So, you’ve had an amazing holiday—sun, sea, sand or maybe even some snow. But now, it’s time to head back to reality. The return journey can often be the most stressful part of your trip. Fear not! With these airport hacks, tips and tricks, you’ll glide through the final leg of your holiday like a pro. Bonus: You might even save some money and keep that post-holiday glow a little longer!
Book an Airport Lounge
Using an airport lounge when returning from holiday offers several perks that can make your journey home much more pleasant. Lounges provide a comfortable, quiet space to relax, with plush seating far removed from the chaos of the main terminal. You can enjoy complimentary food and drinks, including alcohol, saving you from the overpriced options in the airport. High-speed Wi-Fi and plenty of charging stations make it easy to catch up on emails or download some last-minute entertainment. Plus, lounges are generally less crowded, offering a peaceful environment perfect for reading, napping or simply unwinding before your flight. Travel Supermarket offer airport lounges for multiple airports for affordable prices! Airport Lounges with Travel Supermarket
Bring a Packed Lunch (Or Snack Like a Pro)
Airport food can be expensive and, let’s face it, often disappointing. Avoid the overpriced, soggy sandwiches by packing your own lunch. Not only does this save you a few £££, but you can also enjoy something that’s actually tasty. Think sandwiches, wraps or even a cheeky leftover slice of pizza. Just remember the liquid rules—no soup or juicy fruits unless you want to donate them to security.
Pro tip: If you’re feeling fancy, pack some exotic snacks you picked up on your travels. Nothing says “I’m still on holiday” like munching on Mediterranean olives while waiting for your flight!
Know the World’s Most Expensive Airports
Did you know some airports are more expensive than others? If you’re flying through London Heathrow, Zurich, Dalaman or Oslo Gardermoen, brace yourself for some bank damage. These airports are notorious for their sky-high prices on everything from a bottle of water to a simple meal. If you’re travelling through one of these, it’s even more essential to bring your own snacks and shop wisely.
On the flip side, airports like Kuala Lumpur International and Istanbul offer more reasonable prices. So, if you’re lucky enough to be passing through, you might find yourself with a few extra pounds to spend on a last-minute souvenir or a fancy coffee.
Breeze Through Security with These Hacks
Getting through airport security can be a nightmare, especially if you’re unprepared. Save yourself the hassle by organising your bag before you get to the conveyor belt. Keep electronics and liquids easily accessible, and slip-on shoes will be your best friend.
Stay Hydrated Without Overpaying
We all know how crucial it is to stay hydrated, especially whilst travelling. But don’t fall into the trap of paying £5 or more for a bottle of water. Bring an empty reusable water bottle through security and fill it up at a fountain or a cafe. Some airports even have fancy hydration stations just for this purpose. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also be doing your bit for the environment.
Download Offline Entertainment
The airport Wi-Fi can be slower than a snail on vacation, and we all know in-flight entertainment can be hit or miss, if you have the luxury of it! Before you leave your hotel, download your favourite shows, movies or books to your devices. That way, you can binge on your own schedule, whether you’re waiting for your flight or trying to drown out the sound of your seatmate’s snoring.
Pro tip: Podcasts are a great option, too, especially if you want to learn something new while you travel. Plus, they don’t take up much space on your device.
Plan Your Ground Transportation
Landing at home can be a bit of a downer, but not having a plan for how to get home from the airport makes it worse. Whether you’re taking a taxi, an Uber or public transport, make sure you know your options in advance. If you’re traveling during peak times, consider booking a ride beforehand to avoid the rush. Or, if you’re really on top of things, you could arrange for a friend or family member to pick you up—nothing beats a warm welcome home!
Check for Last-Minute Duty-Free Deals
Before you board, take a quick stroll through the duty-free shop. Sometimes, you can snag a great deal on items you wish you’d bought on holiday—like that local wine or fancy chocolate. Just be careful not to go overboard; your luggage (and your bank account) will thank you.
Coming home from holiday doesn’t have to be a drag. With these airport hacks, you can sail through your return journey, avoid unnecessary stress and maybe even have a little fun along the way. And who knows? By the time you’re home, you might already be planning your next adventure!
