One thing to do with your luggage at home before going to the airport

From how to plan, what to pack and what to do on the ground, Emma Stanford asks travel industry experts for their number one travel tip.
Heidi Walker, general manager, Flight Centre New Zealand
I’m a firm believer in selecting your seats on a plane at the time of booking so you’re not allocated a less desirable seat. For me, securing a bulkhead window seat is the best option in economy, so I always select this one if it’s available, even if that means paying a little bit extra for seat selection.
The bulkhead window seat is the only window seat in economy where you can get up and down from your seat freely as there’s often more legroom, as well as no one in front of you putting their seat back. With both a view and freedom – it’s an all-round winner.
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Kate Boyer, general manager airports, Air New Zealand
I always weigh my bags (including my carry-on) before I leave for the airport. That way I know bag drop will be quick and easy so I can enjoy a snack and some people watching before I board my flight.
I also have colourful luggage; it makes collecting your bag at your destination a breeze. If you don’t have colourful luggage, a bag tag with your name on it will do the trick. Ribbons risk getting stuck in the baggage belt, so a simple bag tag is the way to go!
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Jason Buckley, New Zealand general manager, Envoyage
Travel with a universal travel power adaptor and a powerboard. A universal travel power adaptor is a great investment as it will give you access to power all over the world.
By also packing a powerboard you will have the ability to charge multiple phones or use a range of devices at once. It’s really a game changer in the modern world when we use so many electronics.
David Coombes, CEO, House of Travel
When travelling, I always make a point to explore the culinary scene. Some of my favourite travel memories are from sampling street food, dining at small, family-owned restaurants and meeting local producers, each offering an authentic taste of the local cuisine.
Ben Hall, CEO, AAT Kings Group
Always take time to truly experience the local culture of a country. For example, when travelling to Australia, seek out experiences that showcase the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, which is the oldest in the world, and how they have lived off the land.
See their art, listen to their music and learn their history through stories passed on from generation to generation. Doing this provides a far greater understanding of the place you’re visiting and the people who live there.
Hugo Van Vondelen, product specialist, Eurail
Consider including a night train in your itinerary, combining your travel and accommodation costs in one. It’s a great way to maximise your time when travelling, as you’re not wasting precious daylight hours getting to your next destination.
With a Eurail Pass, you can book night trains for an additional supplement, just make sure to plan in advance as seats can fill up quickly. If the seats are fully booked, there are always alternative routes available.
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Bruce Poon Tip, founder, G Adventures
Think before you book and ask questions about where your money will go. The more consumers use their spending power with the right companies, the more money will go back into local economies and the greater the positive impact they’ll have on local communities.
Also, consider the lesser-visited destinations in addition to the more popular ones. Visiting the little-known places will help distribute the travel dollar and positive impact further.
Mark Wong, senior Vice President Asia Pacific, Small Luxury Hotels of the World
Travel ‘small and slow’. Stay in small, locally-owned properties, which are often more characterful and immersive.
Look for intimacy and simplicity over excess and indulgence. Take your time to explore new and soulful destinations that are off-the-beaten-track and aren’t experiencing over-tourism and crowding.
Not only for environmental and social reasons but also to ensure you acquire good, purposeful travel experiences that will enrich you personally and create long-lasting memories.
Nikhil Ravishankar, chief digital officer, Air New Zealand
I recently spent three weeks travelling with my wife and two kids in Europe. From hotels to restaurants to tourist attractions, ChatGPT planned the entire itinerary which we followed down to the letter and it was awesome!
So my travel tip is to think outside the box about how you make your plans, lean into the digital revolution and let AI guide you to all the hidden gems to ensure a trip you’ll never forget!
Mike Williams, chief alliances and transformation officer, Air New Zealand
There’s nothing quite like a recommendation from someone who knows the destination like the back of their hand.
Our Air New Zealand crew and pilots are my secret weapon to find the best places to eat and the best things to do. They usually visit the destinations on our network multiple times a year, so if you want some insider knowledge, ask them for their top tips while cruising at 38,000ft.
Angie Forsyth, general manager, Corporate Traveller
I’m all about taking all of the stress of travel away from yourself, and instead putting it into the hands of a travel expert so you can just turn up at the airport on the day of travel knowing everything is taken care of.
A travel agent can provide you with the best options to meet your needs, they have access to the best products and rates and you can contact them 24/7 for assistance.
This provides me with peace of mind when I’m travelling, whether for business or leisure, and allows me to fully relax.
Have a travel tip to share? Email us at [email protected] for a chance to be featured in an upcoming story.
This article was originally published by Stuff and has been reproduced here with permission.