My Travel Toolkit: Nana Acheampong
THE PREP
A holiday doesn’t begin at the airport – it starts weeks before, in what I like to call the ‘appointment Olympics’. From hair to nails, brows to lashes and waxing, every beauty treatment takes me one step closer to that holiday state of mind. Recently, I’ve added at-home facials and lymphatic drainage massages into the mix. There’s something about that pre-flight glow that makes you feel better once you’re away. To reset my system inside as well as out, I’ve also been booking IV drips before and after travelling – the hydration boost is a game-changer for jet lag and sun exposure. All these appointments – plus the inevitable shopping and admin that goes with them – go on my British Airways American Express® Premium Plus Card. It’s become second nature to use it for my day-to-day spending, from beauty prep to coffee runs. The best part? I’m collecting Avios as I go, so every manicure or facial takes me closer to another trip. In other words, there’s a little bit of a future holiday in everything I buy.
THE PACKING
Packing used to be my downfall – too many ‘just in case’ outfits, not enough editing. These days, I’ve streamlined the process. I start by creating moodboards on my phone – laying out looks for dinners, beach clubs, city exploring and travel days. It stops me packing duplicates and ensures I actually wear what I bring. When it comes to shopping for those finishing touches, I never forget to check the American Express app first. The personalised offers mean I can often unlock savings or cashback at retailers like Bicester Village. It’s the kind of guilt-free shopping that makes ‘girl math’ feel entirely justified – I’m effectively funding my next trip while shopping for this one. Once everything is chosen, packing cubes do the hard work for me. They might not sound glamorous but they transform the way a suitcase works – I can organise each category, keep my looks separated, and avoid the dreaded suitcase explosion on arrival. It’s one of the simplest but smartest travel hacks I’ve adopted.
THE AIRPORT
I’ve never believed in saving my best outfits for later. The airport is part of the holiday and it’s often where the tone for the whole trip is set. That’s why I’ll usually travel in a sharp co-ord or stylish dress with heels – comfortable but polished. There’s always a chance you’ll bump into someone you know (or someone you’d like to know), so first impressions matter. After one too many lost-luggage disasters, I’ve learned to keep the essentials with me. A spare outfit, swimwear, underwear and my mini toiletries all go in hand luggage. Bluetooth tracking devices are another non-negotiable – I keep one in every bag so I can track exactly where my suitcase is, even if the airline can’t. I rarely travel light – my large trunk, plus a holdall and handbag, is usually my standard. Which means travelling on the tube is usually out of the question. Instead, I book a taxi for ease. Once at the terminal, I’ll often pay for the Fast Track queue jump if it isn’t already included. There’s nothing better than breezing through security.
Then, onto snacks. My first stop is always the coffee shop. A croissant for take-off, a wrap for later and a stash of snacks for mid-flight –there’s nothing worse than being hungry on a long flight.
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THE FLIGHT
Flights have changed for me since I started maximising my Avios. With my BA Amex Premium Plus Card, I collect 1.5 Avios for every £1 I spend and hitting the £15,000 annual spend unlocks the coveted Companion Voucher – which means I can bring a plus-one on holiday, even in Business and First. It’s the ultimate two-for-one travel hack. That’s why I put almost everything on my card – from my morning chai latte to bigger purchases like my recent kitchen and bathroom renovation. Over time, those Avios add up. I’ve upgraded multiple flights and even booked entire trips using Avios alone – like the time I flew to Milan for just £1 plus 18,000 Avios. It makes travel feel more accessible and adds a layer of excitement to everyday spending.
THE HOLIDAY
Hotel choice is crucial. For me, a gym is non-negotiable and a sea view is the ultimate luxury – there’s nothing more grounding than waking up to water. I can also use Avios to offset the cost of certain hotel stays, which makes indulging in the dream option even easier. My holiday rhythm always starts early – I like to wake up with the sunrise, watching the colours shift across the horizon. Sometimes I’ll go for a morning swim, sometimes it’s just a quiet hour before the day begins. From there, the itinerary can go one of two ways. Poolside, with a book and cocktail in hand, or full-on exploration – discovering local culture, booking boat trips to nearby islands, or hunting down the buzziest restaurants and bars.
Wherever I go, I track my location on my phone to build a personal archive of my trips which makes sharing recommendations with friends easier later. My starred map has become a visual diary of my favourite places, from tucked-away cafés to world-class beach clubs. What I’ve realised is that the joy of travel comes in the details – from the prep to the packing, the airport rituals to the on-the-ground discoveries. And through it all, my BA Amex Premium Plus Card is my travel essential – not just for the Avios I’m collecting, but for the way it turns everyday spending into future adventures. Because ultimately, holidays aren’t just about where you go. They’re about how you get there, how you prepare, and the memories you bring back. And if you can work towards your next trip while enjoying this one? That’s a double win in my books.
For more information and to apply for the British Airways American Express® Premium Plus Card, search ‘BA Amex’.
Representative 136.4% APR variable.
Your rate may vary depending on your circumstances. Annual fee applies. Terms apply. 18+. Subject to approval. Spend a minimum of £15,000 in a Cardmembership year to get a companion voucher. Voucher valid for 24 months, in any cabin. Rewards flights are paid for with a fixed Avios and Cash amount.
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