Summer holiday getaway: How to beat the queues

summer-holiday-getaway:-how-to-beat-the-queues
Summer holiday getaway: How to beat the queues

As the summer holidays begin, millions of people in the UK are embarking on their annual summer getaway. The RAC is warning of a “weekend of woe” on the roads, with 13.8 million trips estimated to be made between Friday and Sunday, making it the second busiest summer getaway weekend since 2015. To avoid queues and delays, travel experts advise avoiding travel between 12:00 and 17:00 on Saturday, or between 11:00 and 13:00 on Sunday. The best times to travel are after 18:00 on Saturday or after 15:00 on Sunday.

Planning ahead is crucial when travelling, so it’s important to prepare your route in advance, and stay up-to-date with the latest travel information and traffic updates. If you suspect your car needs some routine maintenance, it’s recommended that you get it seen to before heading off on holiday to avoid potential breakdowns while away.

For air travel, it’s advisable to travel with hand luggage only and to check-in online before arriving at the airport. It’s also important to check the permitted dimensions of your airline, as they are specific to each carrier. It’s recommended that you arrive at the airport as per the times recommended for your flight. In addition, be sure to keep all travel documents handy and stay conveyor belt ready by removing laptops from your bag, taking off belts and shoes and ensuring liquids up to 100ml are in clear plastic resealable bags.

In terms of rail travel, there is currently no planned industrial action on UK railways this summer unlike in previous years. However, it is recommended that you travel during off peak times, avoid travelling at peak times, and check your travel route in advance to avoid any potential delays.

Across the channel, Eurostar has been disrupted by “co-ordinated attacks” of vandalism in France, meaning one in four trains will be cancelled between London and Paris until Monday 26 June. Those able to travel are advised to ensure they have completed their Advance Passenger Information before setting off, arrive at the station at the recommended time and go through all required ticket and passport checks before the gates close.

Finally, in relation to ferry travel, Dover is Europe’s busiest ferry port, with summer marking its busiest time. The port advises travellers to travel via main routes, leaving plenty of time for travel, to arrive no earlier than two hours before the booking time, not to travel without a booking, to bring sufficient food, snacks and entertainment and have passports ready for quick transit

Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More