Ask a Club member: what made you a smarter traveller in 2025?

Words: Tamara Hinson

1. I stopped rushing. As a frequent traveller, I used to view flights as lost time, but now I see them as a chance to slow down and reflect. Planning ahead, travelling lighter and being intentional about rest have made me a more balanced and effective traveller.
Alberto Zandi, co-founder of Emerald Hospitality Group and host of the Thriving Minds podcast

2. I started checking in my baggage. It’s the ultimate travel hack no one talks about. It eliminates the fight for overhead space, the stress over liquids and the need to lug a heavy bag through a crowded terminal. I just stroll onto the plane with my phone and a book, which instantly feels as if I’ve upgraded my entire travel experience.
Dr Alex Quinn, CEO and founder of The Alex Clinic

3. I no longer work on the plane. I used to furiously work on my laptop to make myself feel more productive but, with the increase in workload growing my business, flying is the only truly detached time I seem to have these days, so I use the time to meditate and relax. It’s surprising how much more productive this small act has made me in the days after landing!
Dr David Jack, aesthetician

4. When travelling long haul for business, I always book overnight flights. This helps minimise the time when I’m unreachable, but it also means I can be well rested and able to hit the ground running when I land.
Maria Levitov, co-founder and managing director of Snow Hill Advisors

5. I stopped treating travel like a sprint. I used to pack in every minute, racing through airports and straight into meetings. Now I take a bit more time at each end. You get where you’re going in the same amount of time, but the whole experience feels a lot less stressful.
Jason Stevens, CEO of Wayfairer Travel

6. I started travelling with a tiny portable humidifier. It’s a game-changer for improving the quality of my sleep in dry hotel rooms.
Dennis P

7. I stopped booking hotels and started looking at alternative accommodation, such as short-term rentals or hostels. Not only can this save money, but it can also offer a more authentic experience. Additionally, I started using public transport and walking whenever possible, which is often faster, cheaper and far more immersive than relying on taxis or rideshares.
Cam Whitnall, conservationist

8. I stopped using a wheeled suitcase and switched to a backpack. In Europe, particularly, it’s so much easier to navigate cobbled streets, train stations and boutique hotels.
Jennifer B

9. I bought a suit carrier holdall, which allows me to carry everything I need for a four-day trip and keeps all my clothes, including a suit, safe and wrinkle-free.
Kevin Gaskell, adventurer and author

10. I now always change my watch as soon as I get on the flight so I can adjust to the new time zone, even if it’s just a couple of hours’ difference. It helps to avoid jet lag, too.
Delilah Pollard, founder of Holy Wow PR

11. I stopped getting angry when people push ahead or jump queues. It used to ruin every trip. I console myself with the thought that if they feel the need to do that, they must be very stressed!
Alice Morrison, TV presenter and explorer

Got a great travel tip? We want to hear it! For a future issue, we’re asking: what’s the one app that’s made all your travels easier? Email theclub@cedarcom.co.uk to share your wisdom (the more unexpected the better).

Please note that while we aim to showcase as many submissions as possible, we may not be able to feature every tip we receive.