THE SMITHS' TRAVEL TIPS

Before you go

Change your bedlinen and have a quick tidy-up, rather than leaving the house in a tumult of last-minute packing. That way, returning home will be a pleasure instead of a painful crash back down to Planet Reality.

Tell your bank you’re off on your travels, so your debit/credit cards are not frozen when unusual shopping patterns are spotted.

Learn some handy expressions from our comprehensive guide, such as ‘Please call off your violin player’ or ‘No, I have not stolen your dressing gown’.

The secret of stress-free packing is to start planning a few days before you're due to leave. Each time you think of something you want to take, jot it down on a list or simply chuck it straight into your case. This way you won't be trying to remember everything in a panic, and most things you need will be in one place, all ready to pack.

Stylists recommend tightly rolling your clothes to keep them crease-free. (This can backfire if you're not an expert.) If you want to wear a freshly pressed shirt without re-ironing, make sure you fold it below the waistline.

Spritz some tissues with your favourite perfume or cologne and layer in your packing, which ensures everything is as fragrant and fresh as can be on arrival, and banishes any mustiness from your luggage.

If you find you have too much hand luggage, pack the excess in a laptop case – most airlines allow for one carry-on bag and a computer.

If your destination is a great shopping zone, take half the luggage you think you’ll need – and twice the cash.

Divide your clothes and your partner’s between both your cases, so that if one bag is lost, your weekend won’t be.

Want to know exactly how near the beach or city centre your hotel is? Go to Google Earth, download the free statellite mapping software and type in the hotel's address and you'll get a bird's eye view of the property. Invaluable when it comes to planning which shoes to pack and whether to hire a car.

The latest jet-lag research says: if you're flying east, go to bed early the night before, don't shut your eyes for long on the plane, and try to make do with a nap when you arrive. If you're flying west, you'll do best if you stay up as late as possible on arrival. It's all about your circadian rhythms…

If value is priority, book your flights as far in advance as possible, fly midweek if you can, and prepare to endure early-morning or late-night take-offs. Don’t ignore major carriers in the stampede for budget airlines: both offer an allotted number of value seats on every flight.

When you're reserving your seats, especially for longer flights, make sure you are not too near the toilets, so as to avoid the shoulder-nudging queues and the less-than-salubrious odours.

Skip tiresome taxi queues at arrivals by phoning ahead to order a car. Or ask your hotel to arrange a pick-up service; they may provide one on request.

Online check-in doesn’t just apply to airlines. Arrange your car hire over the Internet and you’ll find it makes things run much more smoothly. We have negotiated an exclusive ten per cent discount and free membership to Hertz #1 Club Gold for Smith members, so you can have a vehicle ready and waiting at your destination with as little as two hours’ advance notice. Click on the link below, enter your details, and quote '635230' when reserving.
www.hertz.co.uk/enroll/index.cfm?CLUB_LEVEL=G&CDP=635230&MSC=eufn0

At the airport

When you park your car at the airport, take a snap on your mobile of the sign that is meant to help you find it again.

Feeling flush and want to upgrade? Often, airlines will sell you seats as you board the plane – at prices sometimes significantly cheaper than if you buy them before checking in. However, this is at their discretion and, if they're busy, they can say no.

Always carry more than enough water with you when you're in transit, particularly when travelling to places where the tap water might not be up to much. Not only will it keep you hydrated during the flight, but you'll also be OK if shops are shut by the time you’ve arrived at your destination.

On the move

Mix fast or fried food, sweet treats, caffeine, cigarettes and alcohol with the extra stess and travel fatigue, and you've got the perfect recipe for indigestion. Bear the following tips in mind and you'll soon solve your tummy woes:

— Don't overeat. Eating too much will only make you feel lethargic and bloated, and is a fast route to indigestion.

— When you eat, sit down, relax and take your time. Sip water with your meal to help your body digest the food.

— Pick healthy, nutritious meals; soups and salads are perfect.

— Chamomile or peppermint tea will soothe your stomach.

— If you do get indigestion, some gentle stretches and deep, relaxed breathing can ease the symptoms.

On the plane

Dab on some lavender oil during the flight. You'll sleep better, it'll kill airborne nasties, and you'll smell good. That includes you, too, boys.

If you feel anxious on the plane, rather than trying to achieve meditative calm, aim for a feeling of excited anticipation about the trip — it is said to be easier to shift to a physically similar state than to an opposite one.

Keep moving, both pre-flight and especially if you're going long-haul. Not only will this help to avoid the dreaded DVT, but you'll also land feeling less lethargic and crooked.

Once you've landed

Try to change your cash during bank-opening hours. Some bureau de changes offer a less competitive rate when banks are shut and then swap back when they’re open.

Carry the right change for public transport. Whether it’s the bus in New York or a water taxi in Venice, it’ll save you hassle. (Don't forget to round up the right bits of foreign shrapnel you've got hoarded at home.)

If you’re nervous that your inability to speak a word of the local language might get you into hot water, stock up on local postcards, so you can simply flash a pic of the place you need to get to under a taxi driver’s nose.

At check-in

At check-in, request a corner room, since these are often bigger with double views. If you are a light sleeper, ask if there is any renovation work going on, or if there's an events suite or party planned.

Don't offer a debit card (Switch, Maestro) when checking in if you don't have a credit card, because the hotel may block off a large chunk of your available funds. Instead, offer a passport or driving licence. If the receptionist gets difficult about this, ask to see the duty manager.

Travel mantras

Smile — be friendly to your fellow passengers and those you encounter; a little kindness goes a long way

Patience! Waiting is an art form that all good travellers should master.

Enjoy — find pleasure in the little things, not just the once-in-a-lifetime experiences. You're less likely to mind the odd hiccup along the way if you have a positive outlook and genuinely enjoy your travels

Stretch — remember to practice stretching and relaxation exercises on every journey: they'll make all the difference to your trip

Breathe! Combat stress or tensions with a nice long, deep and calming breath; you'll feel better instantly. And remember to take things one step at a time. You are on holiday, after all!

Do you have any useful tips? If so, email lucy@mrandmrssmith.com. We'll send you a book for every top tip that we publish.