How to travel smarter in 2024
We are sure that any traveller has had some problems while travelling. Rising prices for various services, flight delays, loss of luggage or documents... And this is a far from complete list. However, we want you to have no reason to worry in 2024. The Telegraph has shared some simple tips that will make you a smart tourist.
Don't fly on Friday
Flights on the eve of a weekend are more expensive. And here's why: Justin Penny, Head of Aviation at Flight Centre UK, explains that it's because of corporate bookings. As a rule, business people return home for the weekend. And airlines take advantage of this because they know they are willing to pay for it. Therefore, it is better to travel on other days and save money.
Transportation of liquids in hand luggage
As you know, you are allowed to carry no more than 100 milliliters of water in your hand luggage. However, this rule will soon become invalid for some airports. They have been given time to upgrade their scanning technology to a system that does not require limiting liquids to 100 ml or placing them in a plastic bag while passing through airport security until June.
Some of the EU's 347 airports use the new technology, and the decision to increase the amount of liquids on flights is a government issue, meaning that most passengers will have to wait a while to feel the benefits of the rule change.
Make scanned copies of important documents
It's easy to lose, misplace, or damage documents while travelling. That's why you should save all your important documents on your phone. Create a separate folder so they don't get lost among other files. Just don't forget your login information.
Take care of your luggage
According to the Telegraph, this summer, UK airports experienced problems with baggage transportation: from malfunctions in baggage handling equipment to a shortage of staff, which led to "mountains of bags" that took two weeks to sort through. Therefore, we advise you to secure your luggage before you start travelling. If you are an iPhone user, put an AirTag in your suitcase. It is used to track items and is battery-powered, emitting a Bluetooth signal that can be found using the Find My app; it weighs only 11 grams and location data is updated in almost realtime. For Android users, we recommend using Samsung's SmartTag or Tile Pro.
Purchase access to the lounge area
It often happens that flights are delayed or late. And for quite a long time. To make your wait comfortable, use the lounge areas. There are comfortable seats, free internet, and cafes and restaurants where you can eat. You can stay there for a long time, no matter when your train or plane arrives.
Make payments in local currency with a credit card
Credit cards are not only faster and more convenient but also safer than cash. It's also cheaper (just don't buy currency at the airport of your departure). Make sure your bank uses real-time exchange rates and doesn't charge transaction fees.
Use a loyalty programme
Almost every airline has a loyalty programme for regular customers. As a rule, you can accumulate points or bonuses for using their services. Rob Burgess, founder of the website Head for Points, says you're missing out if you don't use them.
Be careful when booking
According to Action Fraud, the national fraud and cybercrime reporting centre, the number of vacation bookings is on the rise, up 41% from last year. More than £15.3 million was stolen from Britons last fiscal year as a result of travel-related fraud.
You should be vigilant about fraudulent requests for payment for hotel reservations, even if you received them through official websites or apps, Telegraph Travel consumer leader Gill Charlton warns.
"If the message contains a payment link, it could be fake. Hover over the link and the real destination will be found. Booking.com never asks customers to provide credit card details via text message or email."
Book a car several months in advance
People usually book a car rental only a couple of weeks before departure, Trend writes. But this is a mistake.
"To get a good price, you need to plan your car reservation six months in advance, especially for summer trips when there is a shortage of cars, and especially for rush hour travel. If prices go down or there are special offers, you won't lose anything and you won't overpay."
