerous travel tips and advice to ensure you have a safe and happy journey. Here are our top ten travel tips:

1. Baggage Tricks - roll, stuff and wear

You can avoid overstuffed suitcases and the all-round nuisance of packing with a few simple tricks. Firstly, roll your clothes into bundles instead of folding. This not only takes up less room but avoids creasing your clothes. Your shoes can be the most bulky items in your suitcase, maximise the space by stuffing socks and underwear into the souls. You can also avoid your large coats and thick jumpers from taking up room in your suitcase by wearing them on the plane. These items can also double as blankets during your flight.

2. Travel Insurance – don’t risk it

Before you leave for your big adventure, take some time to consider and purchase travel insurance and keep a copy of your policy with you at all times. Travel with peace of mind and security with one of our travel insurance package options available. You never know what’s around the corner and when you might need it!

3. House Keys - stress less when returning home

When planning a holiday the last thing on your mind is the return journey home. During the trip anticipation, house keys usually get thrown to the bottoms of suitcases and forgotten about – until you come home and struggle to locate you keys. Avoid rummaging through your suitcase on the front lawn by keeping your house key in an easily accessible and safe place.

4. Travel Documents – be prepared

You wouldn’t want to leave the country without your passports, identification, airline tickets and other important documents. Always keep these in a safe and secure place and carry photocopies in another location just in case. It also doesn’t hurt to make a few copies of your itinerary and emergency contacts as well.

5. Baggage Weight – travel light

Always check your fare’s allocated weight for hand-luggage and checked baggage and weigh your luggage to ensure you are not charged any access fees. Digital luggage weight scales are a simple and convenient way to determine your exact baggage weight. Though you may be just under the limit, it’s also really important that you are able to lift and carry your own baggage, particularly if you plan on walking to your accommodation or storing luggage in the over head lockers.

6. Time Savers – online and kiosk check-in

Save time at the airport by checking in online or via one of the electronic kiosks at the airport. Most airlines offer these services, allowing passengers to avoid queues and get to their departure terminal quickly. Don’t forget to allow for extra time if you want to check-in baggage.

7. Creature Comforts – bring the essentials

For long haul flights it pays to pack some essential comfort items to make sure your flight is as pleasant as possible. Toothpaste, a toothbrush, roll-on deodorant, cosmetics, travel socks, ear plugs, eye masks and neck pillows won’t take up much room in your carry-on luggage and can make all the difference when trying to freshen up or sleep on the plane. Some airlines will provide passengers with travel kits and pillows on long haul flights. Refer to your airline for details or view our range of travel accessories online here.

8. Change of Clothes – freshen up for your holiday

Bringing a change of clothes on the plane can help you freshen up before disembarking at your destination. Always be sure that the clothes you bring on the plane will be appropriate for the climate and weather of your destination. Packing clothes in your hand luggage can also help if ever your checked luggage is delayed or goes missing.

9.Pass the Time – entertain, learn and purchase

Most airlines provide passengers with some form of on-flight entertainment from Video on Demand systems, audio programs and magazines. It's a good idea to bring a few of your own entertainment options like portable music players or books. The flight is also a great opportunity to read travel books and learn more or familiarise yourself with your destination. At the airport, pass the time by checking out the duty-free stores and pick up a bargain.

10. Enjoy Your Travels - rest up and enjoy the view

Once on board your flight, try to relax, get comfortable and enjoy it as much as you can. If you can sleep on the plane it’s a good idea to do so, particularly if you are arriving at your destination in the morning. After all, you’re on holidays!

For more travel tips and information contact one of our travel specialists on 133 133 today and don’t forget to ask about our great deals on hotels, tours, travel insurance, transfers and more.