Millions are set to travel over the Christmas period as they meet up with family and friends to make the most of the celebrations.
People will take to the roads, travel by train, bus and even aeroplane as they make their journeys to see loved ones. Last year, December 22 was the busiest day for people heading abroad for Christmas, according to ABTA, .a trade association for UK travel agents.
Hundreds of thousands of passengers left from Scottish airports, with 200,000 departing from Edinburgh alone.
And while holidays should be a relaxing time, travelling can be fraught with issues meaning you might arrive at your destination with less festive cheer than you would expect. Mishaps like poor WiFi, dead devices, or malfunctioning headphones can leave holidaymakers frazzled.
Tech expert Toni Marino has shared five hacks to make your journey smoother, from finding free WiFi to reviving ‘broken’ headphones on planes. And one hack involves booking a hotel room on a certain floor to get a better WiFi connection during your stay.
Here’s Toni’s tips to have a stress-free trip this Christmas.
1. Screenshot your boarding pass
Most airlines now accept digital boarding passes, sparing you the need for a printed copy. But what happens if patchy airport WiFi stops you from pulling it up? Save yourself the stress (and the glares from the queue behind you) by taking a screenshot of your pass before you arrive.
Toni said: “Taking a screenshot ensures you have an offline version of your boarding pass, so even if the internet lets you down, you won’t be caught out.” One word of caution: never share that screenshot on social media. Doing so could expose your details to hackers
2. Forgotten your plug adapter, use the TV
Forgetting your plug adapter can feel like a travel disaster, especially when your devices are running low. But did you know most hotel TVs have USB ports you can use to charge your gadgets?
Toni said: “If you’ve left your plug adapter behind but have your charging cable, connect it to the TV in your room. Most modern televisions have powered USB ports at the back or side, perfect for charging phones or tablets.”
The expert shares an additional tip, which is to take along a compact extension lead. With one travel adapter, you can charge multiple devices at once.
3. Book your hotel room on the second floor for better WiFi
Public WiFi in hotels can be a mixed bag — crowded lobbies often mean slow speeds and limited plugs. If you need a better connection, Toni recommends thinking vertically.
“If you can’t find space in the lobby to sit and use your device, just head to the second floor or mezzanine level. It’s quieter, less crowded, and often has extra power outlets.”
Booking a second-floor room can also give you stronger WiFi access, as you’re closer to the router but away from the hubbub of the lobby.
4. Charge your phone faster on planes
Running low on battery mid-flight? Not all charging options are created equal.
If you have a choice between a USB port and an AC plug, always go for the latter. Toni said: “AC plugs charge devices two to three times faster than USB ports. If you’ve got one available, it’s worth using to get your phone or tablet back to full power quickly.”
5. Fix ‘broken’ plane headphones
Nothing ruins a flight faster than faulty headphones, especially when you’re excited to binge-watch your favourite shows. If the ones provided by the airline don’t work, or if you’ve forgotten your wired pair, try this trick.
“Pull the headphone jack out of the port slightly. Often, the connectors don’t align perfectly, and this small adjustment can restore the sound,” Toni suggested.
For wireless headphone users, consider investing in an inexpensive Bluetooth transmitter, which allows you to connect wirelessly to the plane’s entertainment system.
6. Track your luggage with a smart tag
Worried about lost luggage? A smart tracker, like an AirTag or Tile, can give you peace of mind. Slip one into your suitcase, and you’ll be able to locate your bags in real-time via your phone.
Toni said: “These tags are especially useful during layovers or busy travel seasons when baggage handling systems are more prone to delays. If your luggage is delayed, you can use the tracker to prove its location to airline staff, speeding up recovery.”
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