The Savvy Traveller [Infographic]

Peter Corcoran http://www.sunsearchholidays.ie 4m 1,115 #travel

The views of this article are the perspective of the author and may not be reflective of Confessions of the Professions.

Being Prepared and Informed for Stress-Free Travel

Aiming to be a savvy traveller will help to ensure that your journey is not as unpleasant as it could be. If you are organised for your trip, you will probably enjoy it more as the stresses normally associated with it will not be present. In order to be a savvy traveller preparation is key. The first part of this lies in your packing. You should plan for your destination – what are the temperatures likely to be – check the forecast online and pack accordingly.

This infographic is a handy guide on how to be a savvy traveller. It includes some details about how best to pack for your trip. It also outlines how best to get through security which can be a place that causes much stress and delays for people. The infographic also covers the area of jet lag and how it can possibly be helped or even prevented. Finally the infographic covers another area of flight delays and cancellations which most of the time is out of the control of the traveller but it is good to be informed on why it occurs.

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The Savvy Traveller

There are certain stresses that go with travels. Being prepared and informed can help you make your travels more stress free.

PACKING

• Make a list and stick to it.
• Consider the events you will participate in both day and night and write down a possible outfit for each activity. One piece may cover multiple occasions.
• Pick clothes that coordinate well together, based around complementary colors.
• Roll clothing items and place small items like socks and underwear in shoes.
• Check the projected forecast for your destination and pack accordingly.
• Be a minimalist with toiletries. You can use those that are in the hotel or purchase them when abroad.
• Contact your accommodation destination to find out if they have items like hair dryers, etc.
• Consider packing a wine/bottle opener if staying in a house/villa-type accommodation.
• Use apps wisely. Travel apps can replace weighty travel books and also maps.
• Wear your bulkiest items on the flight to cut down on bulk. Layer so that you can slip them off if too warm at your destination.
• Consider washing some of your items while on vacation as this means you can use clothing items more than once.
• Scan travel documents before you travel and keep safe (or leave at home with a family member) in case you lose the originals.
• Pack a towel. While it can be bulky, it will also double up as a blanket, pillow, sling, and sunshade.
• Anti-bacterial gel or wipes are handy to freshen hands if no access to somewhere to wash hands.
• Teach kids how to pack at a young age and they can carry some of their own items like toys.
• Label luggage well with contact details and add a distinctive item like a colored ribbon in order for the item to stand out at the airport carousel.
• Be aware of luggage weight restrictions. If you are going long-haul, be conscious that the long haul flight may allow more weight than a connecting internal flight so do your research.

GETTING THROUGH SECURITY EFFICIENTLY

• Watch the Security Agent
  • Watch for the line that is moving the fastest. Take a look at the security agent manning each line, and choose the one that is moving travelers through with the greatest speed and efficiency.
• Know the Liquid and Gel Rules
  • Liquids may only be carried in containers holding 100ml or less. They must be carried separately in a single bag which is:
    • Transparent and resealable.
    • No larger than 20cm x 20cm (8in x 8in).
    • Able to close properly with all the items inside.
    • Liquids in containers over 100ml will not be permitted through security – pack them in your old baggage instead.
• Do Not Wrap Gifts
  • Security may have to open them.
• Organized Packing
  • Pack for the likelihood that security will want to open your bag. If it is disorganized, it will take longer for them to complete checks and longer for you to repack.
• Dress Efficiently
  • If possible, have your belt removed
  • Wear shoes that can be easily removed
  • Have coins and keys ready to put into the tray
  • Remove jewelry while in the queue

THINGS NOT TO WEAR ON A PLANE

Comfort should be your priority when travelling

• Uncomfortable Shoes
• Laced Boots
• Fabrics (e.g. Synthetics) That Don’t Breathe
• Tight Clothing
• Complicated Clothing
• Contact Lenses (as eyes can dry)
• Strong Smelling Perfumes
• Offensive or Inappropriate Clothing

JET LAG

CAUSES:

• Your body’s internal clock or circadian rhythms, which tell your body when to stay awake and when to sleep in the old time zone, are out of sync with cues from the new time zone, such as light exposure or dining times.

PREVENTION:

• Arrive early. If you have an important meeting or other event that requires you to be in top form, try to arrive a few days early to give your body a chance to adjust.
• Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water before, during and after your flight to counteract the dehydrating affects of flying.
• Stay on your new schedule. Set your watch to the new time before you leave. Once you reach your destination, try not to sleep until the local nighttime, no matter how tired you are.
• Get plenty of rest before your trip. Starting out sleep-deprived makes jet lag worse.
• Regulate bright light exposure. Because light exposure is one of the prime influences on your body’s circadian rhythm, regulating light exposure may help you adjust to your new location.
• Gradually adjust your schedule before you leave.

CHOOSING A SEAT ON THE PLANE

• For STORAGE, pick a seat in the rear.
• For KIDS, pick a seat in the bulkhead.
• For SAFETY, pick an aisle seat in the rear, behind the trailing edge of the wing.
• For a QUICK EXIT, pick a seat on the left side of the plane, in the front.
• For SLEEPING, pick a window seat on the left side of the plane, near the middle of the aircraft.
• For LEGROOM, pick an aisle seat in the exit row.

WHAT CAUSES FLIGHT DELAYS/CANCELLATIONS?

• Mechanical Issues
• Weather
• Natural Disasters
• Crew Time Issues

• ✓ Flight delays lead to postponed boarding, flight cancellations, and planes loaded with passengers parked on the tarmac.
• ✓ Most delays involve either maintenance or weather-related incidents, but can also be caused due to waiting for the plane of passengers arriving on a connecting flight to land at the airport.
• ✓ For long delays, you may be entitled to assistance and to compensation, depending on the delay length and flight distance.

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