Stress Free Air Travel Tips

Stress Free Air Travel Tips

Airports can be stressful at the best of times, especially if you are travelling with young children. We have put together some useful travel tips to make sure that your flight is as relaxing and enjoyable as possible. Read our advice below to ensure you are prepared for all eventualities.

·         Check and double check that you have all your important documentation such as passport, traveller’s cheques, foreign currency, credit card, debit card, boarding pass, hotel reservation details, travel insurance and travel visa before leaving for the airport.
·         Most airlines charge an additional fee if your suitcase exceeds the parameters for on-board baggage or exceeds the max weight. Invest in a suitcase weighing scales, they are relatively cheap and can be purchased in most supermarkets and pharmacies.
·         Plan your trip to the airport, if you are considering taking a taxi, ensure you book the day before you travel.
·         Leave well in advance and arrive early at the airport to avoid missing your flight due to public transport delays, adverse weather conditions, vehicle breakdowns, flat tyres and rush hour traffic.
·         If you are driving to the airport, the long term car park is generally cheaper than the short term car park. Once you have safely parked and unloaded your baggage, save the details of the parking space number and location into your mobile phone.
·         Avoid delays at security, have your boarding pass and passport to hand, empty your pockets off all loose change, mobile phone and keys and put them into your hand luggage or the airport security tray. Take off all metallic items such as jewellery, belts, watches etc. Read the packing guidelines carefully so that you are not delayed or even detained while passing through security.
·         Once you have cleared the check in and security desk, its a good idea to purchase snacks for the flight in advance. Unfortunately on board meals can be limited and quiet expensive.
·         Be prepared for flight delays, bring a book, newspaper or download movies and music on your smart phone before you travel.
·         Once you have located you seat, remove your foot wear to let your feet breath, you’ll be surprised at how much more comfortable you’ll feel.
·         If you wear contacts, consider taking a pair of glasses to wear on the plane, as the air conditioning can dry out your eyes leaving them irritable.
·         Most people find it difficult to sleep on long haul flights; it may be worth your while investing in a comfortable neck rest, ear plugs and an eye mask.
·         Take some time to stretch during your trip, this will improve your circulation and reduce cramps, especially on long haul flights.
·         Wear comfortable clothes such as a t-shirt, light weight trousers or a dress. Bring a jumper or cardigan on board to keep warm in case the air conditioning gets cold.
·         If you are travelling with kids or babies bring some toys and colouring books to keep them occupied, consider reserving seats beside the toilet or baby changing rooms which will come in handy especially for little accidents.
·         Pack a change of clothes and toiletries in your on-board baggage, so that you are prepared in the unfortunate event that the airline temporarily misplaces your suitcases.
·         There is nothing more annoying than waiting for your baggage on the conveyor belt only to discover that somebody else has taken your suitcase by mistake. Make you suitcases stand out by tying a coloured ribbon or a piece of material around the handle and ensure you baggage is secured with a good lock.
·         Travel insurance is essential, always expected the unexpected. Holiday insurance will cover you for missed departures, flights cancellations, lost baggage, and medical expenses. Finally always shop around for cheap flights. See you soon and enjoy your trip!

Visit CompareTravel.ie for great deals on hotels, flights and car hire!

Drive down the costs of your holiday car rental!

Christmas is over and already thousands of rain-soaked people are turning their attention towards warmer holidays in exotic locations! However, one of the least considered parts in the holiday planning process relates to the humble car. The worldwide car hire market is worth over 22 billion, with over 2,500 companies all vying for the business! According to Paul Hudson, founder of popular travel website portal, CompareTravel.ie, the average consumer is unaware of the vast array of packages available and typically loses out by hiring the first car they come across on the internet or at the airport. Making the wrong choice could have disastrous consequences for the holidaymaker or business traveller if the car hire package is flawed.

CompareTravel.ie is an independent car hire comparison website which compares car rental packages all over the world to find the most attractive online deals. Hudson adds “Things to look out for before making your purchase include making sure that there are no hidden charges, including local taxes and airport fees. Make sure the car comes with 24 hour breakdown assistance and most importantly, make sure you are not leaving yourself liable to car hire excess payments in the unfortunate event you are involved in an accident.”

The international car hire market is dominated by two players, Hertz and Avis, who when combined have a market share of over fifty percent. However, competition remains fierce and sites like Hudson’s travel comparison site ensure that the consumer finds the most suitable car hire package at the click of a button. “There are many tricks of the trade, so to speak,” advises Hudson. “For instance, sometimes it is cheaper to hire a car for a week than for a long weekend. You should also book online in advance, as many last minute bookings miss out on the best deals.” Hudson also stresses that, surprisingly, hiring a smaller car can sometimes cost more than a larger model, due to the high demand for smaller vehicles pushing up their rental price. 

The majority of car rental business is generated at airports, but Hudson advises booking online in advance to ensure you get the right car, with the right support package, at the right price. “A major benefit of booking online is that you get a chance to read all the terms and conditions, where you could discover penalising cancellation charges, expensive additional car driver charges or age restrictions, before committing to that particular car hire company.  One final tip Hudson recommends is to bring along your own trusty satnav, as hiring one could set you back over €90 for a week. Compare cheap car rental, hotels and ferries today for great deals.

CompareTravel.ie simplifies the whole car rental process, it’s free to use and is completely transparent. Within seconds, users can have their choice of thousands of car hire offers throughout the world. The comprehensive website also offers visitors the best available offers on flights, hotels, cruises, ferries and travel insurance. Paul Hudson is passionate about all things relating to travel and can be found on Twitter, Facebook and Google+, dishing out advice to those about to leave the comfort of their armchair and see the world!  Visit our cheap car hire comparison website today for great deals!