Simon Davis
Simon works at Conde Nast Traveller where he edits the "Word of Mouth", he also freelances for The Daily Telegraph, is a hotel reviewer for various publications and has a  regular column in Country Life. Former jobs include editing the Peterborough column on The Daily Telegraph, writer on the Telegraph Travel section and two years as West Coast Bureau Chief for The Daily Telegraph.

Simon’s Top 5 Travel Tips

1. Always carry a Euro coin when travelling to European airports. Trolleys increasingly require them and you often cannot get change in the baggage area.
2. If time constraints allow, take your main 'summer' holiday in February instead of the traditional August. Leave the drizzle of home for somewhere warm and uncrowded such as the Caribbean or India. Then, stay in Britain for the summer and take day trips to the seaside. Norfolk and Cornwall are the best.
3. Don't make hotel selections based solely on star rating. Most star schemes are pretty arbitrary. A trouser press, dusty tea and coffee making facilities and some hand cream might mean three stars, but the place itself could be a dump. Rely more on personal recommendations and journalists you trust.
4. Check how far that budget flight actually lands from the city you think you are travelling too. Some are so far away that when you combine the extra costs, hassle and time - at both ends - you may as well get a regular flight.
5. Always check the dates of school, public and religious holidays and festivals at your destination.
   

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