Blair Fraser

Summer is the perfect time for rest and relaxation. But getting to your vacation spot can leave you feeling anything but relaxed, here are some tips for enjoying your vacation to the fullest. While many of us have flown before, here are a few tips and reminders about flying:

Make sure that you arrive to the airport at least one to two hours before your flight. If you are flying internationally, remember, the earlier the better. Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to check your bags, go through security and to find your gate.

The lighter the carry-on bag, the better it is. Electronics like laptops, cameras, portable DVD systems and game consuls will have to be taken out of your bag to go through the x-ray machine separately. Make sure you know where these items are and that they are easily accessible to take out and put back into their proper spot.  Belts, shoes, and some jewellery will have to be taken off before walking through security, leave the chunky necklace and fashionable, yet difficult to put on boots at home. It just makes the people behind you frustrated that you are taking up their time in security.

You may be excited about your wonderful vacation, but remember not everybody at the airport is flying to a sunny beach in Florida- most are flying for business or other reasons. Keep your enthusiastic Hawaiian shirts at home. This is especially important if you are flying with friends, keep the giddy gossip to a minimum and remember the people around you. 

Items for sale at the airport are expensive. So instead of buying that People magazine at the gate store, go to the supermarket the day before your trip to pick up all the magazines you desire-without breaking the bank. Since liquids exceeding one once are not allowed passed security, budget for a bottle of water or a coffee once you find your gate and get settled. Not too settled- remember to never leave your bags unattended.  Or just wait, most flights have a complementary drink service once you have reached your flying altitude.

Once your flight lands collect your baggage at the assigned claim belt; but also keep in mind that this is one of the longest processes while traveling by plane. The luggage has to get to the belt before you can get it, again hold onto your excitement, the tenants are just doing their jobs, it might take a while.  After you have received your luggage head on your way and enjoy your vacation to the fullest, you deserve it!

© Image iStockphoto/Dan Barnes