A TRAVEL whizz has warned holidaymakers to steer clear of airport charging stations and it’s not just to avoid a dodgy socket.
Pollyann Giffin, 40, says “juice jacking”, a sneaky form of hacking, could ruin more than just your holiday.
The scam sees hackers use public USB ports to access your phone, swipe your data or infect it with malware and you’d never know until it’s too late.
Pollyann, who’s racked up over two decades of travel experience, shared her top travel tips with her 14,000 Instagram followers and the clip has already notched up more than 37,000 views.
She said: “I used to be a very anxious traveller and love to be prepared.
“I research a lot and I’ve also learned a lot through personal experiences- good and bad.
“As a teacher I love to help people learn and be prepared for their own travels.
“If they can learn from my mistakes and not have to make them themselves, great!”
Here are Pollyann’s top tips.
DO NOT USE PUBLIC CHARGING PORTS
She said: “It’s called juice jacking – a sneaky way hackers can access your data through public USB charging stations.
“Once connected, they can install malware or steal personal info without you even knowing.”
BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU EAT AND DRINK
Pollyann said: “Avoid carbonated drinks mid-flight – lower cabin pressure makes gas expand, leading to bloating and discomfort.
“Also avoid gassy veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts before your flight.
“These fibre-rich foods ferment in your gut and produce gas, which expands even more at high altitudes thanks to cabin pressure.
“The result? Bloating, discomfort, and a not-so-fun flight.
“Opt for easy-to-digest snacks like bananas, white rice, or yogurt before boarding to keep your tummy happy and your flight comfortable.”
APPROPRIATE FOOTWEAR
The expert said: “Don’t wear sandals on the plane.
“And closed shoes protect your feet from germs, dropped items, and spills – plus, they’re safer in emergencies.”
BE COURTEOUS OF OTHER PEOPLE
Pollyann warned: “Be aware of your surroundings.
“Whether it be in the airport or in a new city, be aware of your volume, body and others who are trying to navigate in the same space.”
DO NOT OVERPACK
She said: “Don’t overpack your carry-on.
“If you can’t lift it into the overhead bin yourself, it’s too heavy – a bag that’s too heavy puts you and others at risk and flight attendants are not required to help.”
Holiday packing tips
Jemma Solomon, aka The Label Lady has got 5 packing tips to help you get organised for your next holiday.
1. Write a list
Think about all the essentials you need to take with you; suncream, medicine, a few games for the kids, beach towels, and write everything in one list, which you can tick off as you add it to your suitcase.
Or for complete ease, try Google’s AI app – Gemini – which will create a list for you and help you not over pack.
2. Involve your kids
Jemma said: “My girls are getting older, they’re 11 and nine, and they enjoy helping to pack. So I send them a list, and say ‘this is what you need’ and they follow the list.
“And then I give them a rucksack each – and say to them ‘you can have whatever you want in there as long as it’s not liquid’, and they can take that on the plane. And that’s their ‘home away from home’ items.”
3. Try a hack or two
She said: “I think they all work, but for different reasons – and you’ve just got to pick the right one for your trip.
“Rolling your clothes is really good to stop your clothes from getting creases. And if you’re trying to get a lot of items into your case, it’s a space saver.
“Packing cubes are great – for example, I’m going on holiday with my three kids and we’re all using the same suitcase for our clothes.
“These handy compartments let you separate your clothes, toiletries and tech into designated cubes, maximising luggage space by keeping your items compressed and neatly stacked.
“I love taking them abroad with the family and it means my kids can easily take charge of their own items once we’ve arrived.”
4. Decant beauty products
Do you really need to take full-size bottles of shampoo and conditioner with you? The beauty industry has evolved so much, you can now buy shampoo bars or sheets – which are much lighter and smaller.
Or, if you’ll be popping to the shops when you’re abroad, consider buying some items when you arrive.
5. Get organised before you come home
Jemma said: “When you repack on holiday [before coming home], the trick is to separate clean from dirty clothes.
“Also pack it in some form of order – so lights, darks, colours for items that need washing, or if you wash your clothes by person in the household, piles for each person.
“Then you can put it straight into the washing machine. Do it straight away, don’t leave it.”
ENJOY EVERY MOMENT
Finally the expert dropped her most crucial tip: “Put the phone away sometimes.
“You don’t need to document every moment – being present is what makes a trip special.
“Do at least one thing off the beaten path.
“Skip some Instagram suggested spots and find something that feels like your discovery.”
With summer travel in full swing, Pollyann’s tips are a handy reminder to stay smart and prepared and to fly safe this season.
