Latest news with #travelExpert
Daily Mail
17 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Travel expert reveals the surprising reason why we overpack underwear
When packing for a trip, it can be difficult to know how many socks, shorts, dresses and accessories to bring. Some people overpack, opting to be prepared for the worst and feeling more secure having various outfit options. But the most common item holidaymakers always admit to packing too much of is underwear. There was even recently a post on X, formerly Twitter, that went viral, joking about this common occurrence. It read: 'Looking at the amount of clean underwear I still have left in my suitcase and feeling proud that I didn't p**s myself every day on vacation like I guess I had planned to when I packed.' The post received over 157,000 likes, proving just how relatable this sentiment is. And now a travel expert has revealed the surprising reason why so many people pack too many pairs of knickers. Amanda Parker, from flight booking company Netflights, says: 'The majority of travellers overpack underwear as it gives them a sense of comfort and reassurance. There was even recently a post on X, formerly Twitter , that went viral, joking about this common occurence 'For many travellers, packing extra underwear provides a sense of control, especially if they feel uncertain before travelling.' 'Hygiene is also a big factor in overpacking underwear,' Amanda adds. 'Holidays are a time to relax, so jetsetters want to avoid doing their laundry when away from home; so, knowing you have enough pairs of underwear and being clean throughout the holiday encourages overpacking.' According to Amanda, some travellers are just so cautious of having to purchase additional clothes when on holiday. 'It's easy to buy toothpaste or shower gel from the shop on holiday, but, understandably, jetsetters would rather not go underwear shopping when abroad; so, you have the overpacking,' she explains. 'It can give you a sense of security; but, the issue many face is that they don't know where to draw the line.' Amanda continues: 'Luggage psychology also comes into play, it's common for travellers to overpack smaller items as they don't take up much room in your case. 'So, we throw in a couple more pairs of underwear, and the rest!' A travel expert has revealed the surprising reason why so many people pack too many pairs of knickers. Amanda Parker, from flight booking company Netflights, says: 'The majority of travellers overpack underwear as it gives them a sense of comfort and reassurance' The expert went on to reveal exactly how many underwear is the ideal amount to pack. 'The ultimate hack you need to know when it comes to packing is that you need to pack three pairs of underwear more than the number of days of your holiday. That's the sweet spot! 'So if you're going away for five days, pack eight pairs.
Daily Mail
03-08-2025
- Daily Mail
Travel expert's top tips to avoid crying babies on your next flight - including knowing which seats are 'baby magnets'
A travel expert has revealed how travellers can avoid sitting next to crying babies during flights. Dawn Morwood, co-director of Cheap Deals Away, a company dedicated to helping people avoid overpaying for holidays, said people have 'more control over their seating situation than they think'. She noted that the nightmare scenario - settling in for a peaceful flight, before being disrupted for hours by a crying infant - is all too familiar to many people. According to Dawn, the unrelenting noise can make rest impossible, and turn a journey into an 'endurance test'. She said: 'Passengers usually don't realise they have more control over their seating situation than they think. 'With the right strategies, you can dramatically improve your chances of securing a quieter spot on the plane.' She then shared some practical tips on strategic seat selection can transform the flying experience. 1. Steer Clear Of Bulkhead Seats Those front-row seats might seem appealing with their extra legroom, but they're actually baby magnets, according to Dawn. This is because airlines install bassinets directly on the bulkhead wall, which makes these prime real estate for families with infants. 'Bulkhead seats are where airlines place bassinets, so families with babies get priority booking for these rows,' Dawn explained. 'If you want peace and quiet, avoid the front section entirely.' 2. Master The Seat Map Most airlines now show detailed seat maps during booking, and savvy travellers can spot potential trouble zones before confirming their selection. 'Look for baby icons or bassinet symbols on the seat map – they're your early warning system,' said Dawn. 'Some airlines even flag which rows have bassinets installed, so you can steer clear from the start.' Why babies can ruin your flight experience Before diving into the solutions, it's worth understanding exactly why sitting near families with infants can have such an impact on your journey. The disruption isn't limited to just occasional crying. 'When babies cry, they create a ripple effect of activity around them,' explains Dawn. 'Parents are constantly moving up and down the aisle, getting supplies from overhead bins, and using reading lights at all hours to tend to their little ones.' The noise factor is obvious, but there's also the frequent movement as parents walk crying babies up and down the aisle to soothe them. Add in the bright overhead lights being switched on and off throughout the flight, plus the general commotion of nappy changes and feeding times, and you've got a recipe for disrupted rest. 3. Head To The Back While passengers often scramble for seats near the front for quicker boarding and disembarking, this strategy can backfire if you're seeking tranquillity. Dawn explained: 'Families usually book early and choose seats near the front for convenience, with easier access to toilets and getting off the plane earlier with all their gear. 'The rear sections and far sides of wide-body aircraft are usually much quieter.' 4. Fly At Odd Hours Timing your departure can be just as important as seat selection. Late-night flights and red-eye departures see significantly fewer families with young children. 'Parents generally avoid flying with babies during antisocial hours unless absolutely necessary,' Dawn noted. 'An 11pm departure or 6am red-eye dramatically reduces your chances of sharing the cabin with crying infants.' 5. Research Adult-Focused Options Some airlines and aircraft sections cater specifically to adult passengers, though these options are becoming rarer. 'Certain premium economy sections or specific aircraft configurations limit families with infants,' said Dawn. 'It's worth checking airline policies before booking, as some carriers restrict where families with bassinets can sit.' Dawn concluded: 'At the end of the day, smart seat selection is your only real defence if you're someone who needs peace and quiet during flights. 'You can't control other passengers, but you can absolutely control where you sit. I've seen too many travellers book the cheapest available seat without thinking about the bigger picture, then spend eight hours miserable because they're stuck next to a screaming baby.' She continued: 'The key is being strategic from the moment you start booking. Take those extra few minutes to study the seat map, consider your departure time, and think about aircraft layout. 'Yes, you might pay a bit more for a seat towards the back or avoid those tempting bulkhead spots, but the difference in your travel experience is worth every penny. 'A good night's sleep or peaceful journey often makes the entire holiday better from day one.'
CTV News
23-06-2025
- CTV News
Sponsored: Jenn Weatherhead – Dreaming of Australia?
Winnipeg Watch Travel expert Jenn Weatherhead shares why Australia should be your next vacation—adventure, beaches, and fewer crowds.
