Latest news with #ErnaLow
Western Telegraph
2 days ago
- Western Telegraph
Expert reveals simple trick that cure your fear of flying
But for the 1 in 4 Brits, the journey itself can be more panic than paradise (I'll include myself in that bracket). However, good news fellow panicky passengers! An expert has revealed a list of unusual but highly effective tips that are already helping nervous flyers feel calmer at 30,000 feet. From why you should smile like your life depends on it, to the unspoken trick flight attendants use to stay calm during turbulence and how an app can trick your brain into thinking it's all under control. Travel Expert, Jane Bolton from tailor-made package ski holiday operator, Erna Low shares six practical tips to help anxious flyers feel more at ease before and during their journey. My fear of flying is so strong that I have nightmares being on planes and I wake up sweating. I hate this fear so much. — Sheena 📚🎮 (@m_sheena_) May 26, 2025 1. Understand what to expect A big part of fear comes from uncertainty. Not knowing what's normal during a flight, like strange sounds or sudden bumps can make every little thing feel like a red flag. Turbulence in particular is a big trigger for many, even though it's a totally routine part of flying. How to manage it? Think of turbulence like driving over a bumpy road, it might not feel great, but it's nothing to worry about. Planes are built to handle it, and pilots are trained to navigate it safely. Take the time to watch short videos that explain how planes work and what different in-flight noises mean. Download a flight tracker app before your journey to see how often your route flies safely every day, it's a helpful visual reminder that flying is routine and safe. 2. Reframe fear as excitement Fear and excitement trigger the same physical response, it's the brain's interpretation that makes the difference*. How to manage it? Smile, even if it feels silly. It sends a message to your brain that things are okay. Reframe nerves as excitement using mental tricks like the 'anxiety vs excitement' method. Try saying things like 'I'm excited' instead of 'I'm scared' to help shift your mindset*. Pair it with distractions like a great playlist, film, book, audiobook, or a calming podcast*. 3. Get in the right headspace early Nervousness about flying often starts days or weeks before boarding, leading to sleepless nights and exhaustion especially when left unchecked. How to manage it? Start preparing your mindset in the weeks before you fly to build calming habits. Gentle yoga or guided meditation can help build emotional resilience. Having a breathing tool like anti-anxiety necklaces, can also help centre you if panic starts to creep in. 4. Choose the right seat Feeling trapped or unsettled in your seat can make anxiety worse. How to manage it? Pick a seat over the wing, this is usually the most stable part of the plane. If you're claustrophobic or like to move around, opt for an aisle seat to avoid feeling trapped. Some find a window view soothing, pick what works for you. On common aircraft like the Boeing 737 or Airbus A320, seats between rows 12 and 25 are typically over the wings but checking seat maps on airline websites can help identify these seats*. Recommended reading: 5. Avoid common triggers Alcohol and caffeine can amplify anxiety, not reduce it. How to manage it? Skip the pre-flight drink and opt for water or calming herbal teas. Bring noise-cancelling headphones and familiar scents like lavender oil to soothe your senses and reduce stimulation mid-flight. 6. Timings and routine matter Too much waiting time on the day of your flight can allow nerves to build. How to manage it? Choose an early morning flight if you can, as this gives you less time to overthink.
South Wales Argus
3 days ago
- South Wales Argus
Expert reveals simple trick that cure your fear of flying
But for the 1 in 4 Brits, the journey itself can be more panic than paradise (I'll include myself in that bracket). However, good news fellow panicky passengers! An expert has revealed a list of unusual but highly effective tips that are already helping nervous flyers feel calmer at 30,000 feet. From why you should smile like your life depends on it, to the unspoken trick flight attendants use to stay calm during turbulence and how an app can trick your brain into thinking it's all under control. Travel Expert, Jane Bolton from tailor-made package ski holiday operator, Erna Low shares six practical tips to help anxious flyers feel more at ease before and during their journey. My fear of flying is so strong that I have nightmares being on planes and I wake up sweating. I hate this fear so much. — Sheena 📚🎮 (@m_sheena_) May 26, 2025 1. Understand what to expect A big part of fear comes from uncertainty. Not knowing what's normal during a flight, like strange sounds or sudden bumps can make every little thing feel like a red flag. Turbulence in particular is a big trigger for many, even though it's a totally routine part of flying. How to manage it? Think of turbulence like driving over a bumpy road, it might not feel great, but it's nothing to worry about. Planes are built to handle it, and pilots are trained to navigate it safely. Take the time to watch short videos that explain how planes work and what different in-flight noises mean. Download a flight tracker app before your journey to see how often your route flies safely every day, it's a helpful visual reminder that flying is routine and safe. 2. Reframe fear as excitement Fear and excitement trigger the same physical response, it's the brain's interpretation that makes the difference*. How to manage it? Smile, even if it feels silly. It sends a message to your brain that things are okay. Reframe nerves as excitement using mental tricks like the 'anxiety vs excitement' method. Try saying things like 'I'm excited' instead of 'I'm scared' to help shift your mindset*. Pair it with distractions like a great playlist, film, book, audiobook, or a calming podcast*. 3. Get in the right headspace early Nervousness about flying often starts days or weeks before boarding, leading to sleepless nights and exhaustion especially when left unchecked. How to manage it? Start preparing your mindset in the weeks before you fly to build calming habits. Gentle yoga or guided meditation can help build emotional resilience. Having a breathing tool like anti-anxiety necklaces, can also help centre you if panic starts to creep in. 4. Choose the right seat Feeling trapped or unsettled in your seat can make anxiety worse. How to manage it? Pick a seat over the wing, this is usually the most stable part of the plane. If you're claustrophobic or like to move around, opt for an aisle seat to avoid feeling trapped. Some find a window view soothing, pick what works for you. On common aircraft like the Boeing 737 or Airbus A320, seats between rows 12 and 25 are typically over the wings but checking seat maps on airline websites can help identify these seats*. Recommended reading: 5. Avoid common triggers Alcohol and caffeine can amplify anxiety, not reduce it. How to manage it? Skip the pre-flight drink and opt for water or calming herbal teas. Bring noise-cancelling headphones and familiar scents like lavender oil to soothe your senses and reduce stimulation mid-flight. 6. Timings and routine matter Too much waiting time on the day of your flight can allow nerves to build. How to manage it? Choose an early morning flight if you can, as this gives you less time to overthink.
South Wales Guardian
5 days ago
- South Wales Guardian
Expert reveals simple trick that cure your fear of flying
But for the 1 in 4 Brits, the journey itself can be more panic than paradise (I'll include myself in that bracket). However, good news fellow panicky passengers! An expert has revealed a list of unusual but highly effective tips that are already helping nervous flyers feel calmer at 30,000 feet. From why you should smile like your life depends on it, to the unspoken trick flight attendants use to stay calm during turbulence and how an app can trick your brain into thinking it's all under control. Travel Expert, Jane Bolton from tailor-made package ski holiday operator, Erna Low shares six practical tips to help anxious flyers feel more at ease before and during their journey. My fear of flying is so strong that I have nightmares being on planes and I wake up sweating. I hate this fear so much. A big part of fear comes from uncertainty. Not knowing what's normal during a flight, like strange sounds or sudden bumps can make every little thing feel like a red flag. Turbulence in particular is a big trigger for many, even though it's a totally routine part of flying. How to manage it? Think of turbulence like driving over a bumpy road, it might not feel great, but it's nothing to worry about. Planes are built to handle it, and pilots are trained to navigate it safely. Take the time to watch short videos that explain how planes jobs" target="_blank">work and what different in-flight noises mean. Download a flight tracker app before your journey to see how often your route flies safely every day, it's a helpful visual reminder that flying is routine and safe. Fear and excitement trigger the same physical response, it's the brain's interpretation that makes the difference*. How to manage it? Smile, even if it feels silly. It sends a message to your brain that things are okay. Reframe nerves as excitement using mental tricks like the 'anxiety vs excitement' method. Try saying things like 'I'm excited' instead of 'I'm scared' to help shift your mindset*. Pair it with distractions like a great playlist, film, book, audiobook, or a calming podcast*. Nervousness about flying often starts days or weeks before boarding, leading to sleepless nights and exhaustion especially when left unchecked. How to manage it? Start preparing your mindset in the weeks before you fly to build calming habits. Gentle yoga or guided meditation can help build emotional resilience. Having a breathing tool like anti-anxiety necklaces, can also help centre you if panic starts to creep in. Feeling trapped or unsettled in your seat can make anxiety worse. How to manage it? Pick a seat over the wing, this is usually the most stable part of the plane. If you're claustrophobic or like to move around, opt for an aisle seat to avoid feeling trapped. Some find a window view soothing, pick what works for you. On common aircraft like the Boeing 737 or Airbus A320, seats between rows 12 and 25 are typically over the wings but checking seat maps on airline websites can help identify these seats*. Recommended reading: Alcohol and caffeine can amplify anxiety, not reduce it. How to manage it? Skip the pre-flight drink and opt for water or calming herbal teas. Bring noise-cancelling headphones and familiar scents like lavender oil to soothe your senses and reduce stimulation mid-flight. Too much waiting time on the day of your flight can allow nerves to build. How to manage it? Choose an early morning flight if you can, as this gives you less time to overthink.
Scottish Sun
17-05-2025
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
How to avoid hidden car hire traps – the eight tips you MUST follow from experts
Scroll down to find out the "number one" tip you should follow TAKE CAR-E How to avoid hidden car hire traps – the eight tips you MUST follow from experts WHEN Jane Bolton booked a hire car for a week-long girls' holiday in the French Alps with an old friend, she paid £320 in advance. But when she got to the Europcar pick-up desk in Geneva, Switzerland - the nearest airport to her holiday destination - she was charged an extra £10 per day because she was going to drive the car a few miles over the border into France. Advertisement 2 Jane Bolton was stung with an extra £70 fee for driving from through France Credit: Supplied 2 The 54-year-old described the hidden cost as "really annoying" Credit: Supplied It meant an extra £70 fee she wasn't expecting. 'It was really annoying and put me a bad mood at the start of the trip,' says Jane, 54. 'It wasn't a huge amount but it all comes out of the holiday budget – that could have paid for a meal out.' She's far from the only person to have been stung. Advertisement Seven out of 10 car renters say they have ended up paying hidden costs, according to As car hire costs fall, we reveal how you can avoid hidden charges. TAKE PHOTOS FIRST James McNeil, director of UK-based car leasing company Ready2Lease, says checking for damages should be the 'number one' thing you do to avoid extra charges - no matter how tired you are from travelling when you pick up the car. 'Look around the car and highlight anything that could even potentially be considered to be damage, even tiny scratches,' he says. Advertisement "Make sure you take photos or videos – if you do this on a smartphone they will be timestamped to prove the damage occurred before you drove it." You should also take a picture showing the mileage and fuel gauge on your pick-up and return, in case you are later challenged on this. Avoid these common holiday booking mistakes for a stress-free vacation BEWARE SNEAKY TACTICS Before you load the car with your suitcase, lift the carpet in the boot and take a picture of the spare tyre or puncture repair kit – there have been reports of travellers getting huge fines for 'missing' kits and tyres. Some cheaper car hire companies have been accused of using hidden existing damages like broken locks and scratches underneath the car to trick customers into paying fines. Advertisement It's also worth trying the physical key in all the locks (not just using the key remote) to check for damaged locks – take a video to prove it – and take pictures under the bumpers too. And brush down seats and shake out car mats before you return the car - taking pictures too - to avoid 'extra cleaning' charges. READ THE T&Cs They are easy to skip - but they can include hidden costs. For example, extra charges for drivers over 70 or under 25, or for exceeding a set mileage limit. Jane, who is a product director for ski holiday firm Erna Low, says she might not have been caught out by the cross-border charge on her trip if she had read the terms closely. Advertisement BRING YOUR OWN Hiring a child's car seat for a week costs an average of £55, while a sat nav is £69, according to Avoid this by bringing your own. Even budget lines - like easyJet and Ryanair - allow you to check in car-seats for free for under 12s. You can buy car seat travel bags from around £15 on Amazon to keep them safe in transit. BUY WAIVERS SEPARATELY Car hire firms often use pressure-selling tactics to push customers into buying expensive excess waivers at the pick-up desk. Advertisement An excess waiver covers the high fees car hire companies charge in the case of any damages. These fees can be as much as €250 (£212) for a small scratch on a car door, says research by Zest Car Hire. But buying an excess waiver at the rental desk can add up to an extra £200 to a week's car hire. 'It's always worth having an excess waiver but never buy it from the car hire company,' adds McNeil. Advertisement Instead, experts at Which? recommend buying a waiver in advance. The best value policies are annual - covering multiple trips each year - and typically cost between £37 and £59. BRING A CREDIT CARD Firms want to keep your details on file just in case you damage the vehicle or don't bring it back, in which case they can charge your card. But it means you could have to pay admin fees of up to £150 if you don't have one when you pick up the car. Advertisement FILL UP BEFORE THE AIRPORT Airport petrol stations charge far more than regular ones, so top up before you arrive. You can use an app like Google Maps (while you're on the hotel WiFi) to research your route ahead of time. Most fuel gauges will show the tank as full even if you have driven for a few miles. But make sure it is still showing as full when you return the car or you could be charged a hefty admin fee and high fuel costs to refill it. PAY IN ADVANCE Not only does it cost around £30-50 more to pay for your booked car hire at the airport, but your booking could get cancelled if you haven't paid in advance, warns Which? Travel. Advertisement Most reputable companies will allow you to cancel for free if your plans change. 'The best prices are almost always available at least six months in advance, so don't hold out in case prices drop – they probably won't,' says McNeil. Martin Lewis fan saves £900 booking car hire ahead A Martin Lewis fan previously revealed how he saved £900 on his holiday car hire by booking ahead. The jet setter said he cancelled his car hire then re-booked after finding a lower quote closer to departure time. He explained: "We booked for our three-week summer holiday, then discovered the price had dropped dramatically. "We had free cancellation, so we did that then rebooked, saving £742. "A couple of weeks later the price dropped further, so we did it again, saving a further £184, a total saving of £926." Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@ Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories
