For many of us, the airport is the first stage of our journey, and it can have a big impact on the way we feel about the beginning of our holiday. Preparation is key, so get ready for the airport before your departure day to be in control of the situation.

To make sure that this first part of your trip is pleasant and stress-free, I have gathered a few tips on how to get through the airport as seamlessly as possible!
 

Look at an airport map

 
To know where you’ll have to go as soon as you arrive at the airport, check out the map that most airports have on their website. Scoping the airport from which you are travelling can make you feel more in control of your trip, since you’ll know where to go or what is expected of you once you get there. You’ll also be better equipped to evaluate how much you’ll have to walk and how long it will take you between your parking space and your gate.
 

Pre-book your airport parking

 
To avoid the stress of looking for a space for your car on the day of your departure, book your airport parking in advance. With your booking confirmation in hand, you’ll know where to go without having to drive around until you find an open car park with available spaces. Websites like Looking4Parking can help you find a great deal in just a few clicks, saving you time on the day of your flight (and probably some money, too).
 

Pack for security screenings

 

 
When you are packing for your trip, keep in mind that you’ll have to go through security with your hand luggage. If you can do it, wear clothes that are easy to take on and off to facilitate your passage through the body scanner or metal detector. Make sure you put your gels and liquids in a clear plastic bag before your leave your home: some airports sell individual plastic bags for the price you’d pay for a lot more of them at any other store.
 

Take care of check-in early on

 
More airlines than ever now ask their passengers to check in for their flights online before they arrive at the airport. Check the terms and conditions when you buy your ticket: some airlines still have no preference regarding where and when you check in, but others now charge you a fee for checking in at the airport.

If you decide to check in at the airport, make sure you have easy access to documentation like your passport, your visa, or your booking confirmation to go through this process swiftly.
 

Give yourself plenty of time

 
To make your departure as stress-free as possible, leave for the airport with plenty of time to spare. As a rule of thumb, arriving at the airport three hours before a long-haul flight and two hours before domestic flights will give you enough time to jump through the hoops of checking yourself in, checking in your luggage, going through security, and making your way to your gate. Allow for some extra time during holiday season or half-term, since airports tend to get a lot busier then.
 

Book yourself a VIP treatment

 
If you don’t like queuing – or if you simply want to treat yourself – a growing number of airports offer VIP packages to make your time at the airport memorable. You can usually get services that allow you to go through security much faster using a fast lane dedicated to VIP passengers, wait for your plane in a VIP room, or request assistance from a concierge. Book these services in advance to get the best deals.
 

Be prepared for the aircraft’s dry atmosphere

 
Even if you usually wear contact lenses, opt for your glasses before boarding the plane. The air in an aeroplane can get very dry, and lenses will put a strain on your eyes. Pack a moisturiser for the same reason, or try a sample for free at one of the shops before boarding.
 

Follow my daily adventures on Instagram @CamWonderlands!