Flying tips

Just because he looks Caucasian, doesn’t mean he speaks English. And just because she looks Asian, doesn’t mean she can’t understand your French! Be wary of mouthing off when you think you’re speaking a language no one around you speaks. You never know who understands what. Tika Larasati, Skyscanner Market Development Manager, Indonesia

This Singaporean-made balm not only soothes sore muscles after a lot of travelling but also works as an insect repellent to keep the little biting beasties away. More: World’s worst biting bugs: how to avoid insect attack Louise McCloy, Skyscanner Search Marketing Executive

If you’re looking for ways to get a flight upgrade, then join the airline’s loyalty programme. Even if it’s the lowest level, you still get rewarded first. More: 15 ways to get a flight upgrade Ewan Gray, Skyscanner Director Sales and Business Development, APAC

Always take out travel insurance (and don’t rely on credit card insurance alone). It sounds obvious but lots of people don’t bother, and end up losing a lot of money when things go wrong. More: 10 ways to void your travel insurance Philippa Waygood, Skyscanner Training Co-ordinator

To get over jetlag quickly on arrival, try to sync your sleeping pattern with the new time zone immediately. More: How to avoid jet lag Kirsty Donnelly, Skyscanner Recruitment Assistant

The more flexible you can be with your travel plans, the more money you’ll save (you’ll be able to travel at cheaper times and get better rates). Use Skyscanner’s handy month charts to find the cheapest days to fly in any given month. More: 20 money saving travel tips and secrets Sam Baldwin, Skyscanner Travel Editor

When visiting cultural monuments, always take the offer of a local guide. It will open your eyes to so much more than if you try and go it alone or just use a guide book. Andy Sleigh, Skyscanner General Manager, APAC

A game of cards is not only useful to while away the hours during the inevitable delays, but also a great cross- cultural barrier breaker. Andy Sleigh, Skyscanner General Manager, APAC

I can’t remember visiting a country in the last 10 years that doesn’t have ATMs, so there’s really no need to carry about more cash than you need for a couple of days. Charlie Pank, Skyscanner Senior Software Engineer

Instead, shop around for best rate. Find a credit/debit card that doesn’t charge for purchases abroad, and don’t bother with traveller’s cheques anymore. More: 10 secrets of foreign currency exchange Cat McGloin, Skyscanner PR Assistant