Travel tips

They may have become the uniform of unruly ASBO-teenagers, but hooded tops make excellent travel garments. Just slip up your hood to retreat from the world of noise and light when you want to sleep on a flight/airport seat/bus. Sam Baldwin, Skyscanner Travel Editor

Travelling all by your lonesome might seem daunting at first, but it gives you a chance to really immerse yourself in the travel experience. I’ve met friends for life, learnt a new language, and had amazing experiences by travelling solo. More: 10 tips for travelling solo Victoria Bailie, Skyscanner PR Manager

Staying in a hotel when you’re on holiday is not the only option. Or in a hostel for that matter. Apartments or rooms in private homes are where the savvy travellers rest their heads these days. Sam Baldwin, Skyscanner Travel Editor

Whenever you get up to leave somewhere, be it a chair at the airport, a café, or a bar, always turn round and make sure you haven’t left anything behind. Suzanne Morrison, Skyscanner Project Manager

If you are in a country where it is unsafe to drink the water, keep your mouth shut in the shower. Suzanne Morrison, Skyscanner Project Manager

If you really, really want to get off the beaten track, buy the Lonely Planet guide, then avoid everywhere featured in it. Sam Baldwin, Skyscanner Travel Editor

Have an open mind and don’t sweat the small stuff; travel can be frustrating but you will look back and remember it forever. Dave Boyte, Skyscanner Market Development Manager, Australia

It might be tempting to have every step of your trip planned to the nth degree, but unplanned days are often those that leave the most lasting, and fondest memories. Rachel Evatt, Skyscanner Product Director

If you fart during your flight, just pretend to be asleep. Harold Aparte, Skyscanner Market Development Executive, Philippines Want to join the Skyscanner team and share your wisdom? See our current jobs here!

To save space and reduce weight, saw your toothbrush in half. The extra three cubic centimetres of space can be used to carry an extra sheet of paper (see tip 2). James Teideman, Skyscanner Marketing Communications Executive