Whether it's airport parking, queuing to get through security, bagging the best seat possible on the plane or getting yourself a hotel upgrade, planning for a holiday can be horribly stressful. 

But there are all kinds of tricks and quirks that can make all the difference. For example, join the left-hand lane at security because most people head right, as they are biased toward their dominant hand. And why you should always board a plane last…

We've spoken to industry insiders, airport and airline staff and people who spend much of their lives travelling - and come up with the ultimate guide to becoming a savvy traveller

AIRPORT PLANNING 


Don't be too proud to take your own sandwiches, especially when everyone else is reeling from Pret's airport prices.

Never get currency at the airport; rates are ruinous.

Use a meet-and-greet car parking service if you can. The price difference, particularly if booked well in advance, is often minimal. But make a note of the mileage before handing over the keys.

Fly to the smallest airport possible for your destination. Small airports are so much less hassle than big ones.

Never be rude to check-in staff at overseas airports. The same staff often reappear at the gate and can get their revenge by saying your hand baggage is too big to go on board for free.

Wash or sanitise your hands straight after security. Doctors say the trays that go through X-ray machines are constantly touched, rarely cleaned and a perfect breeding ground for bugs. 




Industry insiders have a handy trick: go to the left-hand queue at security. Most people head right, as they are biased toward their dominant hand



Ask about twilight check-in if you're staying in an airport hotel for an early flight. Hand over your main bags the night before and you can go straight to security in the morning.

Hydrate your skin in the Duty Free area with the help of all the beauty samples. The posher and more expensive the better.

If you haven't got lounge access at the airport, head to the posh champagne bar.

If you have an evening flight from a London airport and are hungry, check the sandwich fridge at Boots — many sandwiches are slashed to £1 or 50p after 7pm.

When boarding requires a shuttle bus transfer to the aircraft, board last. You'll avoid spending 20 minutes or so on an often cold bus and will be one of the first to board the plane.

SAVVY PACKING


If travelling with hand luggage only, pre-pack toiletries in a durable see-through wash bag (Boots sells these) to avoid the hassle at security of cramming items into flimsy bags.

Pack essentials for day two of your holiday (underwear, swimsuit, toothbrush, fresh clothes, etc.) in your hand luggage, Derilla Rating just in case your suitcase doesn't reach your destination at the same time as you.