Learning how to travel again

Hello, my name is Tash I would like to thank you for joining along in reading my first blog post.

The reason I am starting this blog is to combine three hobbies and loves of mine – travel, photography and writing.

Before the pandemic I would save up all my time and money to explore new places and have new experiences, however, like for everyone else, that was put on hold for two years.

Now that travel is starting again and every second person is posting photos from Europe, it is time to brush the dust off the suitcases and explore the world around us. Seeing family, going somewhere new or experiencing something that has been off limits for the past two years.

As I return to travelling with several smaller trips around Australia, I’ve noticed that I have forgotten some things about travel that used to be second nature. Things like being caught unprepared to go through baggage control and packing way too much for a two day trip in fear of not being ready for every possible situation.

So I have put together five tips for airport travel that I have re-learnt through starting to travel again:

1. The airport: As everyone flocks back to the airport it can be mayhem trying to get through without wrecking your relaxed holiday vibe. To make this experience less rushed it is always best to find a quiet spot at one of the ends of the airport to camp out and wait for your flight. From there you should have a lot more space to spread out and relax. There will be less queues for the cafes, bathrooms and the phone chargers as well as a nice, unobstructed view of the runways and planes as they take off and land.

The view from Sydney airport watching planes take off and land

2. Luggage: I have found that it is a lot easier to bring carry on only, especially for shorter tips. You get to skip the baggage drop queue and don’t have to wait for your luggage at the other end making the whole experience quicker (it is also impossible for the airline to lose your luggage if it is with you the whole time). On some airlines it is cheaper if you choose to not use checked in luggage.

Sitting at the airport with our carry on luggage

3. Seating on the plane: Always book a window seat. My husband says that I don’t even follow this advice; however, if you are visiting a new place I think this tip is key! There is nothing like seeing an anticipated destination from the air. I can clearly remember the awe that I felt when I saw the Sydney Harbour bridge from the air for the first time. Sunlight shone through its arches with the water glistening underneath, just magical! I have also regretted every time I am stuck on the aisle when I can see a glimpse of a gorgeous view outside the window.

The view flying into Sydney

4. Clothing: Wearing clothing that is comfortable and appropriate for both your original location and where you are going can be difficult. The key is layers! Wearing a t-shirt, with a jumper (or maybe two depending on the season) and some comfy pants and shoes, means that you are ready for anything. The plane can get cold so you can add on extra layers and then can quickly take them off and put them in your carry on luggage if your destination is warmer. This is also a great tip if you are worried about being over the weight requirements for your luggage. You can wear or hold some of the bulkier items to reduce the weight. Just picture Joey from friends when he puts on all of Chandlers clothes.

“Could I be wearing any more clothes?”

5. Arrival: when arriving it is always good to have a pre-researched plan for transportation from the airport to where you need to be. Sometimes there are cheap airport shuttles or easy public transport. Other times catching an Uber or taxi is a lot more convenient and very similar cost. (Bonus tip: taxi prices are fixed whereas Uber prices are variable depending on demand, always good to compare).

Bus transfer on Hamilton Island

Do you have any travel tips or things you needed to re-learn when travelling? Please comment if you do.

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3 responses to “Learning how to travel again”

  1. Glynis Quinlan Avatar
    Glynis Quinlan

    I loved reading your first blog Tash and look forward to reading many more! There are some great travel tips here and my feet are itching to travel more and try them out!

    Liked by 1 person

  2. Philippa Marfleet Avatar
    Philippa Marfleet

    What a great idea! Enjoy your travels and I look forward to reading all about them.

    Liked by 1 person

  3. So your passions are travel, photography and writing. A classic case of “like mother like daughter”.

    Liked by 1 person

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