The Tick List

Going on one big vacation? Lots of little weekend breaks? Travelling for work? (You lucky thang).

Part of the vacay fun is the build up, the prep, the research and the planning. I’m by no means a pro at this, but I explore the globe enough and too organised for my own good to make a list of things to consider and make your escape / adventure that bit smoother.

• Once you’ve chosen your destination, sign up to SkyScanner notifications. You’ll get an email when flight prices inflate or go down. Side note: generally weekend flights are more spenny, so if you can, try to fly on a “business day”.
• Flying long haul? Sounds obvious, but check in online, or on the app, as soon as it opens. Otherwise you’ll be flying 12 hours next to the toilet with a middle seat. No ta. Also worth pre-ordering your flight meals so not to be disappointed. My vegan meal is always the first out and is super healthy. Insert smug face here. 
• Top Tip Alert: go to the Post Office, and apply for a travel card. It’s a game changer. Transfer money from your bank account via the app, and use it for all your spending abroad for no nasty unexpected international charges. That dough adds up.
• Download films and series on your phone on Netflix, or a few podcasts, and bring a portable charger. Trust me, I’ve drained my battery (from no great plane films) and then been screwed by no working USB charge point. Cue spending ages at the airport trying to find a place to charge my phone and wasting an extra half hour. 
• Use the Instagram stories and geo tag tool a few days before travelling to gauge the temperature and weather. Your outfit choices will thank you. It’s also a true dictation to how edited a destination / hotel / restaurant is or not. 
• I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Hotel Tonight is your best friend.
• Look into maybe getting public transport to your accommodation. It’s much cheaper and a great way to act like a local. Failing that, hoidaytaxis.com are very cheap and offer coaches and taxis (hate to say it, but local taxis will take your money’s worth). And there’s always Uber Pool to be more eco. 

And there we have it. Now where’s my passport?