Planning your Trip

There are many things to take into consideration when planning a trip, and this can become more challenging if you're organising travel arrangements for a large group of people or those with special considerations to take into account.

This is why planning in advance and for a wide range of eventualities is imperative. Therefore, below we have put together a little guide to help make planning your next trip easier than ever before.

To Pack

Hand Luggage

Boarding Pass
Passport
Travel insurance documents
Driving license
Local currency or traveller's cheques
Credit cards
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
Medication
Phrasebook or guide book
Magazines, books, games
Glasses / contact lenses
Change of clothes - just in case there is any delay with your baggage

Suitcase

Electrical adapters
Photocopies of all important documents (passport, insurance and visas) packed separately from the originals
Suntan lotion
First aid kit
Insect repellent

Before You Leave for the Airport

Ensure that you have your passport, any necessary visas, printed tickets/boarding passes and money in your hand luggage.
DO NOT pack banned items in your hand luggage.
If packing or carrying any medicines, ensure that they are in their original packaging as this will help avoid a delay or confiscation at customs. Also, notify the airport and airline in advance should you require assistance with any mobility equipment
Do not gift wrap presents as they may have to be unwrapped by security staff or customs.
Dress comfortably as sitting on board an aircraft can sometimes be uncomfortable.
Get vaccinated if needed
The Department of Health has dedicated a section of their site to health advice for those travelling abroad.
Glance over the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website for up-to-date issues relating to the country you're travelling to.

Getting to the Airport

Always allow plenty of time to reach the airport so that you will be there two hours prior to take off for international flights and one hour prior to take off for domestic flights.
Plan your transport and, if necessary, the route you will be taking to the airport.
If you are driving to the airport, ensure that you have booked airport parking in advance.
If you are being driven by a friend who wants to see you off at the airport, ensure that he/she knows where the short-stay parking is located.
If taking a taxi, ensure that the firm you intend to use has taxis available for the time you wish to travel; ask them how long they expect the journey to take at that time of day.

If taking a train or coach, ensure that you have the necessary tickets (if advance booking is necessary) and that there are no major engineering or road works that could lengthen the journey.
If you have hired a car and need to drop it at the airport, check with your car hire company that they have a branch at the airport and allow one-way drop-offs.

At the Airport

Make sure you keep your baggage with you at all times and alert any member of airport staff to any unattended package.
Never look after baggage belonging to anyone outside of your travel party or carry anything onto the aircraft for someone else.
Keep a close eye on the display boards announcing which gate flights depart from.
Be aware that increased security has considerably lengthened the time it takes to go through check-in and security. Be sure to take note of the infographic information on our security page.

Delayed or Cancelled flight?

Whether your flight has been cancelled or delayed for more than an hour, Colibra can arrange compensation for you within 24 hours of you landing at your destination.

The reason that caused your delay or cancellation doesn't matter, as long as you register your details and upload your boarding pass prior to your flight.

Download Colibra today and be prepared, just in case..!

In the Air

Try to relax and, if possible, get some sleep.
Avoid dehydration by drinking plenty of water and other non-alcoholic beverages.
Don't eat too heavily before or during a long flight as this will help avoid indigestion and hypertension.
To reduce jet lag, have some extra sleep before the trip, get some sleep during the flight and try to synchronise mealtimes with the time it is at your destination.
Wearing flight socks, taking a low dose of aspirin or moving about every so often during the flight can help prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT).

Planning your Trip - Travel Checklist during airline flight

Baggage Storage - Stasher

Are you travelling in Cardiff and want to store your baggage so you can have your hands free? Stasher is a great site that advertises local and trusted businesses within the city who will store luggage for as cheap as £6 a day with an average rating of 4.7/5 from 12,000 reviews! Simply browse their location maps and find a shop/hotel or other company who will keep your possessions safe while you travel stres-free!