No one wants to start their dream holiday or business trip feeling frazzled. Follow these travel tips to ensure you touch down feeling cool, calm and collected

Be digitally savvy
Technology has changed the way we travel. Download the British Airways app to transform your trip, whether you want to book a flight with Avios, check-in before your flight or browse the in-flight entertainment (IFE). The Avis app is also a requisite for globetrotters; from choosing your vehicle to finding it with ease, bypassing the queue and storing all your paperwork in your app, you’ll be in the driving seat at the click of a button.

Divide and conquer
Reduce the pressure by sharing travel decisions and actions. As an Executive Club Member you’re allowed a free additional driver with every Avis rental worldwide. This saves on expense and, by taking turns behind the wheel, you can sit back and enjoy the scenery en route. Like what you see? You’ll clock up Avios with Avis – if you book a minimum three-day rental before 15 November 2019 and pick up your car by 31 January 2020, you’ll collect at least 1,500 Avios to put towards your next holiday.

Beat the queues
Standing in line can send stress levels soaring. Sign up to Avis Preferred and you’ll reap the rewards (literally – you’ll receive 1,000 bonus Avios on your first rental), including fast-track counter service and pre-prepared paperwork. The British Airways mobile app is another queue-beater – if you’re travelling solo, have reserved your seat and are carrying hand baggage, you can check in with only three taps. Likewise, the new group boarding system is designed to reduce congestion.

Keep the kids happy
Travelling with children can be a little… fraught. Food is a great distraction – stock up on snacks before you leave and pre-order your child’s on-board meal for free. Likewise, colouring books, playing cards and games are a boredom deterrent – ask a member of cabin crew for a Skyflyers activity pack. Load your tablet with child-friendly apps – Toca Boca, Barefoot World Atlas and Thinkrolls: Kings and Queens are popular; while the IFE offers CBeebies, Cartoon Network and Disney channels. Don’t forget child-friendly headphones – JBL and Puro do sets suitable for tots through to teens. 

Take a deep breath
Meditating on the move can reduce any feelings of anxiety, and at the airport or the plane are the perfect places to practice it. To help you start, try a mindfulness app such as Headspace or Calm. You can also unwind in the air via the wellbeing video and audio channels on the IFE; while those travelling in First can trial virtual reality headsets (pictured below) to watch programmes including guided meditation and sound therapy.

Get a handle on it
If you’re flying with hand luggage, you’re allowed one handbag or laptop bag and an additional cabin bag. Remember to put any essential travel items into your hand baggage (though do note the restrictions); these include all relevant documents, daily medication, and entertainment for the journey (remember to bring the portable charger and a travel adaptor for tablets). For happier travelling it’s also worth taking toothpaste and toothbrush, facial wipes, a scarf or wrap, and a collapsible, reusable water bottle - S’well does a good range.

Be prepared
By following these hacks, your trip should be relatively stress-free. However, even the best-laid plans can go awry. Avoid any unwelcome surprises by double-checking all booking confirmations, car hire included, and ensure you’ve sorted any extras such as child seats in advance. Travel insurance is vital; carry the relevant documents in a safe place and have back-ups, both printed out and saved somewhere easy to find on your phone or computer. Also ensure you always have any relevant phone numbers to hand. Everything in place? Great, you’re good to go.

To learn more about the Executive Club Benefits when booking with Avis, click here

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This article has been tagged Advertorial, Driving