Some say the journey is the destination itself. So why not start it in the best possible way? Here are 7 tips that will make the trip to the airport completely stress-free.
Many of us travel to escape the hustle, bustle and stress of everyday life. Yet many will recognise the feeling of a holiday that starts with a racing pulse, a sweaty forehead and mild irritation. You rush to the airport, scrambling to check in your luggage, get through security and board before you can finally breathe. At least you made it onto the plane.
The path to that butterfly feeling in your stomach, the pressure in your ears and the final sense that you are on your way does not have to be so stressful. With these 7 tips, the trip to Gardermoen will be a breeze — whether you are travelling alone, with friends or with family.
1. Make sure everything you need is up to date when you book your trip
The well-known principle of “better safe than sorry” should without doubt be followed when it comes to travel. It is therefore a good idea to make sure all the documentation you might need for your trip is in order as soon as possible.
Make sure you have a valid passport (some countries require it to remain valid even after your return), check whether you need a visa for the country you are visiting, and find out if you need any specific vaccinations — all at the same time as you book the actual trip. That way you avoid any unpleasant discoveries the day before you head to the airport, only to grab an expired passport on your way out.
2. Book parking at Gardermoen
Relying on public transport to get to the departure hall is not always straightforward. You need to live in close proximity to public transport links for it to be a convenient option. You also have to account for delays due to signal failures, other passengers or other unforeseen problems. On top of that, buses and trains are not always well-suited for older travellers or families on the move.
If you take the car, you can save time, hassle and money! You also have the option of packing the car the day before if you wish, you can listen to whatever music you like, and you can leave exactly when it suits you. No hoping the public transport option is not delayed, or waiting unnecessarily long because you had to take an early service.
You can safely leave the car at a reputable car park. There it waits safely for you to return from your holiday — perhaps with a little extra luggage that fits easily in the back seat or boot. If it is cold outside, it will be waiting warmed up for you, perhaps with new tyres — and freshly cleaned if you wish. A small luxury that makes the journey all the more enjoyable.
3. Pack smart and light
Many travellers pack as if going for gold when a holiday comes around — but how likely is it that you will actually use three different pairs of trousers, four pairs of shorts, eight t-shirts and five jumpers in one week? Underwear gets stuffed into suitcases, you feel you need countless pairs of socks, and cosmetics, creams and hair products simply cannot be left behind. Or can they?
More and more people are actually choosing to travel with hand luggage only. This may be easier for weekend trips or travelling alone to warmer destinations. That said, it is entirely possible for anyone and everyone to pack lighter and smarter. Think carefully about what clothes and cosmetics you will actually use on the trip, and remember that you can always buy an extra pair of underwear, or wash a dirty one if you suddenly run out of clean ones. We tend to picture scenarios that rarely happen on holiday: a wild storm, a surprise black-tie event requiring a dress or suit, or a week where we go fully styled every single day. Think realistically and pack accordingly.
Also prepare a small daypack or bag to take on the plane and pack it smartly. Make sure your wallet, phone, passport and any documents are safe but easily accessible.
By packing sensibly you will save both time and space, as well as reducing stress. Think how much nicer it is to carry a light suitcase than to lug a ton of luggage around.
4. Lay out your travel outfit the night before
Many flights depart early in the morning, and when we are half asleep we tend to take a little longer than usual to get ready. If you are leaving before sunrise, it is wise to lay out a comfortable outfit the night before you go.
If you are travelling a short distance and need to look presentable as soon as you land, plan a neat outfit — whereas if you are travelling further and comfort is the priority, focus on that instead. Also remember that planes can get cold, and having an extra jumper to pull on can be a lifesaver. If you are packing for the kids, let them help choose (within reason) what they want to wear on the flight the next day. This builds excitement for an efficient morning ahead, as well as joy at the prospect of going on a trip.
5. Give yourself plenty of time
Perhaps a tip you have heard countless times before, but nonetheless one of the most important pieces of advice you can give a traveller — allow plenty of time. This applies both before you head to the airport, during the journey and when you arrive at the gate. Knowing that you have enough time at every stage of the journey will calm your pulse and automatically make for a more relaxed trip.
Make sure you have everything you need, that you and anyone else travelling with you have time to get ready, and that something is eaten beforehand. For domestic travel, Gardermoen recommends checking in at least one hour before the flight departs. For international travel, add a minimum of 30 minutes to that. If you are travelling alone or with other adults this may be more than enough, but if you are travelling with young children you should probably allow even more time.
6. Check in online
It almost feels as though the era of checking in at the desk is over. It is of course still done in many places, and some travellers prefer it. However, there is a clear trend towards more and more people choosing to check in in advance online. This can definitely help create a smoother start to your journey, as you avoid extra queues.
If you have checked in in advance, in many cases you can handle your own baggage drop, and if you only have hand luggage you can go straight to security when you arrive at the airport.
7. Enjoy yourself before heading to the gate
If you have allowed a little too much time before departure, many people end up wandering around feeling bored and impatient — which in itself creates a kind of physical stress. Use the extra time to relax and enjoy yourself instead. If you are travelling alone, there are often plenty of shops to browse, magazines to read or music to listen to. If you have a book or a tablet, the time before departure will fly by.
Are you travelling with friends, or as a couple heading off on holiday? Then it is always lovely to start the trip at a bar or café. Sit and plan the days ahead together and enjoy the anticipation.
Is a family holiday about to begin? Then focus on the kids and make sure they are having a good time. Enjoy each other’s company with conversation, games or food. The better everyone’s mood, the smoother the start of the holiday will be.
Take a deep breath, drop your shoulders and remember — you are going on holiday. Enjoy it!
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