TRAVEL AND LUGGAGE - 10 travel tips 

Everyone has probably experienced a stressful journey at the start of a holiday. However, with a ski and snowboard holiday you don't often get the chance to laze around on the beach recovering from airport delays, security checks and lost luggage! So here are a few tips to ensure you hit the slopes in the right frame of mind.

1. If you choose to travel overnight in order to gain an 8th day in your resort, remember most holiday rentals are let on a 7 night basis. Therefore, you may not have access to your accommodation on the last day of the holiday so you will need to make arrangements for luggage storage.
2. If you are travelling independently, don’t expect to be dropped off in your resort. Transfers to the main resorts from train stations are relatively short but if you are travelling to smaller resorts and have arrived at a regional airport, transfers can be expensive and lengthy. Arrange your transfers in advance to avoid arriving in your resort late, tired and out of pocket. If you take the train, remember that not all services are direct so check the timetable carefully.
3. When booking package holidays check with your tour operator to find out if transfers to your resort are included. Most tour operators will transfer you to your resort by coach or minibus but it is always best to check.
4. Consider the length of your journey. You may not have any problems sleeping on long-haul flights or busy trains but if you are travelling with children you will need to keep them occupied for the entire journey. If you are travelling to North or South America, or to Japan you should consider whether 7 nights will be long enough for you to get over your journey and enjoy your skiing and boarding.
5. Your journey is more likely to run more smoothly if you aren’t carrying a huge amount of luggage. Be selective with your packing and consider hiring your equipment in your resort.
   
6. If you are taking your own or hired skis or snowboard from the UK remember that most tour operators and airlines will charge you for 'ski carriage’. Many carriers have recently changed their baggage allowances so check this with your travel provider before you arrive at the airport. 'Ski carriage' is often treated differently to your normal baggage allowances so check your terms and conditions carefully.
7. Protect any equipment you are carrying with suitable ski and board bags. Most airlines will not carry ski or snowboards if they are not in suitable bags. Even if the ski or board bag is padded it's also worth wrapping your skis and board in towels or clothing to avoid damage - and this can also help with your baggage allowance.
8. Make sure your bags and cases are waterproof or water resistant.Your luggage may be exposed to the elements at the airport or during transfers - remember it snows in the mountains!
9. Wear or carry jackets, gloves and hats etc in your hand luggage.You may well leave the UK on a warm sunny day and arrive in the mountains 2 hours later to be greeted by a snowstorm and freezing temperatures.
10. If you are travelling by car remember to take good quality snow chains and a robust snow shovel. Practice fixing your snow chains before your holiday and make sure you know how and when to use them. Make sure your snow shovel is robust enough to move heavy snow and when you park up and leave your car for any amount of time take a look at your surroundings so you can identify where you parked in case your car gets burried in a drift.