holiday Archives - Travel Destination Bucket List

Tips on Planing a Group Villa Holiday in Spain

August 16, 2018 By Admin Leave a Comment

If you are looking to go away in a big group next year for summer holidays, it makes sense to rent a huge villa for everyone, or a complex with 2 or 3 villas next to each other, depending on the group size. Not only is this a cost-effective way of traveling, removing the need for multiple hotel rooms, it is also a great deal more fun, all sharing the space with each other for the duration of your holiday. I have been on several of these big group holidays, so I wanted to give you some tips on how to get the planning just right.

Spain

Unless you have a particular reason to go to a certain country, I would most definitely recommend Spain as a place to look for your villa, specifically in the south of the country. The reason behind this is that you can easily fly into Spain from anywhere in the UK, for very low prices, plus the fact that Spain offers everything that most people look for in a summer break, and the villas here are far cheaper than the likes of Portugal and Greece. Keep an eye out for villas in and around Malaga, as these are some of the best that I have visited.

Car Rental

Bear in mind that in many cases, villas are in rural areas or in areas that are a little bit off-the-beaten path, so you will need a car rental for supermarket visits and meals out. Taking the Malaga example, if you rent a car when you get to Malaga, you maybe looking at higher costs, so be sure to get booked up before you leave home.

Amenities

Most people that go away in groups like this spend the majority of their time together in the villa, so you need to make sure that there is plenty for people to do. Naturally a swimming pool will be a key component of renting a villa, but also keep an eye out for pool and table tennis tables, TVs and speaker systems, a BBQ and plenty of outdoor seating space.

Money

When it comes to paying for the villa, you need to take extra special care, because you will be making a group payment on behalf of everyone. I have been on many holidays like this where someone pulled out at the last minute, which ended up driving the cost up for everyone. Once you have agreed with the group which villa you will rent and how much it will cost, make sure that you get payments from them prior to paying for the villa. If you do things like this, then should someone drop out, they can either sell their holiday to someone else, or simply lose the money, either way it will be their responsibility, and nobody else will lose out.

Group villa holidays are a great way to spend a summer break, just make sure that you get the planning right.

On Land or On Sea? Reasons for choosing a Cruise holiday

June 20, 2018 By Admin Leave a Comment

There’s a range of choice when it comes to holidays, many don’t know what to pick. You could visit one destination and explore the full scope of that one land, or you could take a cruise and venture to various places. With a cruise there’s no limits, no restrictions that will hinder you from having a spectacular and fun-filled holiday. Find one that suits you with all the places you want to see incorporate on the journey. Sail the seas today: experience a luxury cruise holiday. Here are some of the benefits of choosing a cruise holiday.

An Array of Attractions

With a cruise you don’t have to be limited to one location. Explore the world and tick of a number of those Bucket list destinations you’ve been longing to see. Cruises go cross countries and enable you to see a range of alluring sites. You can sail the seven seas travelling from Abu Dhabi to Rome, Monte Carlo to Barcelona, Amsterdam to London and more. See the world without stress as you sail along.

All Planned Out

Another thing that makes cruises such a sort out holiday is that it’s all planned out for you. You’re provided with an enticing itinerary before you board and they take you to the various destinations with ease. Planning all the locations you want to see manually can be a drag, when you book a cruise you’ll have the whole trip set out for you. With destination experts on hand also, you can be informed on what to view when you stop off. Sit back and relax and enjoy the ride and recreation. Don’t get yourself worked up about what to do next or where to fly to, with a cruise holiday it will be one stop after another packed with a host of events and attraction for you to be thrilled by. The only journey you’ll be down about taking is the journey back home.

Comfort and Luxury

One of the biggest highlights to cruising is the comfort that comes on board. This is a luxurious way to site see. Get an ocean view from your sensational stateroom. Receive a delicious selection of fine cuisines, indulge in a wide range of entertainment, and wake up to the wonders of each location in style. It’s the perfect way to voyage around the world. You’ll be provided with a high standard of service that is matchless. One of the biggest worries when travelling around is finding the perfect accommodation; on a cruise this will always be available to you with your own private and plush room on board at the end of your explorations.

Social

Everybody likes to meet good people with good vibes while they’re on holiday. They like the memories that come with socialising with a host of different characters. On a cruise you are in close proximity with like-minded people; people that are out for a good time of travelling and leisure.

How to Stay Safe and Stress-Free on Vacation

June 15, 2018 By Admin Leave a Comment

Vacations are wonderful experiences that people can’t wait to take, which is why they sometimes get a little careless. You need to put some effort into staying safe if you’re thinking about going on vacation sometime soon.

These are five things you can do to ensure that you and your family are going to have a good time on your next annual trip by staying safe and protected:

Have Your Vehicle Inspected

The first line of defense for vacation safety is making sure that the vehicle you drive is safe on all counts. You need to make sure it’s a roadworthy vehicle by having someone put it through a several-point inspection. This person needs to make sure that the brakes and tires are in excellent condition, that all the fluids that protect the motor are full, and that the safety devices and lighting elements work well. Take it to a certified mechanic and make sure that this person gives you a green light to drive the vehicle. Once you get the seal of approval, you’ll know that it’s okay to take the car on the trip.

Buy Insurance

Insurance is a good idea for protecting yourself in the event of a bad experience on vacation. For example, travelers insurance covers you in case of emergency medical expenses, lost luggage, or flight cancellation while on vacation. For those embarking on the road trip of a lifetime, an updated policy which covers any special circumstances may need to be considered, such as motorcycle insurance if towing a couple of Kawasaki bikes behind your motorhome en route to the Grand Canyon.

Travel in Packs

There are ways that you can facilitate staying safe on vacation once you’re there, too. Traveling in packs is an amazing way for you to cut down the chance of experiencing a robbery of some kind. Robbers and muggers are less likely to attack someone who is with a bunch of her friends than they are to attack someone who is alone and perpetrating a tourist look. Make it a practice to travel with your family and friends everywhere you go on this vacation to stay safe.

Explore in the Daytime

Another safety measure that you can use is taking care of all of your business during the daytime. Go out and explore the area as much as you want in the daytime. Go shopping, swimming, scuba diving and anything else that your heart desires, but do it in the daytime. If going out at night, stick to populated well-lit areas which are clearly designated as nightlife hotspots. Pay attention to where you notice any police or security stationed so that in the event something happens, you know where to go immediately for help.

Use Chip Cards

The use of the chip card is a form of financial protection that can help you while you are on your trip. You’ll want to bring your chip card with you so that you lower the possibility of falling victim to credit card fraud while you are there.

Those suggestions are just the beginning when it comes to safety on your family trip. You can take those suggestions and then come up with additional suggestions that will make your safety even more ironclad. You should be able to enjoy your trip, and you will if you always stay proactive.

Visiting The Lake District, England

April 16, 2018 By Admin Leave a Comment

The Lake District in the North West of England is a beautiful area. For anyone that loves nature and wants to escape to a quiet area for their next vacation, rather than visiting England’s capital of London, perhaps you should discover everything that The Lakes can offer.

Scenery

Wherever you go in and around the Lake District, there is so much amazing scenery to enjoy, for free. If you have children, this is the perfect place to get them active and enjoying nature. There is a reason that the Lakes hosts millions of tourists every year, and this is because of how beautiful it really is. Whether you go on a boat across the stunning Lake Windermere or you take your children on the Buffalo Trail, there is plenty of things to discover and enjoy, all whilst taking in the fresh country air. If you’ve never been abroad, Tourist2Traveler.Com has some great tips.

Accommodation

If staying in a cottage, far away from everyone else, surrounded by peace and quiet and the beauty of the lakes and mountains sounds like your dream vacation, the Lake District can certainly offer you this. With many stunning lakeside cottages to rent, for couples and families, this is a perfect way to get closer and discover quaint country pubs with lovely locals. You may want to brush up on your Cumbrian dialect though!

Things To Do

The Lake District is home to many adventurous activities, as well as more educational pursuits. The famous author and poet William Wordsworth had a little house in Cumbria, in which he spent time writing some of his most famous poems. The Castlerigg Stone Circle is another must-see; these stones are around 4,000 years old and are surrounded by a spectacular view of the mountain peaks. If you want to do something a bit more thrill-seeking, the Lake District has many adventure sports on offer. You may want to rock climb on a real mountain or kayak and scuba dive in the natural great lakes. You can rent rowing boats if you wish to have a more chilled out time on the water. Whatever you want to do, take advantage of everything that these natural formations can offer you.

Food and Drink

There are many great restaurants and bars to be discovered in the Lake District, which is perfect for those who want to discover some local pubs rather than large chains. There is something lovely about grabbing a pint in the beer garden, all whilst knowing you are supporting a friendly local, and you will notice a difference in service too. Keswick is home to some great restaurants and bars, such as The Chief Justice of The Common Pleas, which is an old courthouse turned pub where you can enjoy your food and drink in a holding cell, or sat in the judge’s chair.

You won’t be stuck for things to do when visiting the Lake District, and discovering the mountains and lakes is completely free, meaning you don’t need to spend a fortune.

Thrilling Experiences To Enjoy In Florida

April 14, 2018 By Admin Leave a Comment

Traveling is something everyone should live to behold, and seeing different parts of the world is truly thrilling and fascinating. After all, travel is the only thing you pay for that makes you richer. So, if you’ve got dreams of seeing the world, then make your dreams happen. Where there’s a will, there’s a way so get saving and planning and leave get your tickets booked. If you’re traveling in the US, then you’re far from short of fantastic places to go and see. US travel needs little introduction, so if you’re keen to travel in America, and specifically Florida, then this list is for you.

Escape Rooms

If you’re seeking adventure and you’re somewhat of an adrenaline junkie, then escape rooms are for you. They require strategic thinking to crack codes and decipher the meaning in clues and cryptic puzzles. Escape Room Jacksonville has a series of rooms to choose from including museum heist, island escape, the kidnapping and hostage. These rooms require the help of a small team, so if you’ve got a handful of willing friends and travelers with you then you’ve found the perfect activity to enjoy in Florida.

Catty Shack Ranch

When traveling, try and see as much as you possibly can and use every day as an opportunity to learn and get involved in new activities. Staying in Jacksonville for this one, you can find the catty shack ranch that houses endangered big cats. This ranch doesn’t breed from, sell, nor trade the animals they keep just in case you are unsure about traveling to sanctuaries who do more bad than good. The ranch offers a tour of the park whereby you can see tigers, leopards, cougars, and bobcats.

Florida Keys

Florida Keys is a beautiful coral bay off the coast of Florida, and it stretches for 120 miles. If you’re thinking of dropping by to the keys, then be sure not to miss out on scuba diving and snorkeling to see the extensive array of local wildlife and sea creatures. Don’t forget that you can appreciate nature without destroying it, so remember not to interfere with the creatures you see and don’t leave trash items such as plastics anywhere other than in the bin. If you want to see sea creatures up close and personal, then be sure not to miss seeing the Florida Keys, and if you love beaches, then this is for you. You won’t be bored if you choose to travel to Florida Keys.

NASA Kennedy Space Center

If you love space and everything to do with space travel, then this center is for you. The NASA Kennedy Space Center is the astronaut hall of fame and should be high on your list of places to visit while in Florida. The center provides hours of fun and insight including learning about each specific periods of time and achievements. Try and plan your trip so that you get to watch the center launch one of their rockets into space. This center is iconic, and you’ll regret not going to see it when you’re traveling in Florida.

Why Visitors Return to the Falls Year after Year

March 12, 2018 By Admin Leave a Comment

For many tourists, a visit to the Niagara Falls is a once in a lifetime experience. For others, this area becomes somewhere that they are drawn to return to year after year. It is a stunning place that offers a remarkable range of experiences for visitors to enjoy. That is the main reason so many people are tempted back. The Falls are wonderful and something you never really tire of seeing, but so are many other things in the area.

Beautiful hotels with stunning views

There are dozens of lovely hotels to stay in. Competition for visitors is high, so the standard of accommodation is almost always excellent. Hotels like the Niagara Falls Marriott offer well-appointed rooms at a surprisingly affordable price. Importantly, they also offer Fallsview rooms. Nothing lifts the spirits more than being able to see the magnificent waterfalls from your own window. It makes you appreciate the power and majesty of nature and has an energising and grounding effect. The view is quite unlike anything you can find anywhere else.

Enjoy the areas interesting history

The land around the Falls has been populated for hundreds of years, so the area has a rich and varied history. Some of the surrounding towns and villages are beautifully preserved. If you want to step back in time, you can. On the Canadian side, a visit to Niagara Parkway is a must. It is very pretty.

There are numerous museums to visit. Some like Ripley´s Believe it or Not and Movieland are quirky and are really designed for tourists. But, others really do give you a deeper insight into the area´s history. A great example of this type of museum is the one run by the Niagara Historical Society. You can find out more about it here.

Adventure Experiences

The Falls are located within the boundaries of a State National park which is great for nature lovers and people looking for outdoor adventure. You can enjoy hiking, cycling, canoeing, zip lining, paddle boarding and a long list of other activities when you visit the area.

The chance to shop

There are lots of shops in and around the Falls and in the surrounding towns, including some really great factory outlet stores. Plus, there is also the chance to indulge in some big city shopping in either New York or Toronto, which are both within easy travelling distance.

Shows and much more

The fact that there are so many visitors looking for something to do in the evenings means that there is a great nightlife scene. There are clubs, restaurants, and bars to suit all tastes. Plus, there is the chance to attend a range of shows and events. You can take in a magic show, enjoy live music, see a play or enjoy a musical. The casino is also a great destination for people who like to have a flutter. What shows are available varies quite a bit. So, it is worth your while going online and seeing which shows and events are running before you book your Niagara Falls holiday.

Here’s Why You Really Should Visit the Caribbean at Least Once in a Lifetime

February 5, 2018 By Admin Leave a Comment

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While there was a time when no one thought about a bucket list until they were reaching retirement, or at least during late middle years, it is becoming increasingly popular to create those lists much earlier on in life. As the saying goes, you never know what tomorrow may bring, and that seems to be a common thread among Millennials as well as Gen Xers who will be the next big groups to reach retirement but not anytime soon, of course. So why would you want to put the Caribbean on your bucket list? Here are at least five good reasons you might want to consider.

1. Warm, Sunny Beaches

It goes without saying that the Caribbeans best and always most popular reason to visit the islands is because of the warm and sunny beaches. But, here is one thing many people aren’t familiar with. Did you know that not all the islands are crowded with tourists? There are more than 7,000 islands in the Caribbean, so you always have your pick of beaches any day of the year!

2. Diversity of Cultures

Consider those 7,000 islands for just a moment. Here is something many people don’t stop to think about. Those thousands of islands represent 13 different sovereign nations along with 12 independent territories which are closely tied (and protected by) the United States and several European countries. One example would be the Guadalupe Islands, which are overseas departments of France and, interestingly enough, part of the European Union because of this. If you are looking for a chance to acquaint yourself with a variety of cultures, the Caribbean is where you’ll find that place.

3. More than Just Beaches for Outdoor Activities

Most people think of sunny beaches when they think of a trip to the Caribbean, but did you know that many of the islands have far more to offer in terms of outdoor activities? In fact, some of the islands are not visited as much for their sandy beaches as they are for the hilly, rugged terrain that makes a perfect backdrop for backpackers and hikers. From touring with mountain bikes to trekking through those hills, there is something quite intriguing about visiting the more remote islands to get a bit of activity after a year in that office chair.

4. Friendly Locals

Review after review of resorts in the Caribbean says that what visitors loved most about their vacation in the Caribbean was the friendly way in which they were greeted by the locals. This area of the world is one of the most visited vacation spots, but that isn’t why the locals are so friendly. It appears to be a part of their culture as a people living apart from mainland worries, and that is something everyone can enjoy.

With so many islands to explore, a diversity of cultures and the world’s cleanest and sunniest beaches, why would anyone want to visit the Caribbean at least once in a lifetime? Just remember that if you are trying to visit at a time when prices tend to be lower and crowds are thinner, sometimes visit locals consider the low season. In most of the islands, there is a high and a low season, and prices tend to rise a little at certain times of the year, but with the weather always warm, any time is a good time to visit the islands. Book one of your fantastic accommodations and see for yourself! You won’t be disappointed.

Alberta Hotels: 5 Reasons to Book Your Stay Online

January 8, 2018 By Admin Leave a Comment

Are you planning a trip to Alberta for the near future? Have you come to realize that there are hundreds of hotels to choose from? Are you concerned that you may not be able to find the one that best suits your budget and personal requirements?

On the plus side, it’s nice to know that there are so many hotels in Alberta. This should give you the confidence you need to find the one that suits you best.

Conversely, you also have to consider the fact that more hotels can lead to more time on the comparison process.

There are many things you can do to make life easier on yourself, such as searching for and booking an Alberta hotel online.

With the help of Expedia, for instance, you can find the right Alberta hotel and make a reservation – all without wasting any time.

You may have a few questions and/or concerns before you head down this path. That’s why you want to learn more about the top reasons to book online:

Save Time

It can take a lot of time to call one hotel after the next to collect information, such as rates, room sizes, amenities, and much more.

This is why you need to use the internet. When doing so, you never have to worry about wasting time. You can efficiently and effectively compare your options, all with the idea that you’ll make a timely decision.

Save Money

There will be a lot on your mind when traveling, but saving money always seems to move to the top of the list (at least for most people).

If you want to get started on the right foot, you should consider the cost savings associated with booking a hotel online.

Thanks to the internet, you can quickly compare hotels with the idea of finding the right one at a price you can afford.

Tip: there are all types of hotels in Alberta, so keep an open mind. As long as you’re searching with budget in mind, you should be able to find something you can afford.

Learn More About Amenities

Some travelers don’t have any special requests in regards to amenities. Instead, the only thing they care about is finding an affordable hotel in a safe part of town.

Others, however, have a long amenity list that they keep in mind when making a decision.

Are you interested in a hotel with a pool? How about one with an exercise room? What about a business center?

If you need to learn more about amenities, you won’t struggle to do so online.

Read Traveler Reviews

If you have never stayed in a particular hotel in the past, it can be a challenge to understand everything it has to offer. This is why you should take the time to read as many traveler reviews as you can find.

Depending on the hotel, you may come across hundreds (or even thousands) of these. You don’t have to read them all, but you should definitely browse through a few. The information you collect will help you make a more informed decision.

Learn More About the Location

Once you know the address to a particular hotel, you can then search the location to get a better idea of where it is in proximity to other destinations.

For instance, you may be most interested in a hotel close to the airport. Another traveler, however, may be seeking a hotel that is downtown.

Using the internet to book an Alberta hotel ensures that you never have any unanswered questions in regards to location.

Tip: if you are unsure about where a hotel is located, don’t hesitate to make a quick phone call to learn more. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Final Thoughts

You have a lot to think about when traveling. From making your way through the airport in a timely manner to avoiding serious jet lag, there is always something in the back of your mind.

If you want to clear the air a bit, use the internet to find and book an Alberta hotel. This way, you don’t have to worry about this detail.

Do you have any experience booking a hotel online? Is this something you enjoyed? Were you able to take advantage of the many benefits detailed above? Share your personal experiences in the comment section below. Your feedback can help other travelers book the perfect hotel in the future.

5 Reasons to Head to Bangkok in 2018

December 22, 2017 By Admin Leave a Comment

There is a reason why the amount of people, who travel from India to Thailand, and particularly Bangkok, has spiked in the recent years. The tickets come cheaper and so do awesome hotels, the experience is almost exotic, its not far off and not too close, and there is the amazing fine-dining scene, a rocking nightlife and beautiful architecture.

For those of you instantly trying to figure out how far is this tourist destination – here is the information. It only takes a little over four hours to travel to Bangkok from Mumbai via plane. The flight covers a distance of 1883 km. Did you know that you could also do a road trip to Bangkok – that’s almost 5000 kms away through the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway!

So let’s come back to the main question – why head to Bangkok this year? Apart from the fact that Mumbai to Bangkok flights booking, if done well in advance, are extremely affordable; here are five other reasons to visit this amazing city!

An exotic shopping experience

If you love shopping, there is no better place to be. Bangkok is definitely one of the greatest shopping destinations in the world in terms of variety and price. While the collection of modern malls is ever growing, the night markets are equally exciting for experiencing the night life as well as bargain marketing. From vintage fashion to cheap eats to designer rip offs and the latest in entertainment, you get practically everything here. Shopping in the moonlight is definitely worth it. Next, check out the floating markets in Bangkok. A sight to behold, these markets, usually only found in South East Asian countries, will be unlike anything you have ever seen before. The ideal way to explore the market is to take a boat tour with a guide and navigate the crowded waterway. The vendor boats are stocked with the freshest fruits and vegetables, so you might be tempted to do a little shopping too.

Also, don’t forget the vibrant street markets which are proving to be a huge hit in the Thai capital. Discover everything from clothes to homewares to gadgets to antique pieces at really affordable prices. When all the walking gets to you, kill the tiredness by downing a beer or indulging in street food.

The rich culture

Thailand is known for the majestic temples that exude calm and serenity and Bangkok has its fair shares of cultural symbols in the form of beautiful architecture. If you love buildings and culture, you can spend an entire day visiting different temples and count the differences between how the old ones and new ones are built. Most of these sites are located within the city so they are easily accessible by public transportation. Do pay a visit to Wat Arun, located opposite the Grand Palace on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. The palace looks beautiful when lit up and night. And if you fancy a view of the skyline, you can climb the highest spire in the temple.

The nightlife

If you are a night owl, Bangkok has something for you. Uber swanky bars, drinking holes, skybars, this city has an immense night life. Some tourists opt to explore local bars to experience the local nightlife. Yet others prefer to visit rooftop bars and sip on cocktails on a terrace overlooking the fantastic and brightly lit Bangkok skyline. You will definitely not be disappointed with your nighttime experience on the streets of Bangkok. The beautiful rooftop bars are peppered throughout the city, so you have the perfect place to observe the hustle bustle of the city from above. There are so many options to party and have fun in the city that we guarantee that you won’t ever visit the same nightclub twice even if you stay in the city for a week.

Experience new cuisine

While in Bangkok, you will be swamped with options about what to eat for your next meal. By the time its night, pop-up dining spaces mushroom all over the footpaths. Street vendors whip up tasty delights and sometimes unimaginable combinations (fried insects for instance) that is a gastronomic delight. While exploring the city, if you chance upon a street food vendor, definitely give their dish a try. Apart from the street food, Bangkok has every imaginable cuisine. So, whether you want some authentic Thai food or want to try some seafood, there is a street stall for everything.

Other things to do

If you are in Bangkok, do not come back with visiting a massage parlour and trying a Thai foot massage atleast. The masseurs know exactly how to soothe your stress in minutes through a mastery of strokes.

Take a long boat excursion on the Chao Phraya River that winds through the city alleys and gives you a peek into the local life as you pass villages and houses.

You can visit the many lush green parks spread across the city, or visit the various museums. Of particular note are the Museum of Death, a medical museum, and the airplane graveyard, which is home to old airplanes that cannot be used anymore. You might also want to opt for a traditional Thai massage to relax after a day full of sightseeing and exploring the city.

Excited to travel to Bangkok? Then what are you waiting for, check out flight bookings from Mumbai to Bangkok and plan your next trip.

7 Tips On Getting Through The Airport Experience

November 30, 2017 By Admin Leave a Comment

Whether you travel for business of pleasure, the airport is something that you simply can’t get away from. Airplane travel is so much quicker than getting a train or even driving (especially if you are traveling interstate), yet it can be a major stress ahead of what would otherwise be a perfectly lovely trip. Here are some tips to get you through the airport experience in a much more relaxed, much more stress-free way.

Weekdays are Better

Flying during the week is better than the weekend for many different reasons. Firstly, it’s a lot less busy in the airport since most people opt for weekend travel, especially if they are going on vacation – they can take fewer days off work that way. As well as the crowds (or lack of them), weekdays will often be cheaper than weekends. So, if you want to save money and you don’t want to face a milling throng of thousands of people all trying to get to the same areas of the airport as you, pick a weekday if possible. Days are important, but times are also relevant to a better airport experience; if you travel between 11am and 4pm, it will be quieter still.

Travel to the Airport

Driving to the airport can often be more convenient than taking a bus or train since you’ll have your luggage with you. It can, however, be somewhat stressful when you get to the parking lot and discover that there are no spaces, or that it is much further away from the terminal than you thought, causing you to rush; it can also be expensive. By pre-booking your travel to and from the airport, you can plan your schedule and manage your timings effectively, and reduce the risk of being late for your flight, or spending extra time at the airport. Another good idea is to pre-book a car to pick you up once you land at your destination. This will save you the worry of finding a cab (and making sure you’ve got the funds for it), or taking public transport in a place you don’t know. Click for More information if booking a limousine sounds like a good idea to you.

Check in Can be Quick

Airport check in is the part of the process that seems to take an age; queuing up, handing over documents, answering questions, finally being handed a boarding pass, hauling your bag onto the belt and waving it goodbye as you breathe a sigh of relief that that’s all over. It can be made much quicker, however, if you check in online before you even get to the airport. Modern technology has made this part of the airport experience a lot less stressful and time consuming than it was before, so make the most of it. Check in online and print your own boarding passes. All you will need to do when you get to the airport is drop your luggage off at the designated area and you’re done. That gives you much more time to go and have a cup of coffee or even a meal so that you’re totally ready for the flight ahead. Your vacation can begin a lot more quickly, and your business trip will be off to a good start.

Hand Luggage Only

If you really want to be speed and hassle-free through the airport, opt for hand luggage only if possible. This is ideal for anyone on a short business trip – just pack your nightclothes and underwear in your hand luggage, as well as your toiletry bag, and you won’t have to check anything in. Of course, for a longer vacation it isn’t very practical, but a good tip is to make sure you’ve got a spare change of clothes and at least a toothbrush and toothpaste in your hand luggage anyway – if your suitcase goes missing, you’ll appreciate having them with you.

The Security Issue

After check in, the biggest issue for many people at an airport is security. Although necessary, it can take a huge amount of time to get through it, and if it is taking longer than anticipated, you might start to worry that you’ll miss your flight – never a good feeling. The best way to reduce the time it takes to get through security is to make sure in advance that your hand luggage complies exactly with the regulations. You’ll find them online, or in the booking information that you’re sent after you’ve paid for your plane tickets. Check and double check before you leave home that there is nothing in your bag that is disallowed, and that you’re using clear bags where necessary, and you should move through quickly.

The Lounge

If you’re going to have a long wait at the airport – possibly because you’ve arrived in plenty of time to get through check in and security – you may wish to consider booking yourself into an executive lounge. You’ll need to do this in advance, and it will cost you money, but it’s a great way to truly relax before boarding. You’ll be far away from the crowds, and you’ll have access to the internet, drinks, food, even newspapers. The chairs will be more comfortable than those in the departure area, and you’ll have your own space, which can be worth every penny if lots of people make you anxious.

Boarding and Disembarking

Although you may think it’s just a case of getting on and off a plane, there are a couple of tips to think about if you want to make the experience an easy, pleasant one. Firstly, board last. Why? It’s because you’ll spend less time on the plane, less time in your seat waiting to take off, if you get on the plane last. Unless you’re in business or first class, plane seats can feel cramped, so the less time spent in one the better. Secondly, everyone will already have settled down by the time you reach your seat, giving you more space to stow your luggage and sit down. When it comes to leaving the plane, disembark first if you can. You may need to pay an additional fee to be seated close to the front, but by getting off the plane first, you’ll be at the front of the queue at immigration and passport control, and you can get a good spot at the luggage carousel.