Travel

ARRIVE AT THE AIRPORT STRESS-FREE THIS SUMMER

Thanks to Airport Parking & Hotels (APH), here are some tips and tricks you can do to arrive at the airport stress-free this summer, so the holiday can really start when you leave home!

1. Getting there: Take time to plan ahead and consider all your options. Travelling by train or coach can work extremely well for those who live very close to a station, but do research on planned engineering work if you opt for this. Private cars and taxis are other favoured transfer options, but the cost can be high for longer distances, so it might be worth comparing a taxi firm’s quoted price against the cost for off-airport parking for trips lasting just a few days. Taxis also add to general traffic congestion, again with twice as many journeys.

2. Save on parking: If you do decide to drive yourself and park it’s best to shop around before and prebook to find the best deal. Although considered the most straightforward option, parking on-site at a car park operated by the airport itself can be more costly.

To save on premium fees, compare airport parking prices online and consider pre-booking parking at a Park Mark-approved off-airport Park and Ride site. Bus transfers to the airport are usually frequent and speedy so this is an ideal way to save money that can be spent at a destination instead.

3. Plan for an early flight: Those with early flights can save money and eliminate morning stress by combining an overnight hotel stay at or near the airport with an airport parking package. Booking overnight accommodation and parking at the same time can be surprisingly good value, so it’s worth considering an overnight stay to avoid early morning traffic and secure a few extra hours of sleep before a long day of travel or to simply extend your holiday by one night.

4. Final checks: Check the car has enough petrol, oil and the tyres are fine; check your travel documents and passports, Covid regulations/passes, make a note of your hotel address and passport details and keep them separate – and check you’ve packed everything. The most forgotten holiday items include phone chargers and adapters, cash, toothbrushes, sunglasses, plasters and prescription medicine.

LONDON’S FIRST NET ZERO AIRPORT?

London City Airport has outlined its plan to become the first net zero airport in London by the end of the decade. A sustainability roadmap has been published, setting out the steps it will be taking between now and 2030 to achieve its goal. These include measures to phase out gas for heating its buildings, ensuring all airport vehicles become electric, and plans to become a zero waste and zero single use plastics business.

AHOY THERE!

Next time you’re looking for a funfilled (and familyfriendly) activity to do in London, why not give Go-Boat a try?

The self-drive boat company offers the ideal activity with a difference to do with friends or family. There are three London locations to choose from – Paddington, Kingston or Canary Wharf, and you can even take a picnic along to enjoy while you soak up the sights and sounds of London! Guests will enjoy a leisurely cruise, with the boats travelling at speeds of 4mph, and take in some of London’s most impressive views including Hampton Court Palace (Kingston), the Isle of Dogs (Canary Wharf) Little Venice and Camden Lock (Paddington).

Groups of up to eight can board each boat and the experience is both dog and child friendly with life jackets and buoyancy aids provided. No prior boating knowledge is necessary, with staff giving a full tutorial before setting sail, meaning it’s something for the whole family to enjoy. The eco-friendly boats, powered by electricity, are available to hire between 9am and 7.15pm for one-, two- and three hours, with prices leading in at £95.