If you are planning to travel overseas for business or leisure in the coming months, seeking a little added comfort is essential. After all, the fallout of the pandemic has changed the landscape of international travel with telling impacts. Frankly, failure to adapt will inevitably result in a very stressful journey that will subsequently harm your time away.
Thankfully, it only takes a few simple but conscious changes to ensure that your journey is smooth and enjoyable. Strap in, here’s all you need to know.
Starting With Your Journey To The Airport
Whether traveling for a vacation or a big trade event, the purpose of your journey remains the same. You want to get from point A to point B in the quickest and least stressful manner. The first leg of the journey, from your home to the airport, is commonly overlooked. However, getting it right can set the perfect platform to build upon.
Given the current climate, you probably won’t wish to travel by public transport. Depending on the daily restrictions in your specific location, the roads may be busier or quieter than usual. Make sure you are prepared. Meanwhile, you can save valuable time and money on parking by visiting Cheap Airport Parking in advance. It is a simple trick I’ve personally used for a few years now, and think it could make a huge difference at this time.
On a side note, you can make life a little easier before you’ve even left the house. Ensure your luggage and hand luggage are suitably packed and have toiletries in a clear bag. Honestly, the hassle of setting off the airport machines is the last thing you need right now.
Navigating The Airport
Airports are stressful places at the best of times but are even more problematic at this time. Even if the traffic is a little smaller, it should be noted that many of the airports have fewer staff too. Restaurants and duty-free shopping will be off-limits or a stressful experience depending where you fly from. I’d advise skipping those issues.
Where possible, printing boarding passes before you arrive at the airport is advised. Meanwhile, it pays to find the best seating in the departure terminal because you will probably have a lot of time to kill. Whether reading a book or getting some work done, feeling comfortable for the hour or two that you’re waiting around will have a telling influence. However, I would suggest stretching your legs before heading to the departure gate.
A little comfort in the hours before boarding the plane has always made a difference, but it now feels more important than ever. While the activities are limited, you will still come into contact with people and surfaces. Carrying hand sanitizing gel is essential.
Enjoying The Flight
In many ways, the flight itself will feel less stressful than usual. After all, many of the restrictions experienced on the plane are no different to being in the departure lounge. Even so, there are several ways to ensure the flight is a little more enjoyable. Ordering a good on-flight meal is good, but staying hydrated is far more significant. Even if the drinks aren’t free.
Simple comforts for the flight including a neck pillow, sleep mask, and headphones will serve you well. While i wouldn/t always suggest paying more than the standard coach price, it may be worth investing in extra legroom too. After all, you will have a couple of items (mask, hand sanitizer, etc.) that usually aren’t needed. A decent sleep and a little entertainment will go a long way to making this journey feel more natural. Embrace it.
When it comes to using the restroom, stay vigilant to when it’s free. Standing in close quarters to a line of people isn’t exactly ideal right now. Similarly, when leaving the aircraft, you don’t need to rush. It’s far better to enjoy a little space and comfort.
Mastering The Onward Journey
Arriving at the destination airport feels like a major milestone. However, it does not signal the end of your journey as a whole. The final leg of your journey could potentially be the most difficult. After all, public transport may be limited while it will also be harder to gain directions or support from the locals. Therefore, it’s vital that you plan for this in advance.
The best option is to take a private route to your hotel or accommodation. Car rentals are an option, but luxury private services are better. Experts like Fat Taxi can pick you up at the arrivals terminal and take you to the final destination. It’s quicker, safer, more convenient, and cheaper. Similarly, if arriving with a business partner, it is a move that can help set a better and lasting first impression.
Getting to point B in the best fashion doesn’t only put the finishing touches on the outbound journey. It also puts your mind at ease by removing any fears surrounding the return journey. As such, it’s a vital ingredient in the recipe for travel success in the modern age.
Additional Thoughts
International travel can be a complex issue at any moment, but has taken on even greater challenges in recent times. Commercial flights have now resumed in many of the top destinations around the globe. But there are plenty of factors to consider before booking a flight or making a journey.
Some locations require proof of a covid vaccination. Others have stricter visa rules regarding durations. Whatever the situation might be, conducting the necessary research before departure will put your mind at ease. It is also important to travel with the right people. Otherwise, fallouts are likely to occur, and it could be very damaging for the long-term relationships. As always, prevention is the best form of protection, and you must not forget it.
The pandemic should not prevent you from traveling, but you must respect the situation. When you do, the journey will be more satisfying, which will subsequently enhance your stay. If that doesn’t inspire a change, nothing will.
Jamie Larounis is an avid traveler, blogger and miles/points educator. Traveling well over 100,000 miles a year and staying in hotels for over 100 nights, he leverages miles, points and other deals to fly in first class cabins, and stay in 5-star hotels. The Forward Cabin shares his experiences, musings, reviews, tips, tricks, resources and industry news with you, the fellow traveler.