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. 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 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.
First up -My go-to essentials:
- The Canyon Power Bank: I can’t believe I used to travel without a power bank. This one is the best of the best, and the wireless charging is a game-changer. It’s airline-friendly, so you can use it on the plane, and it’s super stylish too.
- SPF: An obvious must-have, but this Ultraviolette Future Fluid SPF50+ Superlight Mineral Skinscreen goes on invisible and is ideal for use under makeup.
- Anti-aging skincare minis: The sun ages our skin, but this small but mighty Symmetry anti-aging face cream is the ultimate tonic for sun-kissed skin. It’s a 15 ml, so the perfect amount to take away on a trip. Use code REMI for 10% off!
- I love a lip mask for the plane, and this one is the fanciest I’ve found. The pot comes with a spatula so you don’t have to apply it with your fingers. Perfect for pampering at altitude.
- Solid hand cream bar: This luxurious soap bar is perfect for travel and allows you to take those little luxuries from home with you on the go. Again code REMI at checkout to get 10% off.
- Of course, you need a cute case to house your travel skincare must-haves.
If you are travelling with little one’s you’ll need:
- Uno: Hours of fun and perfect for delayed flights or unexpected rainy days.
- Airtag: For stress-free travel, pop one on your luggage and pin one in your little one’s top in case they wander off.
- b.box insulated food jar: Keeps food warm for 5 hours or cold for 7! So easy to open, even your toddler can do it and it comes with a handy spork.
- Activity pack for the flight.
- b.box roll and go mealtime mat: This fits most high chairs, making it ideal for breakfasts on family holidays. A great option if you are worried about germs and it’s easy to clean. The bowl is perfect for those who are trying independent weaning and the deep spoon is designed to keep all the food where it should be.
- Obligatory Jellycat bunny
Decant, Decant, Decant
No doubt, this is time-consuming, but oh so worth it. After handing over my Laura Mercier moisturiser (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! Buy minis as they come in handy for your handbag on an evening as well as packing light. The Symmetry anti-aging face cream is the perfect travel size and whips away any signs of fatigue. Infused with Jasmine and Rose essential oils, this is the ultimate little luxury to pack when you want a post-flight pamper. Opt for travel beauty products that won’t get flagged through security. Unlike a hand lotion, solid hand cream bars are not a liquid so you can keep your hands soft and smooth as you travel. Clever huh?
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 on the other side. Charging packs like the Canyon one mean more time in the airport lounge and less stress all around.
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 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 moisturiser 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 the 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, and 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.
What are your top travel tips?
