From Ballarat to Alice Springs, Adelaide to Perth, here at the GIANTS we’re pretty accustomed to life on the road.

We even played at 12 different venues in 2023.

Winning at 11 of them, might we add.

Collingwood however, played 17 games in their home state of Victoria.

Shocked.

So, with Opening Round edging closer, and Collingwood reluctantly hitting the road, we thought we’d offer some advice on how to travel for this week’s big road trip.

We’ve learned a few tips and tricks that could help you throughout your trip, from packing hacks to flying to tips for arrival and boarding, these tips will make the entire travelling process easier.

1. YOU CAN NEVER BE TOO EARLY TO THE AIRPORT

The optimal arrival time at the airport is at least one hour in advance for domestic travel, whilst it’s at least two hours in advance for international travel. Lucky you’re playing at a ‘Showground for Livestock’ not Las Vegas are we right?

2. CHECK IN ONLINE

We’ve got two words for you, online check-in.

3. PACK NOISE-CANCELLING HEADPHONES

Do yourself a favour and pack or purchase some noise-cancelling headphones for your flight. Be careful though, whether you’re listening to music, watching a movie or streaming a podcast, don’t have the sound up too high in case you miss an important airport announcement.

4. AIRPORT SECURITY

It’s important to research what you can and can’t pack. Liquid restrictions may not apply to checked baggage, but you do need to be mindful when packing them in your carry-on. You will need to keep liquids, powders, gels, and aerosols within 100mL/100g. Surely, we all know we aren’t allowed to bring knives, firearms, or chainsaws with us onboard, but some prohibited items may surprise you. For example, if you’re planning on playing a bit of backyard cricket during your stay, you won’t be allowed to bring your favourite cricket bat onboard with you. You’re allowed to bring the Premiership cup, but don’t. 

5. BRING AN EMPTY WATER BOTTLE

You’ll want to stay hydrated before, during and after your flight. However, as we mentioned earlier you can’t take fluids over the limit through security, so pack an empty water bottle that you can fill up after you pass through security and you’ll stay refreshed and hydrated.

6. UTILISE THE VIRGIN AUSTRALIA LOUNGE

The Virgin Australia Lounge can be a great place to rest and relax before your flight and we’re not just saying that because they're the ones who fly us all over the country – we’re just experienced. Grab a coffee or some complimentary food and use the lounge as a calming distraction for yourself and your teammates before the flight.

7. DOWNLOAD YOUR FAVOURITE MOVIE OR TV SHOW BEFOREHAND

The trick is to download your favourite movie or TV show before you travel. We’d recommend the mini-TV series entitled ‘Dentists’.

8. BUY SNACKS BEFOREHAND

Had a nice coffee and some food from the Virgin Australia Lounge but you want to snack on the plane? Buy your snacks beforehand, they’re quite expensive at the airport.

9. YOU CAN ASK FOR EXTRA LEG ROOM

Sorry Bobby, this is probably just advice for Darcy and Mason.

10. VEER TO THE LEFT WHEN LINING UP

This might be a strange one, but research shows that most people are right-handed and tend to turn to the right first, so go to the left and you may be able to move faster. Can you tell we travel a lot?

11. BRING A PORTABLE CHARGER

Speaks for itself.

12. ASK ABOUT UPGRADES

If you want to upgrade your ticket, get to your gate early and ask about any opportunity to upgrade your flight. Toby Greene does this without fault every single time we travel, we haven’t ever seen him not in a first-class seat.

13. ADD BACK SUPPORT

Some plane seats are more comfortable than others, so if your seat doesn’t offer enough back support, roll up a blanket or your jumper/jacket and place it across the lower seat back. Adam Kingsley normally makes a joke about Sam Taylor supporting the backline - we wouldn’t recommend doing that, it normally falls flat.

14. DON’T RECLINE YOUR SEAT

Wouldn’t be shocked if you did, but don’t.

15. CARRY YOUR OWN BAGS

Shocking we know, but carry-on literally means you have to carry your own bags onto the plane.

Worried about getting homesick? Be sure to check out https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwi2gfCH59uEAxXw2TgGHerZBj0QFnoECBsQAw&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.calm.com%2Fblog%2Fhow-to-deal-with-homesickness&usg=AOvVaw1GiM9GWWIZs8DrgXN45SE-&opi=89978449

 

So, in summary, the little things can add up! Hopefully our little tips mean you’ll be able to enjoy your trip to the ‘Showground for Livestock.’