It’s no secret that travel can be stressful. The forgotten passport that you have to drive halfway back from the airport to retrieve, the interminable traffic that caused you to be so late you missed your flight, the disappointment when you find out you missed that cultural festival by a few days. If your trips, whether for business or pleasure, aren’t planned thoughtfully and cover every base, chances are that you’ll experience at least one (or more) of these issues at some point. Whether it’s an unavoidable meeting halfway across the country or a Christmas trip to visit your loved ones, take our advice and implement these helpful travel tips next time you need to head to the airport.

Choose the Right Airline

The first and most crucial step of any air travel is to choose the right airline. There are plenty of commercial airlines to choose from, many of which offer first-class options, but if you’re looking to travel in real comfort and style, there’s only one option: a private airline. There are several reasons why private jet travel has taken off (pun intended) since the pandemic ended, and it is now more accessible to those looking to rent a private plane instead of owning one. The first reason to choose a private airline is straightforward: you set your own schedule. The plane can’t leave without you because you’re the only passenger/s! You’ll be able to set the takeoff time to work with your schedule rather than coordinating your schedule to work with the takeoff time, making your time your own once more. The service and level of comfort on a private plane far exceed anything you’ll experience on any commercial airline, offering chef-made meals and the full attention of a small but top-tier cabin crew. Depending on the size of the jet you book, you may even have access to a full bedroom for longer flights, making your time in the air as supremely comfortable as possible.

Plan Ahead

The next piece of advice is applicable no matter where you’re travelling to or from. Planning ahead is essential for any trip, as it provides the level of calm and peace of mind that comes with knowing you’ve covered every base. This, in turn, leaves your mind free to relax and enjoy the experience rather than fretting over dates and events you’re not entirely sure you’ve got right.

• Book your flights earlier than you think is strictly necessary. You may get your flight at a better price, but what you’ll definitely get is the peace of mind that comes with being organised well before the trip.
• If your flight is booked in advance, you’ll also be able to book your accommodation early. If you’re planning to travel to a touristy destination in the high season, this is especially important, as the most desirable accommodation is booked first. Flights and accommodation are the two most important aspects of travel; get those out of the way, and the rest falls into place easily.
• Once you know when you’ll be travelling and where you’ll be staying, you can begin researching all the cultural events, festivals, day trips, and destinations you can enjoy while you’re away. If any ticketed events catch your eye, we advise booking tickets as soon as they become available to avoid disappointment (and always choose refund protection just in case!). Things like day trips, pre-arranged transport, or popular tastings should also be booked in advance where possible. Experiences such as local restaurants, museums, and general sightseeing options are worth researching and noting in advance, but booking or arranging is generally not necessary.

Dress the Part

If you’re travelling in style, you’ll want to look the part, but don’t be fooled by the Instagram photos that celebrities post! Even in the luxury of a private jet cabin, you’ll want to be comfortable rather than decked out in your best heels and a bodycon dress or a suit.

• Dress for the cool of the cabin rather than the weather outside. Aircraft are typically maintained at a slightly cooler temperature than the outside air, so it’s advisable to have layers available on the flight.
• Select soft, breathable fabrics with a slight stretch for your travel outfit. If you want to be comfortable without sacrificing style, opt for classic shapes and simple lines in your outfit. Straight or wide-leg bottoms are forgiving and can still be elasticated for extra comfort. A simple, unprinted t-shirt always looks chic. Finish it off with closed shoes (open-toe shoes are a no-no when flying) and a long cardigan or a grandpa cardigan, or a puffer/ baseball jacket if the weather is cooler, for a simple, comfortable look.
• If the weather is likely to be very different at landing than it is at takeoff, have a spare outfit as part of your carry-on luggage and ask your cabin crew to hang it up so it doesn’t crease.

Expect the Unexpected

Because we’ve encouraged you to plan, this may sound like the opposite of that… but hear us out! When travelling, there are times when things are outside of your control. An event being cancelled with no notice, the weather preventing you from taking off on time, you or a travel companion catching a cold, or even a mental health issue striking at an inopportune moment. Unexpected things happen, and try to have backup plans and safe spaces, and be prepared for as many eventualities as possible.

• Have a potential alternative plan for any restaurant or event in case the space is fully booked or the event is cancelled, so that you don’t waste your holiday time.
• Take an immune booster when you travel to help mitigate the potential of falling ill, thanks to close contact with strangers.
• Know your own triggers and have meds and coping strategies with you at all times. If you rely on any kind of chronic medication, ensure that your doctor knows you are travelling and is available for remote prescriptions.
• Even if you’re travelling in high summer, pack a “cold weather” outfit just in case, and the reverse for winter.

All That’s Left…

…is to enjoy your well-earned holiday or sail through your business trip, ready for anything. Travelling from Lancashire and Yorkshire has never been easier or simpler to mould to your own personal needs and preferences; take advantage of that this holiday season or whenever you travel.