Make the most of your journey

The art of packing light makes it much easier for you whether on planes, trains or busses, plus it helps with organization in your hotel room. You need far less than you think you do. Choosing colours that tone means you can combine any of your tops with all trousers or skirts. Take a multipurpose cotton shawl, which can serve as a head covering in religious sites, a sun shield for your camera, to cover your bathing costume when walking to the hotel pool, or for seating on grass in a park. I routinely pack a sunhat in my suitcase and one in my handbag. A big handbag, with several pockets, is the only hand luggage that I take, besides my cameras.

FLIGHT SECRETS

I adore flying, so for me it is a big part of the joy of travelling. Always get a loyalty card for the airline you are using, as it is free and may give you benefits like use of a lounge somewhere or increase your chances of an upgrade or being given a better seat, choose your seat carefully, using a website like Seat Guru, which gives details of seating in each aeroplane type for each airline. Avoid those seats which do not tip back fully, like the back row in some sections of the plane or the two rows next to the emergency exit; avoid a row of seats which has no window (this is possible even in some Business Class socalled window seats); shun seats next to a toilet or too close to the galley. Book your seat as early as you can, so you are more likely to get your first choice. Dress neatly and be courteous to the check in staff, as you may just crack an upgrade.

Most long-haul flights have a menu choice that you need to order pre-flight. I like, say, Asian Vegetarian, but the real reason I make use of this service is that I receive my meal first. This means I can finish my meal before everyone else, don my eye mask and socks, to sleep for the longest possible time.

MINIMIZING JET LAG

Crossing time zones throws out our circadian rhythms, so some symptoms are inevitable. I try to drink mainly water and drink it often, avoiding all fruit juices, carbonated drinks, and having a mere soupçon of alcohol (a discipline when an excellent wine is served, or a craft gin is available). Set your watch to the time of your destination. Do the recommended in-seat exercises, usually shown in the in-flight magazine, and get up from your seat to walk around the plane as often as you can. Half a non-addictive sleeping pill can tip you gently into sleep, especially in an economy seat in a crowded plane. I use the other half for my first night at my destination, to sneak past the jet lag into a good night’s sleep. Exercise each day, with an exploratory walk in the neighbourhood or a few lengths in the hotel pool.

LEARN FROM THE LOCALS

This is one of my major passions when I travel. Rather than just seeing the tourist sites, get more insight into a culture by interacting with local people. Even when I don’t speak the language, I use sign language, which raises a laugh. Cracking an invitation into someone’s home for tea or a meal is my all-time favourite experience when travelling. I try to learn basic phrases in the local language, which impresses people and softens their hearts. I shy away from tourist restaurants and learn from people who know the place. Let them lead you to the secret spots where you get the best food or great music. Restaurants and shop right next to major tourist attractions are often more expensive and less authentic. Try the street food, which is often fresher as it has a quicker turnover than some restaurants. Be adventurous! I travel to experience things unknown, things new, not to find what is similar to what I do at home. You will not catch me at MacDonald’s in an Asian country. Look for me in a small restaurant, tucked away, with no photos of the meals, savouring something chosen by fellow patrons.

PHOTOGRAPHY FUN

Of course, selfies are mandatory, so whip out your selfie stick, ditch all inhibition and have fun. A smart phone may be all you need to capture your favourite sights, but a good bridge camera or mirrorless camera can enhance your holiday images. Creative Street photography and portraits of locals that catch your eye, will be appreciated by your friends on social media. These original shots bring back delightful memories when you are back home. I always ask people if I may take their picture and respect the few that say no. Show your image to the person, as a courtesy and you may make a friend.

Enjoy your trip!

• Gillian Mclaren