Wait! Wait! I know we said go, but we didn’t mean right now! We haven’t finished....

We still have to remind you of all the things you need to do before you lock the door and head off into the sunset. Let’s call it the ‘Fridge check list’. There are a few things you need to remember after you’ve locked the door, too... Imagine coming home after a wonderful, relaxing holiday only to find a sink full of dirty plates, crumpled bed sheets or a terrible mess in the living room. Why not give your house a mini spring clean just before you leave? It’ll be worth it when you get home at 2am and everything is spick and span - honest! Remember the four-day rule! Avoid that last-minute dash and try to pack at least four days in advance. Make sure you stick to your ‘what to pack’ list. No sneaking in extras, now.

Once everything’s sparkling and your suitcase is packed, make sure you’ve locked all the doors and windows and everything is turned off. You remember the mantra, ‘preparation, preparation, preparation’? Never was planning more important than now.

Most airports are near major roads and motorways. GIVE YOURSELF ENOUGH TIME! It’s in capital letters because we really mean it! If you don’t, at best you’ll arrive at the gate all pink and flustered – at worst, you won’t be going anywhere.

Most check-in desks open around 3 hours before take off. By arriving early, you can check in your bags, then take your time looking around the Duty Free area or even grab a bite to eat. Once you arrive, go straight to the check-in desk. Use the TV screens near the entrance to find which is the one for your flight. Don’t leave it until the last minute! Neither rushing nor panicking at the gate is attractive, and it won’t get your holiday off to a relaxing start.

If you’re using airport parking, remember that the buses might run every 15 minutes and take another 10 or more minutes to reach the departure terminal. Don’t forget to make a note of where you’ve parked and keep any return tickets in a safe place. Now’s the time to ask for any special seat requirements – aisle, window or extra legroom (always worth a try). If you're brave you could try to wangle an upgrade. Most of the time you’ll get a polite 'no', but – hey! – asking costs nothing.

Assuming you’ve not been charged for excess baggage (you DID read our notes on that, didn’t you?), you’ll be given a boarding card. PUT IT IN A SAFE PLACE! You can’t get on the plane without it. At peak times, such as bank holidays, security procedures may be very slow and the queues long. Leave plenty of time! (You might have spotted a theme developing here).

When it’s your turn, remove all outer garments – hat, coat, scarf, jacket – as well as your watch, your belt and anything metallic you may have in your pockets. Be prepared to remove your shoes if necessary. If you have a laptop in your hand luggage, remove it from its case and place it separately in one of the plastic trays they will give you.

You may be asked to take any liquids out for separate inspection. Right, you’re nearly there! Check the TV screens in the departure lounge for flight information. If the message is, ‘Wait in Lounge’ or ‘Relax and Shop’ then you can do exactly that. If you see, ‘Proceed to Gate’ then you need to get a move on – some gates can be up to 40 minutes walk from the departure lounge! If you need assistance in getting to the gate, tell a member of the airport staff.

See our travel directory in Useful Info for UK airport contact details. Listen for announcements and check the TV screens, which will tell you when to board. Once you’re on the plane, find your seat and put your hand luggage in the overhead locker. Don’t forget to take out anything you’ll need during the flight: water, money, your book - and don’t forget your reading glasses! Make sure any electrical equipment, such as your mobile phone or laptop, is switched off.

It is very important to follow the rules and regulations on all airlines. If you are a frequent flyer you should pay attention to any announcements that are made. Always follow the rules and obey the requests from the crew. Respect your fellow passengers; always stay calm and never become angry or abusive.

Now all you have to do is fasten your seatbelt and relax, but make sure you listen to the emergency demonstration and take a note of your nearest exit.

See Useful Info on health issues when flying. Of course you’re raring to go, but stay in your seat until the captain switches off the seatbelt sign. When you leave the plane, make sure you take all your belongings with you.

After passport control, don’t forget to collect your luggage! It sounds obvious, but sometimes the excitement of being on holiday takes over. Check the TV screens to find where your bags will arrive. Don’t panic if it seems to be taking a while – most aircraft have more than 300 seats, and that’s a lot of suitcases. If you do have a problem with lost or damaged luggage, report it immediately to the airport staff.

Once you’ve got your luggage, go through the customs gate and into arrivals.

If you arrive as an independent traveller, head for the taxi rank or the nearest public transport link.

If you’ve booked a package holiday, there will usually be a bus or coach waiting to take you to your hotel. You’ll be given a bus or coach number by your tour company representative – check with the driver that you’re in the right place. Make sure your luggage is on board, too! Yes, yes, we know you’ve earned it, but before you slip on your flip flops and head for the pool, make sure your valuables are safe. Ask reception for a safety deposit box if you don’t have one in your room, and keep your passport, credit cards and money safe. If you’re on a package holiday, your rep can offer invaluable support if things go wrong, or if you just need some local info. Details of welcome events will be given to you at the airport or the hotel, so go along and introduce yourself.

Touch wood that you’ll never need it, but remember to use your insurance if you have any major problems or illnesses. Keep your wallet with you at all times. Remember, it is important to be vigilant when travelling abroad. For many countries, crime involving assault on tourists is rare, but the same cannot be said for pickpockets and petty theft.

Be aware of your surroundings. Look around when walking, and avoid looking lost because you will make yourself an easy target for street crime. Plan your route, and research the area you are visiting.

If possible, tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return. It’s tragic, but everybody has to come home sometime. Make sure you know exactly where you need to be and when... and... guess what comes next? That’s right, give yourself enough time! If you’re on a package holiday, check collection times with your rep well in advance.

Start to pack the day before you leave, and remember to leave out some clothes for the last day. If you’re going from somewhere toasty to somewhere chilly, keep back a jumper. You’ll be glad you did when everyone else’s teeth are chattering.

For morning flights, make sure you’re washed and dressed in time to have breakfast before you fly – that way you will be nice and fresh for the journey home. Try not to leave the hotel that morning – you don’t want to be left behind!

For afternoon and evening flights, you’ll have time to enjoy the last few hours of your holiday. If you pack the evening before, you can check out bright and early the next morning. The hotel will store your luggage in a secure room while you enjoy the rest of the day. About an hour before collection time, use the rooms provided by the hotel to shower and change. Now all you have to do is relax and wait to be collected. Remember how you planned everything carefully on the way? Do it again!

If you’re being collected – lucky you. If you used airport parking, now’s the time to dig out those tickets that you’d saved so carefully and make your way to the collection bus stop. Remember to shout out when you reach your area of the car park, or the bus may not stop!

So, dear traveller, all that’s left to do is say, ‘Bon voyage!’ And don’t forget to send us a postcard. We’d be glad to hear your top tips and recommendations. The Travolaa team are constantly updating this site, so do come and see us again before your next trip!