Image by skitterphoto CC0

Air travel is a mixed bag of experiences. Waiting, rushing, mild panic, boredom, elation, feeling travel sick… Here are a few things you can do to even out those highs and lows and be a bit less stressed next time you travel by aeroplane.

Hacks for before you check in

• Customise your hold bag – bright tape is perfect for making your luggage stand out at baggage collection.
• Pack all essentials in your hand luggage – just in case your hold bag goes missing, you’ll still have your chargers and toiletries to get you through the first day.
• Download all your tickets and passes – just in case you have no connectivity make sure you can access them offline!
• Have a hard copy of all essential travel documents – just in case your phone gives up altogether.
• Take a photo of where you park – bay 6B is not memorable after a week in the Bahamas.
• Wear your bulky items – to avoid paying for extra baggage.

Hacks for before you go through security

• Pack your devices and liquids at the top of your hand luggage – it saves time!
• Empty your pockets before you get to security – it saves time!
• Finish up the water in your bottle – so you can get a cheap refill the other side.
• Choose the security queue with business travellers – they tend to be more prepared so go through faster.
• Never queue behind families, hen parties or stag dos – they tend to faff more and be less prepared so go through slower.
• Choose the left queue – apparently most people are right-handed so will go right as it is easier. Left hand lanes should therefore be quicker.

Hacks to get you through the wait the other side

• Use headphones for noise cancellation – not for music so you don’t miss important announcements.
• Connect to the airport Wi-Fi – or risk maxing out your data allowance before you even get to your destination.
• Brush up on key phrases – Duolingo is an addictive language learning game and will make the time fly while you actually boost your language skills!
• If you haven’t already got it, get your travel insurance! A call with the lovely team at worldwideinsure.com will make the time fly while you’re waiting for your flight.

Hacks for on the plane

• Board last – if you are the last on, you may well get that elusive upgrade.
• Sit over the wing – you are less likely to feel turbulence. Morning flights are less likely to be turbulent too.
• Don’t sit by the bulkhead – that’s the safest place to secure babies in bassinets, so more likely to be where the screaming is.
• Ask for seconds if you are hungry – not all passengers take their meal so why not have what’s leftover if you are still hungry.

Kilimanjaro © Discover Adventure

If you love the idea of adventure you have probably considered signing up for a fundraising adventure – a great way to realise travel dreams and raise money for a good cause at the same time. We spoke to Discover Adventure to find out what makes this type of break a great alternative to a regular holiday, and what to say to sponsor sceptics who think they are just paying for someone else’s holiday!

Why choose a fundraising adventure over just going on holiday? 

On a fundraising adventure, your trip has purpose. Each step you take, you are making a difference to people’s lives and each challenge that you face within your adventure is overcome with the motivation of supporting a meaningful charity and the sum of money that your supportershave donated.

And when it comes to the actual adventure – exploring a new location as part of a sponsored challenge allows you to disregard the expectations you would usually have on holiday. You are more likely to embrace the local culture and communities you meet and expose yourself to the natural elements – refreshingly liberating compared to the usual holiday comforts.

You will also push yourself out of your comfort zone, make friends for life as the emotional rollercoaster of your adventure draws you closer, and you will experience totally new things, things you probably never expected you would.

Ultimately, the benefits of an adventure last for much longer than a relaxed holiday would!

Which are the most popular adventure holidays?

Our Kilimanjaro challenge has been a really popular adventure this year, especially due to the recent #ReturnToKili celebrity team that trekked Kilimanjaro for Comic Relief. However, our iconic once-in-a-lifetime adventures are constant favourites: Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Trek, Great Wall of China Trek and the London to Paris Cycle to name a few. Although we have found in recent years our shorter adventures are seeing an increase in popularity as people can squeeze them into busy schedules. Our Saharan Mini Adventure is 5 days long and gives you the real desert experience whilst lapping up Moroccan culture, and our Northern Lights Winter Trek in Iceland is another growing fascination for many of our participants.

Stelvio © Discover Adventure

Which are the most challenging adventure holidays?

Our adventures are measured on a scale of Yellow, Orange and Red, with Red graded trips considering factors such as altitude, tough terrain and long days on the ground. Our King of the Mountains Cycle Series includes some of our toughest rides, such as the Stelvio & Classic Italian Climbs Cycle. This takes on some legendary climbs including Passo di Gavia, Passo di Mortirolo and Passo dello Stelvio. Whilst on the trekking side of our adventures, trekking Kilimanjaro, Africa’s biggest mountain, and our Everest Base Camp Trek are challenging treks to take on.

Don’t forget your Travel Insurance! Many activities are covered by worldwideinsure.com policies as standard, adventure sports travel insurance can easily be added to your policy, we provide flexible cover for casual or competitive participation AND we offer travel health cover for snowboarders and skiers with our Winter Sports Travel Insurance.

Any tips how to choose the right challenge?

The bigger the challenge, the bigger the sense of achievement – but what one person considers a walk in the park, is another’s mighty mountain. Start a little out of your comfort zone and choose something that excites you. Whether it’s a rush of adrenaline, or a stir of emotion, if it gets you thinking, could I really achieve that? That’s your challenge.

Great Wall of China © Discover Adventure

What about those who think fundraising adventures are just “sponsoring someone’s holiday”?

A lot of charities may never have seen this fundraising had it not been for the individuals deciding to do these challenges. Bear in mind that people are always willing to sponsor others to do things beyond their comfort zone. Training is essential, preparation is key and the determination to overcome whatever it is that challenges you most from the experience is more than enough to warrant being sponsored.

When you are fundraising you want to showcase the challenges you are facing in order to drum up donations, and you want to be able to pull out some of the most challenging elements of the experience. Whether it’s the fact you are trekking three countries in three days or the many lows you’ll endure alongside the mighty highs along the way. These are the things that make it totally different from a holiday!

Adventure travel challenges are designed to test you, so don’t be fooled by the mesmerising views you’ll catch en route, and remember – it is an incredible achievement to raise any money for a cause close to your heart.

Image by mmillswan CC0

While jet-setting your way around the world sounds pretty glamorous, in reality it is exhausting, and let’s be honest – boring! Riding sleeper trains however is a much more relaxing way to get from A to B, and a far more adventurous experience. Here are our top tips and essential info for adventurers taking the scenic route.

Know Your Sleeping Options!

First and foremost, you need to know what you are booking. The choices are usually:

• Recliner seat
• Couchette
• Sleeper compartments

Recliner seats are just that, a comfy spacious seat that reclines, but doesn’t go fully flat. Great for those on a super-tight budget, not great if you would like a proper night’s sleep! Couchettes are basically a bed in a bunkroom for 4 or 6 people. These spaces aren’t big on privacy – or space – so you’ll be kipping with your day-clothes on. Couchettes usually come with a blanket and pillow instead of proper bedding.  Top tip – Pack a small bag for your essentials as there’s no room to swing a suitcase to get stuff out. Finally – we have sleeper compartments – a veritable palace of comfort complete with bedding, washbasin and the rare luxury of privacy if you get a private compartment.

Food and Drink

• Some night train tickets include breakfast.
• Always take your own mug and tea bags/hot chocolate sachets etc. as hot water is freely available from the dining car.
• If you are on a tight budget, pack lots of snacks, and even pot noodles to avoid having to pay to eat in the dining car. However, if you aren’t on a budget – make the most of the experience!

What to Pack for Travelling on a Night Train

• Eye mask and ear plugs for a better night’s sleep.
• Toilet roll and hand sanitizer just in case.
• A silk sleeping bag liner or sheet for peace of mind even if the bedding looks clean.
• Flip flops – because you never want to use the shared bathroom in bare feet.
• Backup charger for your phone. Night trains are notoriously thin on power points, so you may not be able to charge your phone.
• Pack of cards or travel game to pass the time with your fellow passengers if you are in a shared compartment.

Night trains are really popular, not only because the price of a bed beats paying for a hotel, but because travellers can maximise their destination time. Sleeping while you travel gives you extra days to enjoy the places you really want to see!

Safety

• Always lock the door to your compartment.
• Always keep your valuables hidden.
• Always take your passport and money with you when you leave the compartment.
• If your fellow compartment passengers make you feel threatened or unsafe tell your attendant and ask if you can be moved.

Night Train Attendants

• Bribes and tips are part of the service! Tip at the beginning and you are likely to get preferential treatment. If you want to move or upgrade and your attendant isn’t being helpful, a 20 Euro “tip” can help enormously.
• If your route crosses borders, the attendant will offer to keep hold of your passport so you don’t get woken by border control in the night. You don’t have to do this, but it is a free service well worth the good night’s sleep you’ll get for using it.
• The attendant will wake you with plenty of time to get ready before you reach your destination. Don’t bother with an alarm just in case your train is running late and you have a chance to get some extra sleep!

Image by StockSnap CC0

Some airlines have pyjamas for long haul flights! If you are travelling first or business class and fancy feeling fresh when you step off the plane, ask if there are any PJs available to slip into while you snooze.

Ask for seconds if you are still hungry. The fact is that some people don’t want their on-board meal, maybe they are prioritising sleep, or maybe flying wipes out their appetite. Whatever the reason, there are likely spare meals to be had if you want them.

Take your own pillows and headphones. There are rumours that the in-flight freebies on some flights may have been enjoyed by a previous passenger. One way to tell you are first to use the blanket, pillow or headphones is if it comes in a sealed packed. Advice is to take your own personal items just in case it doesn’t!

The Cabin Crew’s actual job is to keep passengers safe. Next time you are harrumphing because service is a little slow (or your peanuts aren’t served on a plate), remember that the crew aren’t primarily there for your hospitality, they are there to ensure your safety should you need it. Don’t believe us? Surely there would be a budget airline where you took your own food and drink to save on hospitality staff.

Screaming babies are more likely to be seated by a partition, aka, bulkhead. This is because it is the only place to safely secure a bassinet. If you want to maximise your chances of a good rest, pick a seat well away!

Some flights have childcare aboard! Premium airlines often have a dedicated person to entertain a restless child, and most airlines will have entertainment packs – just ask as you board. Even crew on the most budget of flights may be able to help calm a screaming baby, after all no one wants the stress of that, least of all the crew while they are trying to do their job.

Be nice, or be bottom of the pile. Yes folks, the cabin crew’s life isn’t as glamorous as some may think, so everything you can do to be pleasant and accommodating gets noticed because it makes their job so much easier. Those who are prone to demanding behaviour will not be the ones who get the last cold cola on the flight!

A jet-setting agenda can take its toll on your looks – find out how the likes of A-list celebrities overcome the dry skin, tired eyes, blemishes, and bloating associated with frequent flying.

Image by silviarita CC0

Dehydration is the enemy – both inside and out! Make sure you up your water intake, remembering to reduce caffeine and alcohol while you are at it, and use a hydrating moisturiser or mist for your skin.

“Many people underestimate how delicate the skin under our eyes is. Using a specialised cleanser for eyecare is the best way to protect our delicate skin. Tea tree oil is one of the best cleansing and healing ingredients that loves delicate skin! It also has natural antimicrobial properties which makes it a great part of any skincare regime.” Beauty expert at OPTASE® developers of Tea Tree Oil Lid Wipes, a handy travel-size pack suited to frequent flyers.

Travel sans makeup – wearing makeup while you travel will just tire and dehydrate your skin further.

Detox before you go – having a cleansed system will mean that your body is performing as efficiently as possible at ridding itself of toxins and more resistant to the stress of travel.

“The recycled air on aeroplanes can cause dry eyes, which on a long-haul flight can really ruin the excitement of going away and leave us with red, sore and puffy faces!One solution is to use preservative-free eye drops, rather than ones that include preservatives because these have actually been shown to increase irritation if used repeatedly.” Beauty expert at Hycosan Fresh. Most preservative-free eye drops are single dose mini pipettes – not so convenient for travelling but Hycosan Fresh is totally preservative free, remain sterile for 6 months, and come in a 7.5ml bottle totally suited to travel.

Exfoliate before you go – freshly exfoliated skin is essential if you are travelling without makeup, plus your hydrating beauty products will work better.

Exercise before you go – a good workout boosts circulation and helps deliver nutrients to your skin, a key way to get that “glowing” look and does of course boost your immune system.

Vapour Balm is great for use during air travel to help feign off airborne bacterial and illness. Beware of petroleum based products that can inhibit your skin’s ability to breathe and rebalance, and are known to clog pores. Instead opt for a product free of palm oil, petrochemicals and other nasties such as P’URE Papayacare Vapour Balm, a blend of Australian essential oils and herbs with zero menthol, petroleum or mineral oil.

Travel well rested – flying is tiring, so make sure you have at least one day down-time before you go. Stress is known to raise cortisol levels which in turns creates bloating, especially around the mid-rift, and is associated with lack of sleep.

Pack an oxygenating face mask – for use at your destination, this type of masks bubbles upon application cleaning all the gunk from your pores that is inevitable after a few hours travel.