A PLACE in the Sun presenter Laura Hamilton has been a frequent flyer for almost 30 years.
Over the years, Laura has picked up very handy tips that everyone can use for their next holiday, from packing light, the key to hiring a car, and whether airport lounge access is worth it.
Laura is back finding holiday homes for Brits on A Place in the Sun[/caption]
Laura always travels light whether she’s on a family holiday or work trip[/caption]
The first thing Laura, 42, insists that everyone should do more of, is pack light whether you’re going on a family holiday or a business trip.
Filming A Place in the Sun means weeks away from home in sunny Europe, but Laura says despite the multiple outfit changes, she only ever takes hand luggage.
She told Sun Travel: “I always take hand luggage and I don’t put bags in the hold, that’s what I’ve always done – I can’t even remember the last time I checked in a bag.
“Then I buy any big liquids that I need at the other side once I’ve been through security.”
She continued: “I’ve done that for a very long time, even when I travel with the kids we all take hand luggage suitcases.
“It saves so much time and means we don’t spend the first few hours of our holiday in an airport. We are straight on and off the plane with hand luggage.”
Another tip is for anyone who likes the freedom of exploration and hires their own car on holiday.
Laura explained: “If you’re going to hire a car abroad, and through a rental package, don’t take out the insurance online.
“Often, you’ll find that when you land, they try and sell you more insurance and the costs rack up.
“So you’re better off not ticking that box to take out the extra insurance, and sort it out when you land to avoid any extra charges.”
For frequent flyers like Laura, consider joining a loyalty scheme[/caption]
For any regular flyers, like Laura, she encourages joining up to a frequent flyer loyalty scheme.
She said: “The EasyJet Plus card is one of the biggest and best things that I’ve ever spent money on.
“If you fly regularly, having an EasyJet Plus card means that you will save money on pre-booking your seat and taking your hand baggage, cabin baggage.
“And when you’re on board a flight, you get a ten per cent discount.”
EasyJet Plus costs £249 per year, so it isn’t cheap but the benefits will speak for themselves for frequent flyers.
The more you fly, the more you save – for example anyone taking six EasyJet flights a year can save up to £357.
The benefits include fast track security, speedy boarding, a large cabin bag included in the price, and a premium seat.
You can save ten per cent on all food, drink and anything else you buy on the plane.
Hiring a car on holiday can have hidden costs so don’t take out insurance before you go[/caption]
Laura believes in starting off your holiday with a trip to the airport lounge[/caption]
Flyers can also travel back earlier on the same day as their booked flight at no extra charge.
Laura also believes the use of an airport lounge is crucial to saving costs before you even board the plane for your holiday.
She added: “If you want to get access to airport lounges and have a credit card, like American Express, you can get in.
“And its worth it when you think of how much money you could spend in a restaurant before you even board.
“So if you’ve got access to the airport lounges, do it, and you can often take in one guest for free.”
Lots of credit cards are widely accepted in airport lounges, including American Express Platinum Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve, and Capital One Venture X. You’ll just need your card, along with a same-day boarding pass and a valid ID.
For anyone without a credit card that grants lounge access, have a look online before you get to the airport as some cost just £20.
With complimentary food and drinks, unlimited Wi-Fi and away from the terminal crowds, they can potentially save you money and will be a peaceful start to your holiday.
Travel presenter Laura is also embarking on a new project of her own. She’s collating all of her travel stories and tips on her podcast ‘Mile Fly Club’ which is set to return for a second series.
Here’s Laura’s number one tip on how to settle babies on flights
Laura has a handy tip on how to settle restless babies on a flight…
Laura told Sun Travel: “One of the best tips that someone told me to use for travelling with a baby is to try and get them to equalise their ears.
“So for a baby, obviously make sure your finger is clean, but let them suck your finger or a dummy. Sucking on it is no different to adults sucking a sweet. It helps them equalise their ears when you’re taking off and landing.”
Her other tips include getting a Doona car seat that transforms into a pushchair and the Zinc Flyte Scooters for when children get a bit older and they can carry some of their own luggage.
Interviewing celebrity guests like Bradley Walsh, Andrea McLean and Jeff Brazier, Laura will talk about their lives through travel, from their favourite destinations all the way to conspiracy theories.
Brand new episodes of A Place in the Sun broadcast weekdays at 6pm on Channel 4.
Laura is back on screens with a new series of A Place in the Sun for Channel 4[/caption]
