Start Here: Expert Travel Tips from A Professional Traveller
After 37 years as a professional tour director guiding 10,500+ travelers through 40+ countries, I’ve learned what separates ordinary trips from extraordinary ones. Here’s where to start.
I created The Professional Traveller to share that expert travel tips and insider knowledge that only comes from nearly 4 decades in the industry.
Whether you are planning your first adventure, looking to maximise airport comfort or you want to know the travel tools and essentials that actually work – you are in the right place.
The destinations I write about are places I have visited either with groups or as a solo traveller or both. My guides include the expert travel tips that mean you can confidently plan your trip, with information on safety, costs, experiences and great places to stay.
My realistic recommendations are based on that sweet spot of comfort and value so you can make the most of your travel budget.
Quick Tips:
- 🛌 Accommodation: Booking.com for Great Upgrades & Benefits for Genius Members
- ✈ Airport Lounge Access: Priority Pass Membership is My Favourite Travel Upgrade
Expert Travel Tips for Featured Destinations
- Budapest Travel Guide – My insider guide to Hungary’s gem including how to get there, how to get around, experiences, where to stay and more
- Is Vienna Worth Visiting? – This overview gives you all the details to plan your trip
- Is Baku Worth Visiting? – Here’s My Experience of the Quirky City
- Scottish Highlands – My expert tips for my home patch, including road trip recommendations, how to get here, experiences and so much more
- Browse All Destinations
Professional Travel Advice
Airport Lounge Access: My Favourite Upgrade
I once thought about adding up all the time I have spent at airports during my 37 years travelling and then decided I probably didn’t want to know the actual figure!
Needless to say I’ve spent countless hours in airports. I am generally working when I travel and I am also a nervous flyer so using an airport lounge helps me to make better use of my airport time. It also helps me be better prepared for a flight – it’s harder to be nervous when distracted by cake!
I’ve done lots of comparing of airport lounge access programs and costs to find the best value.
Priority Pass is the lounge membership I use. It gives me access to the most airport lounges worldwide, is great value for money compared to eating in the airport or buying lounge access online. It’s an investment that has improved my travel quality more than any other.
👇 Don’t Miss This Fab Deal 👇
👍Join +4 million travellers who already use Priority Pass 👍
My Airport Lounge Content:
- Edinburgh Airport Lounges – My complete guide to Edinburgh Airport paid access lounges with my honest reviews and assessments of them all
- Gatwick Airport Lounges – Compare them all here
- Dragon Pass Vs Priority Pass – Find which is better for you
- Airport Lounge Membership Scheme Comparison – find the best membership scheme for you
- View All My Airport Lounge Content
I’m currently reviewing every UK airport with more than 1 paid access lounge to give you expert, experience-based recommendations. All reviews include costs, amenities, and whether they’re genuinely worth the price so watch out for more reviews coming soon.
Travel Planning Guide
Essential Travel Tools & Resources
In my 37 years of travelling travel has changed immensely. When I first started travelling there was no internet and hardly anyone had a mobile phone – it seems unimaginable now!
As a bit of a tech geek I love tools that help me to plan my trips and find great deals. There’s nothing better than getting a 4 or 5 star hotel for a 3 star price! All the tools I recommend are the ones I use myself, whether I am planning a trip for myself, for a group or for my independent travel agent clients.
My Recommended Tools:
- Compare Your Travel Insurance – Search over 200 insurers to find the best deal for you
- Booking.com – I like Booking.com because Genius benefits mean free upgrades & discount
- Check Out All My Trusted Travel Tools
Expert Travel Planning
Pack Like a Pro: My Travel Essentials
After 37 years of travelling I have tried more cases and travel gear than I care to remember. Over the years I have refined my travel essentials to a tried and tested core number of things I take on every trip with me.
These travel essentials have proven their worth time and time again and ensure that I always have what I need, no matter where I am going.
Travel Essential Categories:
- My Favourite Underseat Case – 45x36x20 so it fits perfectly under the seat
- Extra Long Power Cable – Keep your phone handy no matter where the power socket is
- Hanging WashBag – saves unpacking your toiletries
- Sleep Mask – helping you sleep no matter how flimsy the curtains
- Silicone Earplugs – recommended to me by a firing range enthusiast – they are great!
Find All My Tried and Tested Travel Essentials
How to Plan a Trip Like a Pro
Get My Expert Travel Tips Delivered
Join hundreds of travellers who get my expert travel tips, destination guides and money saving advice delivered directly.
As a Professional Tour Director I share insights you won’t find elsewhere – from seasonal timing to help you avoid crowds to travel tools that genuinely help you save money.
FAQs
How Do I Start Planning a Trip?
Planning a trip really depends on where you want to do and what sort of budget you have. If you have a budget but no fixed plan of where to go try Kayak Explore as it will show you how far you can travel on the budget you have.
What Is The Best Airport Lounge Membership?
The best airport lounge membership depends on where you will be travelling and whether your sole focus is price or benefits. DragonPass and Priority Pass are the two largest airport membership schemes – they both offer something different to travellers.
What Travel Insurance Do You Recommend?
I recommend a travel insurance policy that provides a great level of cover including cancellation cover. You can compare 200 travel insurance providers in one to find the best deal for you.
Have Questions?
Learn more about my background or get in touch directly
Summary
The Professional Traveller’s Start Here page offers expert travel tips from Melanie Newdick, a professional tour director with 37+ years of experience guiding over 10,500 travelers through 40+ countries for companies including Titan Travel, Saga Holidays, and Travelsphere.
The page serves as a comprehensive resource hub featuring destination guides for locations like Budapest and the Scottish Highlands, detailed airport lounge reviews with Priority Pass recommendations, essential travel tools including travel insurance comparisons and booking platforms, and curated travel gear recommendations including compression packing cubes and power cables.
Visitors can access expert insights on travel planning, money-saving strategies, and professional-grade advice based on nearly four decades of industry experience.
Selected posts title
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Cabin Baggage Easyjet – All You Need to Know
Last updated on August 3rd, 2025 at 10:23 amDo you want to know what cabin baggage Easyjet allows? I’m an Easyjet geek because I travel with them a lot. Here’s my guide which includes what you can take as cabin baggage, what the sizes are, what you can take into the cabin and what you… Read More »Cabin Baggage Easyjet – All You Need to Know
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Bloc Hotel Gatwick Review – It’s In the Airport Terminal!
Last updated on June 20th, 2024 at 02:47 pmGatwick Airport Bloc Hotel Gatwick – What I Loved Amazing to be able to lay in bed and see the runway. We also loved being able to step out of the hotel and be in the airport. Bloc Hotel Gatwick Professional Traveller Review ???? This hotel is… Read More »Bloc Hotel Gatwick Review – It’s In the Airport Terminal!
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Where to Stay in Valencia? Check Out My Top Picks
Last updated on October 28th, 2025 at 08:13 pm Planning on visiting Valencia? Looking for somewhere great to stay? Here are my top picks plus a review of the cute apartment in the old town that I stayed in during my trip to this lovely Spanish city. Where to Stay in Valencia If you are… Read More »Where to Stay in Valencia? Check Out My Top Picks
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Brodie Castle Review: All You Need to Plan Your Visit
Last updated on June 29th, 2024 at 05:35 pmThinking of visiting Brodie Castle? With lovely grounds to walk in, a quirky castle, a cute cafe, and a fabulous play area what’s not to like? Check out this guide for all you need to know Brodie Castle Address and Telephone Number Brodie Castle address is; Brodie,… Read More »Brodie Castle Review: All You Need to Plan Your Visit
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Are The Azores Worth Visiting? Here’s 9 Reasons Why They Are
Last updated on March 20th, 2025 at 05:46 pmI’ve been lucky to have visited the Azores 5 or 6 times taking touring holidays there. The Azores are an amazing destination to visit. Before I jump into the list let me just explain where and what they are! Are the Azores Worth Visiting? The Azores is… Read More »Are The Azores Worth Visiting? Here’s 9 Reasons Why They Are
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Here Are The Gatwick Airport Facilities For Passengers
Last updated on April 26th, 2025 at 06:53 pmFlying through Gatwick Airport? Overnighting? Got a long layover? Check out my handy guide to Gatwick Airport facilities so you know what’s available for your visit. Gatwick Airport Facilities Gatwick Airport Services Gatwick Airport Facilities – Onsite Hotels Nothing makes catching a flight that requires an overnight… Read More »Here Are The Gatwick Airport Facilities For Passengers
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How To Get Priority Pass – Here’s All You Need to Know
Last updated on January 29th, 2026 at 07:08 pmAirport terminals are busy, noisy, and expensive places to spend time — especially if your flight is delayed or you’re facing a long wait at the gate. If you want a quiet place to sit, eat, work, or relax before you fly (without needing business class or… Read More »How To Get Priority Pass – Here’s All You Need to Know
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Ibis Birmingham New Street Review & Helpful Things to Know
Last updated on March 2nd, 2025 at 07:30 amLooking to stay at the Ibis Birmingham New Street? This hotel is close to the station, directly across from the Chinese Quarter, the markets and the city centre attractions. Check out this review including a video room tour. Ibis Birmingham New Street – A Great City Centre… Read More »Ibis Birmingham New Street Review & Helpful Things to Know
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Lounge Pass vs Priority Pass: Which Is Better?
A cost comparison between accessing airport lounges through Lounge Pass or Priority Pass. See which is best for you.
Affiliate Disclosure: Some links on this page may earn me a small commission if you make a purchase. This helps keep my website going at no extra cost to you. Rest assured, I only recommend things I genuinely love! For more details, check out my cookie policy., editorial policy and privacy policy
My Recommended Essential Travel Gear List
Find all the items I use on every trip all in one place
My Social Media Links
More Resources
- Travel Inspiration – trip reports, reviews, and more to inspire your next trip
- Time Saving Travel Tools – all the things I use to research and plan my trips
- Airport Lounges – Everything you need to know including lots about Priority Pass
- Invergordon Cruise Port – all you need to know to help your plan your visit
- Independent Travel Agent – a huge timesaver. I specialise in touring holidays & river cruises
- About Melanie – background and travel experience
- About the Professional Traveller – what this website is all about
- Work with Me – details of the services I provide