Travel is largely about the experience of places, people and food. Finding your way in foreign places awakens the senses and has been known to inspire as much as it informs.

Getting to the airport a day early, is a different way to travel. Avoid the unnecessary Murphy’s laws and last minute pressure. Staying over in a relaxed atmosphere cuts out the stress plus extends that pre-trip feeling of excitement and anticipation. Interested? Read on…

Arrive at the airport the afternoon before the flight, check into the hotel directly opposite the airport terminal.

Exchange rush hour for quiet comfortable rooms, superb service and friendly, helpful staff. Once settled in, the way to start is the spa and swimming pool area , indoor pool overlooking the airport where one can see planes take off and land while relaxing on a lounger and swimming or using the gym. We were lucky to have the pool all to ourselves.

You wake up in time to catch the sunrise even though getting to the terminal will be a short walk away.

Be first in line to check in at Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific then head back to the hotel for a fantastic continental breakfast. After changing into suitable clothes we headed back into the airport and easily made our way through security then immigration. Tip: in the mornings, use the main entrance. For some reason, the other (usually quieter) entrance is jam-packed.

Prior to boarding the flight we spend time checking out the bookstore, reading books or watching movies while traveling on planes are great opportunities to discuss the movie or a chapter of a book – especially on a twelve hour flight.

Here’s a thought, one of the books we chose is Sara Kinninmont’s Bucket, “F*ck It, Done It List: 3,669 Things to Do. Or Not. Whatever…” a random source of random ideas for things in life you may want to consider doing. You may also find you’ve achieved some of these things and didn’t even think they were out of reach or on other people’s “bucket lists”. Very interesting concept.

Combine good books, great company and a seat aboard Cathay Pacific’s Premium Economy (it’s like Economy with wider, more reclining seats, better food, separate cabin area, leg room, leg rests… I think “rest” is a key word here. On a long trip, you should totally try it out. I suggest booking a seat up front. Try it, you’ll thank me.