Despite being the very thing we do to relax and unwind from our work and home lives, there’s no doubt that travel can be very stressful in itself. And we know this first-hand, since missing flights and being stranded at a foreign airport is our forte.

But if you’re determined to break out of those bad habits and actually enjoy your holiday from the moment you leave home, check out Travel Weekly’s ace tips that are guaranteed to ease the stress.

1. Do your research

Some of the basics include checking the time difference in your destination, the weather, and the currency. Then you should always plan airport transfers to your hotel, which should also be booked well in advance. Researching the distance of your hotel to the airport, and nearby restaurants, will also go a long way.

2. Reconsider layovers

Connecting flights are generally a lot cheaper, which can be useful for travellers on a tight budget, but you should really consider whether or not the layover is worth it. Whether it is a layover that is too short, and will potentially have you sprinting to catch your next flight, or one that has you waiting hours on end, these connecting flights can be both stressful and exhausting, so you will need to decide whether it’s worth the cheaper price.

3. Pack light

Do you envy those travellers with small bags, as you lag behind with your oversized suitcase? Turns out it’s actually not as hard as it looks. Planning your outfits for each day so you aren’t bringing clothes or shoes that will never be worn is key. Not only does this mean a lighter suitcase, but you also won’t have to worry about picking an outfit each day.

4. Check-in online or at a kiosk

There is nothing worse than arriving at the airport only to wait in line for over an hour to check-in for your flight. Nowadays you can check in 24 hours in advance, and either print your tickets at home or at the online kiosks when you arrive. Drop off any checked-in luggage and head straight to security.

5. But be prepared for security

Don’t be the person scrambling through their carry-on luggage to find anything that needs to be taken out. Keep items like laptops, electronics and liquids at the top of your carry-on bag and make sure your pockets are empty. This way once you arrive at the conveyor belt everything is out in a flash and you aren’t holding anyone else up.

6. Arrive early

While obvious, arriving early is probably the most important tip. Allowing extra time for any unforeseen circumstances will soothe any stress in a case where something does come up. And if nothing does delay you, then simply spend the extra time enjoying some food and drinks, browsing the duty free shops or just chilling out.

7. Carry a small separate bag

Before boarding, arranging a small bag with everything you need during the flight will prove invaluable. Rummaging through overhead storage is both stressful and annoying for those around you. Include things like your phone, wallet, boarding pass, pen, tissues, earphones, lip balm, neck pillow, and anything else you may need.

8. Note down everything important

Whether you prefer hard copies or a note on your phone, writing down everything important from flight numbers and times, to hotel booking references, is always useful. Don’t rely on being able to connect to Wi-Fi straight away if you are travelling internationally, so make sure to save or print any online documents.

9. Change currency

If you are flying internationally, changing some cash into the foreign currency before arriving at the airport is best to avoid extortionate commission fees. Then you will be set to pay for any services you need straight away.

10. Eat well and stay hydrated

While it can be easy to forget when you’re juggling your luggage and trying to find your passport, it’s important to make sure your body gets adequate food and water throughout the journey. You should particularly avoid alcohol (no matter how tempting), as well as fatty and starchy foods. And you can always refresh your palate once you land by checking out some of the delicious HelloFresh recipes generator.