It’s that time of year again when many of us stop and smell the coffee (or baguette) in a different country. Despite the leaps and bounds in technology, we are sadly not yet at a point where we can push a button and simply transport ourselves to a destination of our choice, which means that before we actually get to our respective holiday Nirvanas we have to actually get to the airport and mill around for hours waiting for our flights to get from one place to another. Here are a few tips to have you jet-set ready:

1. Dress for comfort but look presentable: There seems to be no grey area when it comes to this: people literally either look like they’re about to vault over a catwalk with Cindy Crawford or like they were about to take out their rubbish in a hoodie they bought when they were 16 and refuse to throw out. Something you need to keep in mind here is that the more you put on, the more you will inevitably need to take off when you need to pass through security. Avoid wearing boots and belts and clothes which are too tight and instead opt for wearing roomy, oversized clothing which still looks chic. You’re going to be constricted enough on the plane as it is without you dressing up as an extra from Barbarella.

Carry little luxuries to make your trip feel easier and more comfortable

2. Carry an extra scarf, shawl or blanket in your hand luggage: I can’t even count the amount of times I’ve sat in my seat freezing to death because I’ve forgotten how cold planes can get. Moreover, while in Malta the stifling heat is a staple occurrence both in the morning as well as in the afternoon and evening, in many foreign countries, temperatures tend to drop come nightfall. The best thing to do to stave off feeling cold is to always carry a scarf with you which you can quickly throw on should you feel the chill.

3. Make sure that your bag is sturdy and durable enough for the trip: A few years ago I unwittingly stumbled upon a documentary about what happens behind the scenes at airports and I was left slack-jawed at the Herculean trials and tribulations our suitcases are put through to reach us. My advice here is simple: the more you spend on a suitcase, the greater the chance it has of lasting its travel ordeals intact. Make sure to steer clear of lighter colours as scuffs and marks show up more on them and if you have a suitcase with a print on it (Goyard excluded) and you’re over the age of 13 I suggest you start a big bonfire and throw it onto it. There is nothing tackier, or indeed, uglier.

4. Carry little luxuries to make your trip feel easier and more comfortable: with low budget airlines muscling in for a piece of the sky pie, it’s little wonder that flying can come across as something of an ordeal for some. When I know I have to take a low-cost flight, I like to take with me a small can of Evian mineral water face spray to keep my face hydrated, huge sunglasses to take care of my dark circles and cashmere socks to make my feet feel pampered. The legendary Eight Hour Cream works miracles on dehydrated faces, hands and lips; stock up while you’re abroad!

Happy holidays!