Navigating international airports is part of any overseas journey, but the experience doesn't have to be the low point of your travel. With some preparation, you can breeze through this part of your journey without the stress.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind if you're planning a holiday in Europe, the United States or other destinations abroad.
1. Go to the experts
Many travellers go through airport stress because they leave themselves too little time to get to their connecting flights, forcing them to rush through a new and unfamiliar environment. Booking your flights is an essential part of any travel journey, so it can help to use an experienced travel agent to ensure everything goes smoothly.
A travel agent will be able to oversee all the bookings and ensure your flights are as convenient as possible, so you can have a stress-free airport experience.
2. Get familiar with the airport
If you're worried about being able to find your way through an airport easily, consider going to their website to have a look at information about terminals, gates and other essential areas. This way you can be a bit more knowledgeable about where you're going and you'll know beforehand how to get there.
You may wish to note ahead of time where the foodcourt or dining area is, if there is a service available to take you between international and domestic terminals, and where the baggage claim areas are to avoid wasting time on the day.
3. Be prepared for airport security
Security is important for ensuring safe travel, but it can also be a big drain on time. To make sure you're prepared for this part of the journey, do a check of your carry-on luggage beforehand to ensure you haven't accidentally packed anything that could put you in trouble. Make sure you know the rules about liquids, aerosols and gels and keep your travel documents handy to save time at the airport.