arriving at airports

Just as departing the airport was a fun filled waiting game, so is arriving.  You'll be waiting on the plane to get off, waiting at the duty free checkout, waiting at immigration, waiting at the baggage claim and waiting at customs.  The more waiting you do on the plane, the less you have to wait whilst your bags drop out.  Again, I don't understand why people must be first off the plane and why people don't let you exit your row.  As if getting out two people earlier will make any difference?!

Do your research - tourist information when arriving at airports

As you are making your way through all the queues, it's a good opportunity to keep your eyes open for travel advice and information.  This will usually be at the baggage claim just before you go through customs and are finally free to go where you want.

Chances are, you'll probably have already done your research but the promotional tourist material always helps.  Quite often, there will be discount vouchers for sights or attractions that you may be interested in (which is great for a budget traveller or backpacker).  There will also be maps. It is very unlikely that the maps in the promotional booklets will be detailed enough when you actually need to find something, but it gives you a rough idea of where the attractions are and where might be a good area to stay.  If you can, find a booklet that is a dedicated map.  This should provide just enough detail to enable you to travel around.

You will need to wait anyway so you might as well do something useful when arriving at airports and find out something else about your destination.

Read about:

• departing the airport
• airport - transit
• airport security

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