If the time of year has come for you to pack your bags and get ready for your halal holiday, then there are a few things you need to make sure you get right. Going on holiday can be a rather stressful time, especially if there are a few thing on your list that you need to sort out in advance. Alongside sorting out your finances, booking your ticket, taking care of things at home and at work, there’s also getting to the Airport, dealing with situations at the airport, and finally getting on the aeroplane. If you’ve mastered your pre-holiday arrangements, it’s now time to sort out the next step, getting to the airport and on the plane.

Taxi – getting to the airport

If you’re taking a taxi to the airport, you will want to make sure you book a taxi with a reliable company. You may have a local taxi service you regularly use, or you may even ask a friend or family member to drive you to the airport to save money. Whatever mode of transportation you choose, make sure to make getting to the airport as stress-free as possible by doing a few simple things in preparation:

• Book well in advance if using a taxi service.
• If you’re having a friend or relative drive you, make sure you let them know in advance so they can schedule their own things around the date you need them.
• Provide your driver with your ticket details i.e what time you need to be at the airport.
• Ensure the vehicle you’ll be using has enough space to fit all your luggage.
• Allow enough time. Make sure you leave ahead of time in case of traffic or unfortunate events you may come across on your way.
• Plan your route. If you plan on having a quick break before reaching the airport it’s best you decide where you’ll stop off before you leave. Depending on the amount of time you have to spare, you may want to grab something to eat before you reach the airport. It’s good to look at all route options and to choose the easiest and most convenient route.

Airport – checking in and keeping calm

Upon arriving at the airport they’ll be various checkpoints you’ll have to go through before you can board your Flight. Simply being at the airport can be stressful with all the different things taking place and going on around you; however, making sure you stay calm and patience is an essential when at the airport. There will be a lot of people who are all in the same situation as yourself. Everyone is in a rush to get through security and the check-in points, just as a few people may be anxious and impatient. When checking in there are a few points to take note of before you reach the airport and while you’re there to make your check-in process as smooth as possible:

• Don’t overpack. To prevent problems with your luggage, do not go over the baggage limit.
• Have easy access to all your important documents such as passports, travel documents etc.
• Be patient. Everyone will be in a rush to get through the check-in so they can head into the departure area. Remember, you are only one of thousands that are going through the same procedure. Keeping calm and being patient is a must to prevent problems for everyone.
• Cooperate. When checking in and going through security, do your best to make these procedures as easy as possible. Remember, these workers are doing their job for the safety of everyone travelling in and out of the airport. Do your part to make things as easy as possible by cooperating when needed.
• Be on time. Don’t arrive just before the checking-in counter is about to close. Always be early to prevent stressful situations and even worse, missing your flight.
• Pay attention. Make sure you pay attention to any announcements and details that may play a crucial part in your journey. Departing gates can change without much notice. Keep an eye on the different announcement and flight information boards.
• Stay as close to your departing gate as possible. To avoid panicking when it comes to boarding the plane, try staying as near to your departing gate as possible. If you want to roam around, make sure you familiarise yourself with where you are going and where you need to go when the time comes to board your plane.

Plane – boarding your plane

The time has finally come to start your holiday You’re now about to board your flight and will soon be up in the air. By this time you’ve already gone through a rather tiring but exciting few hours, and just like most people, all you want is to get on the plane and try to relax. To ensure you’re flight is a relaxing one, try to keep the following few tips in mind:

• Don’t eat too much before boarding your flight. No ones wants to be bloated and uncomfortable or worse, have a bad stomach while up in the air.
• Drink enough water before boarding. Stay as hydrated as possible.
• Take any medication if needed. If you have been prescribed medication to help you relax during your flight, or to stop you from feeling sick, either take it just before you board your plane or have it at easy access.
• Have all your important things with you in your hand carry. Make sure you have everything you’ll need during the flight neatly stored in your hand carry or bag.
• Be patient when boarding. Families with young children and the elderly are always the first ones to board the plane. Be patient and wait for your turn to be called.
• Most importantly relax. If you’re anxious about flying try to relax and keep in mind that it will only be a few hours before you reach your holiday paradise.