Flying tips
Bring a money belt AND a wallet
There’s a dual purpose to this: if you get mugged you can calmly hand over the wallet and carry on your holiday with minimum hassle. If you meet new friends, use the wallet, as it can be a bit insulting to go into a money belt to pay for your beers. David Wilson, Skyscanner Senior Software Engineer
Use body language
When there’s a language barrier, shouting in your own language is not going to get you far. Instead, use your body. It’s the most international language in the entire world. Don’t forget to translate a full stop with a smile. Tika Larasati, Skyscanner Market Development Manager, Indonesia Say it with sign language – watch our video below: tp://www.youtube.com/embed/3khTuveO2xg
Recognise that we’re all the same
It’s only by travelling that you realise every society is as fractious and plural in their views as your own. Gareth Williams, Skyscanner CEO
Roll your clothes when packing
Once you roll, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered to fold. More: How to travel with hand-luggage only Louise McCloy, Skyscanner Search Marketing Executive
Kindles are made for travel
I never travel without my Kindle. No more lugging multiple books around whilst waiting to exchange them with other travellers. This may have been a ‘charming’ part of travelling, but not when every book exchange turns up nothing but books in German! More: Will Kindle kill the paperback? Pros and cons of e-readers Eileen Ogg, Skyscanner Artworker
Invest in noise-cancelling headphones
For the perfect long-haul trip, invest in some good quality noise cancelling headphones. The price tags are hefty, but they are worth every penny to tune out the crying baby, snoring man, or chattering teenagers. Rachel Evatt, Skyscanner Product Director Listen to our ‘How to Make Flying Fun’ podcast: https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/71682657&?
Bring a DVD player for the kids
When flying with small children, bring a laptop/DVD player/tablet. Cartoons and movies while away a sizeable chunk of the flight and allow parents some downtime too. More: 10 tips for flying with kids Mary Porter, Skyscanner PR Manager
Always bring a sarong
They’re light and multifunctional: something to lie on at the beach, a cover for when you’re cold, a towel, a curtain, a skirt, a dress, even an emergency bandage. Suzanne Morrison, Skyscanner Project Manager
Bring an extra top on board
When flying (especially long haul) always travel with an extra top as the blankets they provide are thin and the plane can get very cold. Clare McMonagle, Skyscanner Graphic Designer
Bring an internet ready device
If travelling for a long time, take your own device that can pick up wifi, like a smartphone or tablet. We didn’t do this because we didn’t want to bring an expensive item backpacking, but it turned out to be incredibly expensive to use the internet, or impossible to find any. Yet there is free wifi in places all around the world, and you quickly realise how often you need to tap in to things like bank accounts or travel bookings. More: 10 ways to cut your smartphone roaming costs Eileen Ogg, Skyscanner Artworker