Things you should do before getting on a plane

If you are planning a trip, this article is for you!

First of all: Don’t panic! Be prepared early and have a good night’s sleep before the day you travel. All too often stress can turn an adventure into an ordeal. If things go wrong, keeping cool, calm and collected will get you out of a pickle and minimize any potential dramas.

Allow yourself plenty of time to get to the airport, through check-in and onto your flight. It’s often better to leave half hour early so that you have a little time up your sleeve in case you get stuck in traffic or delayed some how. The best way to get to the airport is by booking an airport transfer service.

Check that you have all important documentation:  passport, plane tickets, visas. It’s also a good idea to make copies of these documents to take with you in case you lose your originals, or leave a copy with a trusted party at home so that they can forward them to you if needed.

Keep yourself hydrated with plenty of water, and if you are traveling to a country without plenty of good quality drinking water, be sure to get plenty of water purification tablets before you go, as they may be harder to come by once you reach your destination.

Be patient and kind with other travellers – make it a good experience for everyone. This may seem like common sense, but it’s amazing how uncommon this sense can be when you are in a packed airport, or even on the plane.

Try to minimize alcohol consumption before and during your flight, as the effects can be worsened with long distance travel, and make adjusting to a new time-zone more difficult.

And, be sure to keep a careful eye on your luggage, and lock it securely if possible, to avoid the likelihood of any third parties tampering with your luggage and getting you into trouble. Don’t offer to take anything for anyone unless you are 110% of what it is you are transporting – it’s your own reputation that you are risking – not theirs, because ultimately you are responsible for what you have with you.