Before booking your next trip, check out these tips from travel journalist Mark Ellwood.

Traveling is one of life’s great joys — from seeing new places to meeting people from another culture, seeing the wider world is something to be treasured. But even the most experienced travelers can find some moments stressful.

Travel journalist Mark Ellwood talk about some of his best tips after a lifetime of living out of his own suitcase.

He offered five things he would never do if you want your trip to go off without a hitch.

1. Travel without insurance

Ellwood says that travel insurance is often very low cost and can save you in a pinch.

“It’s the same price as a cup of coffee per day, give or take, and buys you peace of mind when something goes awry,” he said.

Ellwood notes many credit cards offer built-in insurance for any trips purchased on that card but he is also a fan of travelinsurance.com or insuremytrip.com. Both are marketplaces where you can shop around for the best plan.

2. Overlook considering all airports

While it might not be the most convenient, Ellwood suggests checking the wider metropolitan area for flights at nearby airports.

“Look for airports nearby — you might score a deal better by searching for, perhaps, Stewart, New York, rather than Newark, (New Jersey),” he said. “Always check nearby airports to both your point of origin and destination.”

3. Exclude lesser-known carriers

“Don’t forget lesser-known carriers,” Ellwood says, adding that Breeze Airways his is go-to carrier. He notes that Breeze’s home bases are in the southeast and include the following:

“Don’t forget lesser-known carriers,” Ellwood says, adding that Breeze Airways his is go-to carrier. He notes that Breeze’s home bases are in the Southeast and include the following:

• Charleston, South Carolina
• Tampa, Florida
• Norfolk, Virginia
• New Orleans, Louisiana
• Fort Myers, Florida

4. Neglect geotagging luggage

There’s no worse feeling while traveling than waiting for your luggage to appear on the baggage carousel, only for it to never materialize.

But geotagging your luggage can at least help you track it down.

“Geotag your luggage — whether AirTag or similar,” Ellwood says. “You’ll always know where your luggage is … or isn’t.”

If your bag doesn’t make it to your final destination, you can always tell the airline where it is to help them track it down.

5. Think there’s a magic time to book a flight

Despite years of rumors, there’s really no day or time that’s best to book your travel.

“There is no magic day date time to score a deal,” Ellwood says. “Instead, the best time is whenever you receive an alert that your route’s gone on sale.”
The way to do this is to track your flights ahead of booking them. Ellwood suggests using Google Flights — just type in where and when you’re looking to fly, then toggle the alert tab so you’ll be notified of any changes.

“This allows you to watch how much it’ll cost and swoop in the moment an airline cuts the price when you want to fly,” he says.

Lydia Mansel of Just Packed shares a packing trick that ensures your clothes stay smooth wherever you go.

Delayed planes, lost luggage, misplaced passports, long security lines, wrinkled clothing. These are the not-so-glamorous parts of travel that rarely end up on your Instagram feed. While it’s hard to circumvent most of these unfortunate instances, there is a secret to at least avoid one of these inconveniences: wrinkled outfits.

Let’s face it. No one wants to be stuck ironing on vacation. Sure, you could make a case for bringing a travel steamer along for the ride, but that just takes up precious suitcase space. Don’t worry. You don’t need either. It all comes down to the proper way to pack your bags. And we promise it’s one of the simplest hacks to follow.

You know the large plastic bags you come home with from the dry cleaner? Instead of stuffing them in your trash or recycling can, save them. When packing for your next adventure, put your more delicate items inside the dry cleaning bags, including your cotton and linen pieces. Don’t worry about fabrics like silk, wool, denim, and cashmere, as they are less likely to wrinkle.

You’ll fold each piece of clothing as usual and place it inside a separate bag before placing it in your suitcase or duffel bag. This tactic works because the bags will slide against each other, meaning your cotton t-shirts and breezy linen pants won’t get stuck and inevitably cause deep creases and messy wrinkles while in transit.

No dry cleaning bags? No sweat. Trash bags or liners work too — just make sure they aren’t scented. You want to avoid a suitcase that smells like fresh pine or lemon zest.

Unfortunately, this travel secret isn’t fool-proof (a few wrinkles may pop up), but it will reduce the number and severity of creases.

What if you don’t have any plastic to spare? Layering your clothes with tissue paper can be helpful, too. Loosely rolling your delicate clothes is also preferable to folding; just place them on the top or outer portions of your bag, where there will be less pressure.

One final anti-wrinkle packing tip for those travelers who tend to procrastinate: Unpack as soon as you arrive. Yes, it’s tempting to drop your suitcase off and head straight to the hotel pool, but you’ll spend more time getting rid of those wrinkles later on. Take five minutes, hang up your most delicate clothes, and then enjoy a wrinkle-free vacation.

Traveling during the monsoon season can be both exhilarating and challenging. The rain-soaked landscapes and cooler temperatures offer a refreshing change, but the increased humidity and dampness can take a toll on your skin. As a young, modern dermatologist, I’m here to share essential skin care tips to keep your skin healthy and glowing during your monsoon travels.

Essential monsoon travel skin care tips

1. Pack Waterproof and Lightweight Products

When traveling in the monsoon, it’s crucial to pack skin care products that can withstand the humidity and rain. Opt for waterproof and lightweight formulas, such as gel-based moisturizers and sunscreens. These products provide the necessary hydration and protection without feeling heavy or greasy on your skin.

2. Keep Your Skin Dry and Clean

The constant exposure to rain and humidity can make your skin a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. Always carry a soft, absorbent towel to pat your skin dry whenever it gets wet. Using antibacterial wipes can also help keep your skin clean and fresh throughout your journey.

3. Use Antifungal Powder

To prevent fungal infections, especially in areas prone to sweating, apply antifungal powder. Focus on regions like the feet, underarms, and groin. These powders help absorb moisture and reduce the risk of infections, keeping your skin healthy and comfortable.

4. Stay Hydrated and Moisturized

Even with the humidity, your skin can get dehydrated due to travel stress and changes in climate. Drink plenty of water and use a hydrating facial mist to keep your skin fresh and moisturized. A light, non-comedogenic moisturizer will help lock in moisture without clogging your pores.

5. Choose the Right Clothing

Wear loose, breathable clothing made from natural fibers like cotton. This allows your skin to breathe and reduces the chances of sweat accumulation and irritation. Avoid tight clothing and synthetic fabrics that can trap moisture and cause discomfort.

Inputs by Dr. Sonali Kohli, Consultant Dermatology, Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital

Taking your time, exploring a new region while respecting it, is easy in Brittany – and all while keeping the kids entertained. Brittany’s rich natural heritage has plenty in store for families, whether on land, on foot or by bike, at sea or in the forests.

Make some new marine friends

Brittany’s coasts, bays and archipelagos are home to numerous marine mammals and birds, which can be observed in their natural environment very discreetly, while respecting them at all times. Some species, such as the bottlenose dolphin, live in Brittany all year round. These impressive mammals can be observed all year round in the Normandy-Brittany Gulf, and over 400 pass through the Bay of the Mont-Saint-Michel! This is also the case for the grey seal, which has taken up residence in the Iroise Natural Marine Park, home to the largest colony in France. On land or at sea, young and old alike will be amazed to meet these animals.

Play adventurers on a heritage sailing boat

Stretching between the Channel and the Atlantic, the Breton coastline is yours for the taking. It’s the longest coastline in France, exquisite and ever-changing with the seasons and tides. What about taking the whole family on a voyage of discovery aboard an old sailing ship? Famous for having answered the call of 18th June, the ‘Corbeau des Mers’ will teach you about traditional navigation and the Gulf of Morbihan. This 1931 lobster boat has been completely renovated. Eric, a passionate skipper, will tell you about the maritime history and the wonders of the Gulf while involving you in the sailing and manoeuvres. You’ll fall under the spell of this pearl of Southern Brittany, a recognised Regional Natural Park. Perfect for making lasting family memories.

Choose accommodation that teaches kids about the environment

In Brittany, you can teach your children about the planet while enjoying some quirky accommodation. There are several choices for families who want to get closer to nature and its values. The La Belle Verte ecolodges have been entirely designed to reduce their carbon footprint as much as possible, are a real haven of peace in the middle of nature. Tempted by farm stay? Little ones will love the eco gîtes and guest rooms at the Coet Kra farm, as they can feed the animals here too. For a bit of fun, head to La Belle Folie, a hybrid place where you can relax and meet people, with a nod to the environment at the same time. Sleep in a caravan perched on a menhir, in a woven house or a cactus, while enjoying the guinguette restaurant with its local, seasonal dishes.

Go for a pretty bike ride

Time to explore Brittany by bike! With its ‘voies vertes’ (green ways), the whole family can cycle with complete peace of mind – these are secure routes reserved for pedestrians, cyclists, rollerbladers and sometimes horses. Nine routes criss-cross Brittany over more than 1,700km and through very different landscapes. The Nantes-Brest Canal, for example, links the two cities and will take you along several rivers and past even more locks, trees and animals! You can also cross an old railway line, the Bay of the Mont-Saint-Michel and the Bay of Quiberon. A fun and enjoyable way to experience Brittany, at your own pace.

Take a breath of fresh air in a forest of legends

Who hasn’t heard of the legend of King Arthur? But what you may not know is that it has its roots in the magnificent Brocéliande Forest. This is a magical site to explore as a family, accompanied by a guide to truly immerse yourself in the legends of the fairy Viviane and Merlin. Don’t miss the Door of Secrets, an exhibition area with audio guides in various languages, offering an amazing show trail. Listen to the sounds of the forest and wander through the Korrigans Cave. And you’ll be bewitched by the menhirs of Monteneuf, set in an expanse of gorse and heather. These hundreds of megaliths and dolmens make up a large part of Brittany’s remarkable archaeological heritage.