THE most stressful part of travelling is getting to the airport. You may need to travel some distance, perhaps to Gatwick, Heathrow or Stansted.

Loaded up with baggage, the car can be the only realistic option, so you need to consider parking. You can save up to 50 per cent of the cost of airport parking by booking in advance via your tour operator or travel agent.

Valet parking, also called Meet & Greet, is perfect if you have a lot of luggage.

It saves the extra 30 minutes you need to park in the long-stay car park, struggle with your bags, wait for the bus and transfer to the terminal. If you have small children to juggle, or ski gear or golfing kit, even better! It costs from just £25 on top of the cost of parking.

A driver meets you at the terminal and drives your car away to the secure car park. You simply walk to the check-in desk, mission accomplished.

On return, ring the company and your car will be waiting as you emerge from the terminal. It makes travelling more civilised once more, and is great for business travel, too.

Airport lounge passes can also bring back pleasure to the travelling experience. For £12 a person, you have access to a lounge with newspapers, drinks and snacks, blissfully removed from the noise and bustle of the airport.

Ask your AITO tour operator or AITO specialist travel agent for a free list of members. Call 0870 751 8080 or visit their website at www.aito.co.uk to book these airport life-savers.

Alternatively, you can contact the airport parking specialists, Holiday Extras on 0870 844 4378 or visit www.holidayextras.co.uk and BCP on 0870 013 4505 or www.bcponline.co.uk