The summer holidays start this weekend and thousands of families are packing their bags to go on holiday.
But, thanks to airport chaos, lost baggage and huge security lines travel in post-Covid Britain can feel more stressful than ever.
Making sure you get to the airport with plenty of time to spare is a must – as is being organised with everything you need.
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Holidaymakers should check the entry requirements of any country they decide to fly to as some, like Spain, now require extra documents from UK travellers.
Covid rules should be checked too to make sure you're allowed to enter your holiday destination..
But, aside from these basic rules what can Brits do to make sure their holiday goes smoothly with as little stress as possible?
We've got some tech-wizz solutions that should make travelling a breeze…
Take photos of your travel documents
You always need ID when travelling, but it’s wise to have a digital backup. Should there be a scenario in which you lose your wallet or it’s stolen, it will be a lot smoother getting to and from your destination if you have photos of all your important documents.
The easy way to do that on an iPhone is to use the handy document scanner built into the native notes app. Alternatively, on an Android device, you can take some photos and mark them as favourites in your gallery. This will take away all the hassle of finding your documents in your luggage.
Additionally, it is also worth saving your identifying documents as PDF files and transferring a copy to other devices, such as a Kindle. As a result, you will be able to access documentation offline. This is especially useful when you don’t have a secure internet connection.
Keep track of your belongings
Losing your belongings on holiday is devastating and can leave holidaymakers stressed out when they should be relaxing. To combat this, use a digital tracker that can help you keep an eye on your valuables and track them if you lose anything.
These trackers can be used on laptops, phones, wallets, keys, and luggage.
There are many different types of trackers that can be used, some will be Bluetooth and others will use GPS.
A quick search on Amazon will provide you with trackers at a range of prices so you can ensure the safety of your items even on a limited budget.
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Don’t rely on paper boarding passes
It’s easy to misplace paper boarding passes so you would be wise to take advantage of the digital option.
To access the digital version, you can log in to the airline’s website and arrange for them to email your boarding pass. There is also the option to download your airline’s app to access it!
It is also worth remembering that some airlines will charge you to print boarding passes so it is worth having a digital copy. Especially if you are already on a tight holiday budget.
If you do decide on this option, bear in mind that it relies upon you having a charged device to display the boarding pass. Or, alternatively, you could bring a power bank to ensure that you never run out of charge.
Make use of a GPS tracker
It is likely that you will be travelling to one of the many popular tourist destinations and with that brings travel chaos. Due to congestion on the roads and large crowds gathering to admire local attractions, you will be subject to hold ups.
To avoid this, it is worth making use of a GPS that gives you navigation details and traffic details. Meaning you don’t need to wait in long traffic queues when you could be enjoying your holiday.
To alleviate any navigation issues in a destination that you are unfamiliar with, it is sensible to make use of apps, such as Citymapper,k to reduce the chances of you getting lost.
Booking your stay
All holiday destinations will be packed with visitors, particularly during the peak season.
To ensure that you have a place to stay, book well in advance and make use booking apps to find the right stay for you. Make sure you check the reviews and get them booked so you have a guaranteed place to stay.
It is worth remembering the loyalty schemes that will help you save money on accommodation. For example, you can use Expedia points or booking.com ’s genius programme which gives people the opportunity to get 10% off their booking cost.
There is also the option of buying Airbnb gift cards on Amazon alongside the occasional discount that they offer. Gift cards are a great option if you are planning on going on a big trip and would like to store travel credit.
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Load your playlist
When travelling, there will be periods where you are bored waiting in queues or on a layover. Therefore, it is important to ensure you have entertainment to hand. Create a personalised playlist and download podcasts, to keep the boredom at bay.
As you will have no signal on the plane, it is important to have all your playlists, podcasts, and films downloaded so you can access them offline.
You can go one step further and make your entertainment productive by listening to a travel podcast about your destination so you are clued up just in time for your arrival.
Get your digital driving licence
A digital driving licence is useful as it can be used as identification when travelling abroad so you don’t need to carry your passport with you at all times.
It updates quickly with new information, such as change of address. Heaven forbid your phone is lost or stolen, but if an unfortunate event unfolds you can wipe the digital ID before getting a new one.
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