Travelling is good for the soul but the reality of getting from A to B can be both tiring and tiresome. This week we went looking for some tips on how to make air travel (from the moment you leave your house until the moment you get to your destination) better/cheaper/more relaxing/less miserable.
Small saline nasal spray can prevent sinus misery for those who suffer with dry airplane air. Clean socks so you can take shoes off. Elaine Dobbyn.
Pack a game bag for the kids and hand out one item after a set amount of time. Book, colours, that kind of thing. Wear shoes that are easy to take off. Check your hand luggage size before you pack it. Triona Driscoll.
Have hand-held fan in man bag, do not wear new shoes for travelling, bring a power pack so you can charge phone in absence of charging points, a 750ml bottle of Evian is a must, make sure you don't have just big currency notes, learn a few important phrases to get by, order G&T. Amanda Ferguson.
Ear plugs (and if you want to sleep, an eye mask). Ciara Mc Nelis.
Elastic waisted clothing, blow up pillow, Xanax, family/friend to drop you off at departures, Kindle, hard boiled sweets (for ears), wipes. Vivienne Clarke.
Two things: Lower your expectations, airlines are not five-star travel and learn to sleep on a plane. Kevin Graham.
Practical tips: use fast track, be ready for security / passport control, have reading/viewing material, have a power pack. Joanne Cronin
Don't rely on airport or plane food. Bring snacks so that you don't overload on sugary treats resulting in low energy levels afterwards. Travelling is tiring enough. David Rice.
Clothing must be very comfortable: no belts, no tight pockets, no loose change no jewellery, slip-off comfortable shoes, headphones and Netflix (have your show pre downloaded). Boarding passes on your iPhone. Phil Keane.
Fast track at the airport really helps. Peter Brophy.
Book into the short-term carpark that is a short walk, to save time and avoid all that shuttle bus messing. Especially with small children. Compared to price you've paid for holiday etc it is worth it. Or taxi to the door if you've no kids/car seat conundrums. Joelle Hendrick.
