1. Book with a specialist

Your trip is likely to be better planned, thus more relaxing, if you go with a specialist tour operator that knows your destination intimately. A good starting point is the Association of Independent Tour Operators (020-8744 9280, www.aito.co.uk ), whose 150 members offer in-depth knowledge.

2. Pick a smart agent

Not sure where you want to go? A specialist travel agent can make suggestions and draw on a wide range of operators’ programmes. Consult the Aito Specialist Travel Agents group (020-8744 9271, www.aitoagents.co.uk ) to find one near you. Alternatively, Travel Counsellors (0800 0931388, www.travelcounsellors.co.uk) will tailor-make a trip, and its agents often work outside normal office hours.

3. Choose your airport with care

Flying out of Southampton airport on a Tuesday afternoon is far less hassle than flying from Gatwick on a Friday morning. If you can be flexible, pick smaller, regional airports and avoid weekends.

4. Lose the bags

Two new luggage delivery companies, First Luggage (0845 2700670, www.firstluggage.com ) and Carry my Luggage (0845 0090362, www.carrymyluggage.com), will FedEx your bags to your hotel or villa, so you travel light. Prices start at £69 for a suitcase one way to France.

5. Prebook airport parking

Paying in advance is cheaper, and ensures there’s space. Consider paying an extra £20 or so for valet parking; you toss the keys to the attendant at departures while you go straight to check-in. Some will even arrange to have your car serviced while you are away. Try Airport Parking and Hotels (0870 7330515, www.aph.com), BCP (0870 0134580, www.bcponline. co.uk) or Chauffeured Parking Services (0870 4111118, www.parkwithcps.com ).

6. Book an airport hotel

For an early morning flight, staying in an airport hotel the night before can be less stressful than a dawn taxi ride — and not necessarily more expensive. Many airport hotels allow you to leave your car there free. To book, try APH or BCP (details above) or your tour operator.

7. Check in ahead of the pack

We all now know that many airlines offer online check-in, allowing you to confirm your place, and in some cases pick your seat, before you head to the airport. But did you know that some airlines also offer “twilight” check-in, so you can check in at the airport the night before an early flight? Gatwick airport (www.gatwickairport.com/daybefore) has pioneered this, but it’s catching on elsewhere, so check before you travel.

8. Head for the lounge

It’s not only business or first-class passengers that have access to comfortable, uncrowded lounges with free snacks and drinks. By paying a fee (from £12 depending on airport) anyone can book into a lounge, which can be a lifesaver if there’s a delay. Not all accept children. Try APH or BCP (details above), Holiday Extras (0870 8444186, www.holidayextras.co.uk) or Lounge Pass (020-8253 5146, www.loungepass.com).

9. Concierge services

Foreign airports can be chaotic. Ask your tour operator if there are staff who will help to whisk you through the airport — it may have a local agreement that its customers can use the same immigration desk as the cabin crew, for example. The more upmarket operators are most likely to help: try ITC Classics (01244 355527, www. itcclassics.co.uk), Abercrombie & Kent (0845 0700610, www.abercrombiekent.co.uk), Carrier (0161-491 7630, www.carrier.co.uk) and Elegant Resorts (01244 897000, www.elegantresorts.co.uk).

10. Dump the laundry

The last thing you want to face after a break is a suitcase full of smelly clothes. Ask Blossom & Browne’s Sycamore (020-8552 1231, www.blossomandbrowne.com) to collect the bag (London only) and wash or dry-clean the contents for you. Sample prices: T-shirt £3.60, shorts £3.20, swimsuit £4.95, dresses £12.

There is more advice on all types of holidays in Cath Urquhart’s new book, The Times Holiday Handbook (Navigator Guides, £12.95). To order a copy for £11.50 with free postage, contact The Times BooksFirst (0870 1608080, www.booksfirst.co.uk ).

Times recommends

• Oasis of the Seas: the Times review
• The 20 best new year party places to stay
• Green Spaces 2009: are you the winning writer?