The travel advice index

Theory has it that the most popular time to start planning a holiday is right on the tail of the last; as soon as reality/rain/rush-hour hits. But ‘planning’ means different things to different people…

If you’ve had your dates, destination and dinner plans for your next getaway set since you last touched down, head straight to the next step. But if you’re still harbouring a half-formed image of a beach retreat and an office-bound mantra that sounds “anywhere but here”? Get yourself back to our travel blog for some where and what inspiration.

If it’s a case of who, and it’s someone special you’ve got in mind, there’s more to consider. Particularly if you’re toying with a surprise trip: the nicest, most meaningful of gifts but, potentially, a loaded, logistical nightmare. Take the plunge with expert advice on how to plan a surprise getaway for lovers, friends and family – they’ll thank you for it.

Decisions made, next up is booking. It’s easy enough to find your flights, but how about that hotel? There are a lot of them out there. Before you commit, start with a little food for thought from seasoned hotel pro and luxury travel writer Lucia van der Post on what makes a great hotel.

With this in mind, check out our exclusive hotel offers for Cardmembers, or our editor’s picks of the best hotels in Berlin, Cancun, Cape Town, Dubai, Hong Kong, Las Vegas, London, Miami, New York, Rio de Janeiro, Paris, Rome, Sydney and Toronto. Then it’s just a waiting game ’til it’s time to pack those bags…

Yes, we know you’ve packed a bag before, but if you’ve ever had to forgo a much-loved souvenir for want of space or hang your first-night frock in the shower to iron out the creases, you’ll know there’s no harm in picking up some new tricks. And who better to ask than fashion editor and frequent flier Lisa Haynes, who shares her hard-learned intel on how to become a savvy packer, wherever you’re headed.

Do make sure you leave a little extra space in that bag though; it’s not all about how you pack, but what you pack, too. We’re not talking that ‘life-changing’ ninth sundress, but some seriously life-changing, stress-busting travel tech – the best gadgets and apps for travel, hand-picked by WIRED science editor Joao Medeiros, from gadgets that fight jet lag, and track luggage to clever apps that link you up with local doctors. Sorted? Time to hit the road.

So, you’ve packed your bag, you’re clutching your jet lag face mask, and you’re on your way to the airport. But what have you forgotten? Oh, the children! If you’re tot-free, the best advice we can give you is to hang on to your passport and try not to get too excited with the complimentary beverages, but if you’re travelling with little ones – be it for the first time or, you swore, the last – take some invaluable by-parents-for-parents (and other passengers) advice on how to fly long haul with kids. Trust us, it’s doable.

You made it! This is the easy part, right? The lounger-bound-cocktail-hour moment we’ve all been waiting for. However, switching off can prove harder than we expect, and travel does throw out the odd curveball – the planning and unplannable-fors are duly stress-inducing. Which is where work-life coach and travel writer Susan Grossman comes in with her advice on how to take the stress out of your trip.

Finally, once you’ve chilled out enough to enjoy it, it’s time for our travel blogger’s guide to off the beaten track travel: how to escape that well-trodden path and create some truly memorable (plus infinitely Instagrammable and long-term boast-worthy) holiday memories.

And the rest is really down to you… Happy travels!