Peak travel season is just around the corner, and many of us are feeling the familiar itch to get away. With the Easter holidays drawing to a close, people across the UK will now turn their attention to the upcoming May bank holidays and summer, planning their next excursions for a fun, stress-free time away.
However, some people may not be making the most of the perks they have available to them to make their holiday even more relaxing. That’s according to Ian McIlrath, travel expert and Managing Director at Ski Solutions, who’s reminding Brits to check what benefits their credit cards and bank accounts may bring.
“Before you travel, always check to see what perks you’re entitled to before purchasing extras,” Ian suggests. “Fast-track airport security is most commonly provided as a benefit on premium credit cards, such as Mastercard World Elite or Amex Platinum, and on certain high-tier bank accounts, including HSBC Premier and NatWest Black.
“To use the perk, cardholders typically need to book in advance through a dedicated app or website. Access is usually governed by specific terms, such as eligibility requirements, limits on how often the benefit can be used, and rules about whether accompanying guests are allowed.
He adds, “It’s always worth looking through your travel documents and what’s included in your booking in advance. If it hasn’t been included with your holiday booking, make sure to check the airport website. Some offer complimentary fast-track during quieter periods, or even bundle it with their parking.”
Other common benefits offered by certain cards and accounts include free withdrawal, minimal exchange fees, worldwide cashback, and even travel insurance, all of which can help reduce pre-planning stress.
Ian also shared some of his other top tips for travellers looking for advice, from proper packing to the importance of planning ahead.
Pack smart
Packing can be one of the most stressful tasks that we undertake before a trip away, but this doesn’t have to be the case – if we do it efficiently.
Ian says, “Rolling your clothes instead of folding them can free up a surprising amount of room in your suitcase. Stuffing your shoes or boots with smaller items like gloves, socks, or chargers is another great trick to ensure there’s no wasted space.
“Packing cubes or compression packs can be a useful way to keep everything organised and easier to unpack quickly, all while creating a little more space. Where possible, wear your bulkiest items on the plane, such as a large hoodie or jacket.”
Ian adds an extra tip for those travelling with kids, “Packing for family travel is less about quantity and more about accessibility. Keeping a small ‘first-day’ bag with essentials such as snacks, a change of clothes, and basic toiletries can be extremely useful if rooms aren’t ready on arrival or luggage is delayed. It allows families to begin enjoying the holiday immediately rather than waiting for everything to be unpacked.”
Download offline maps and translator apps
Data and WiFi access can sometimes be limited at best when venturing abroad, which is why it’s important to be prepared for that eventuality.
“If you’re planning on exploring off the beaten trail, make sure you’ve got an offline map downloaded beforehand,” Ian advises. “Both Google Maps and Maps.me have offline versions, meaning you can still navigate without mobile data.”
He adds, “Google Translate can also work offline when you download language packs, which can translate text, speech, and images without a connection. This is especially useful when you’re reading menus, navigating train stations, or reading signs in another country.”
Think about the return journey early
Whilst the prospect of returning home after a trip away is often a sad one, it’s something we should be considering far in advance.
Ian suggests, “Think about your journey home before you’ve even left for your trip. Things like leaving a little extra room in your suitcase to allow space for souvenirs on the way back, or pre-planning your journey to the airport and then home.”
He adds, “The final day of a family holiday can feel surprisingly rushed, particularly with early departures or busy roads. Packing most luggage the night before, keeping travel clothes ready and allowing extra time for transfers can make the journey home far calmer, helping families end the holiday on a positive note.”
For more holiday inspiration and tips, please visit: Blog | Ski Solutions
Photo by Ketut Subiyanto: https://www.pexels.com/photo/tourists-with-maps-sightseeing-4881164/
