Travel Tips and Helpful hints.

The biggest mistake that most holiday makers make happens before they even start their journey to the airport. Packing too much can cost you in several way most notably the hip pocket.

Todays airline travel experience is symptomatic of the global economy. Operators are trying cut costs  where they can and are imposing these expenses onto customers with a user pays mentality. In recent years the maximum check in baggage limit has reduced to an average of 20Kg which means more than ever travellers need to be vigilant with how much they pack.

While most low cost carriers are offering a cabin baggage only fare, for your extended holiday this isn't always practical so there are a few tips to reduce the pain at the check in counter for excess baggage and leave some packing space for all your holiday
shopping.

1.  Check your baggage limits with any airline you will be flying.
(International and domestic allowances are usually quite different).

Ensure that you know the limits for both check in luggage and cabin luggage. Most airlines have restrictions on weights and dimensions. Be aware of what your fare or travel class allows for both carry-on and checked luggage.

2.  Don't over pack.  -  Will you actually use it?
The most common mistake is over packing. Too often we return from a trip having only used half of what we packed. The old saying is pack your bag, then take half out. Remember you don't want to pay excess baggage on all your new holiday purchases.

3.  Pack smart and do your research.
Plan your packing before you start. Match your packing with your itinerary.
Keep in mind that your destination may have variations in temperature between night and day. Allow for this.
Consider that many hotels don't offer irons in each room so pack accordingly. (Rolling clothes is a good option)
Pack clothes, shoes and accessories that can be worn together with several other items.
Don't pack for “Just in Case”  odds are you won't use it.

4.  Take out Travel Insurance.
Apart from the obvious advantages of being covered for trip cancelations and medical emergency, travel insurance can also cover you against luggage damage or loss. Theft, damage and loss of luggage can happen to any traveller on any route. Any good travel insurance policy should cover your luggage against these occurrences.

5.  Don't check in what you can't afford to lose.
Where possible always keep items of value in you cabin luggage. Computers, cameras, hard drives and mobile phones are all valuable, but the content can be priceless.

Check what is covered by your insurance and always keep your travel and identification documentation with you at all times.